TORSO TIPS 89Similarly, we demonstrate comfort by using our torsos and shoulders
to lean in the direction of that which we favor. In a classroom, it’s not
unusual to see students leaning toward a favorite teacher without realiz-
ing they are bent forward, almost out of their chairs, hanging on every
word. Remember the scene from the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark when
the students were leaning forward to hear their professor? Their nonver-
bal behavior clearly indicated they admired him.
Lovers can be seen leaning across a café table, their faces coming close
to each other to gain more intimate visual contact. They front their ven-
tral selves toward each other, exposing their most vulnerable parts. This
is a natural, evolutionary response of the limbic brain that has social ben-
efit. By moving closer together and exposing our ventral (weakest) side
when we like someone or something, we show that we are giving our-
selves in an unrestrained manner. Reciprocating this positioning by mir-
roring, or isopraxism, demonstrates social harmony by rewarding the
intimacy and showing it is appreciated.
Nonverbal limbic behaviors of the torso, such as leaning, distancing,
and ventral exposure or denial, happen all the time in boardrooms and
other meetings. Colleagues who share a similar point of view will sit
closer together, turn more toward each other ventrally, and will lean har-
moniously nearer each other. When people disagree, they will hold their
bodies firm, avoid ventral fronting (unless challenged), and will most
likely lean away from each other (see figures 30 and 31). This behavior
subconsciously tells others, “I am not in agreement with your idea.” As
with all nonverbals, these actions need to be analyzed in context. For
example, people new to a job may seem stiff and inflexible at a meeting.
Rather than reflecting dislike or disagreement, this rigid posture and
limited arm activity may simply indicate that they are nervous in a new
environment.
Not only can we use this information to read the body language of
others, but we must also always remember that we are projecting our
own nonverbals. During conversations or meetings, as information and
opinions flow, our feelings about the news and viewpoints also will flow
and be reflected in our ever-changing nonverbal behaviors. If we hear