What Every BODY Is Saying_Navarro, Joe & Karlins, Marvin

128 W H A T EVERY BODY IS SAYING

BOX 33: THE SWAT COMMANDER WHO PUT DOWN HIS ARMS

Years ago, I was involved in planning a SWAT operation that was to take

place in Lakeland, Florida. As the mission planner was describing the

operation order, he seemed to have everything covered. His arms were

outstretched over two chairs as he confidently went through the very de-

tailed arrest plan. Suddenly someone asked, “What about the Lakeland

paramedics, have they been contacted?” Instantly the mission planner

withdrew his arms and dropped them between his knees, palms together.

This was a significant change in territorial behavior. He went from domi-

nating a large space to being as narrow as possible, all because he had

not made the necessary arrangements. His confidence level suddenly

vaporized. This is a striking example of how quickly our behaviors ebb

and flow depending on our mood, level of confidence, or thoughts. These

nonverbals occur in real time and immediately transmit data. When we

are confident we spread out, when we are less confident we withdraw.

this behavior is that we will remove our arms from the vicinity of our
companion’s arms when the relationship is changing for the worse or
when the individual with whom we are seated (whether a date or a
stranger) is making us feel uncomfortable.

Adornments and Artifacts on the Arms

Around the globe, wealth is often demonstrated through the wearing of
precious items or adornments on the arms. In many parts of the Middle
East, it is still common for women to wear their wealth in the form of
gold rings or bands on their arms, indicating relative worth and status.
Men, too, will wear expensive watches to demonstrate their socioeco-
nomic status or level of wealth. In the 1980s, men in Miami were fanati-
cal about wearing Rolex watches; they were the status symbol du jour
and were ubiquitous among drug traffickers and nouveau riche alike.