The Definitive Book of Body Language

The Definitive Book of Body Language

Here are your most likely answers:

• You took, Bl, the Corner Position, to conduct the interview,
  as this allows you to see the person clearly without seeming
  competitive or aggressive, as you might in B3, or too famil-
  iar as in B2.


• You sat in position B2, the Co-operative Position, to help
  with the crossword puzzle, because this is where we sit to
  give help or build rapport.


• You chose position B3 to play chess against the person. This
  is called the Competitive/Defensive Position and is the one
  we choose to compete against an adversary because it lets
  us have a full view of their face and what they're doing.


• Finally, you used the Diagonal Position, B4, in the library to
  communicate your independence or non-involvement.

The Corner Position (B1)
This position is used by people who are engaged in friendly,
casual conversation. It allows for good eye contact and the
opportunity to use numerous gestures and to observe the ges-
tures of the other person. The corner of the desk provides a
partial barrier in case one person begins to feel threatened,
and this position avoids territorial division of the table. This is
the most successful strategic position from which person B can
deliver a presentation, assuming that person A is the audience.
By simply moving the chair to position Bl you can relieve a
tense atmosphere and increase the chances of a positive
outcome.

The Corner Position