The Definitive Book of Body Language

The Definitive Book of Body Language

refer to when we say we are 'diametrically opposite' to an idea.

To 42% of our respondents, the message it conveyed was a

lack of interest and it was read by some as showing indiffer-

ence or hostility. This position should be avoided where open

discussions between people are your goal.

The Independent Position

tells others you don't want

to get involved

It's Not What You Say, It's Where You Sit

As we've said, rectangular tables create a competitive or defen-
sive relationship between people because each person has
equal space, equal frontage and separate edges. It lets everyone
take a 'position' on a given subject and allows more direct eye
contact across the table. Square tables are ideal for having
short, to-the-point conversations or for creating superior or
subordinate relationships. Most co-operation comes from the
person seated beside you, and the one on the right tends to be
more co-operative than the one on the left.
Historically, the person on the right is less likely to be able
to successfully stab you with their left hand, hence the 'right-
hand man' is more favoured and others subconsciously credit
the right-hand person with having more power than the one on
the left side. Most resistance comes from the person seated
directly opposite in the 'gunslinger' position and, when four
people are seated, everyone has someone sitting opposite.

Everyone gets to sit in both

the Competitive and Corner

Positions on a square table