The Definitive Book of Body Language

Interviews, Power Plays and Office Politics

If he leans forward to look at it but doesn't pick it up,
you're compelled to deliver your presentation from where
you sit because he doesn't want you on his side of the desk.
If this happens, angle your body away at 45 degrees to
present your case. If he takes it onto his side, however, this
gives you the opportunity to ask permission to enter his
territory and take either the Corner or Co-operative
Position.

Taking paper into

his territory signals

non-verbal acceptance

Non-verbal agreement

to enter his space

If, however, he pushes it back towards you, stay on your side.
Never encroach on the other person's territory unless you have
been given verbal or non-verbal permission to do so or you
will put them offside.

Seated Body Pointing

Take the following situation: you're a supervisor and are about
to counsel a subordinate whose work performance is not up to
scratch. You feel that you will need to use direct questions that
require direct answers and this may put the subordinate under
pressure. At times you will also need to show the subordinate