Body Language

The sitting erect position shows that you’re focused in the here and now and

that you’re ready to take a decision or progress an action.

Libby was a focused student, obtaining a First as an undergraduate and further

honours as she gained her Masters Degree. She made a point of sitting in the

front row during lectures, knowing that there she stood no chance of nodding

off or demonstrating any signs of boredom or lack of interest. She says that

by placing herself in the front row she was better able to concentrate on what

the lecturer was saying.

Lying down ..........................................................................................

If you want to take some time for quiet contemplation, relaxation, and reflec-

tion you may find yourself wanting to lie down. This is the position for getting

in touch with your feelings and is a submissive pose. You don’t find the prime

minister taking this position at a press conference.

As Human Resources director of a large firm, John found himself getting quite

agitated before budget reviews, knowing that the partners would challenge

him on his training and development expenditures. One quiet afternoon he

found himself sitting with his feet on his desk, leaning so far back in his chair

that he was almost prone. He felt clear headed, relaxed, and able to sort his

feelings from facts. After he made up his mind how he was going to address

the partners at the review, and felt confident in his choices, he sat upright in

his chair and purposefully wrote his notes.

Changing Attitudes by Changing Posture .................................................

If you find yourself in a mood you don’t like, change your posture. By chang-

ing the position of your body, your frame of mind changes, too. If you find

yourself in an enjoyable mood, notice the position of your body as well as

your gestures and expressions. By being self-aware you can keep the behav-

iours you like and eliminate those that you don’t.

If you find yourself feeling glum and your slumped shoulders are revealing

attitudes you may not want to share with just anybody, physically change

your posture and see what happens.

Plant your feet squarely underneath your knees, your knees under your hips,

pull up from the waist, and open your chest as if it’s a loved book. Let your

head rise from your neck and shoulders, floating like a balloon on a string

while your arms and hands reach forward as if to embrace

116 Part III: The Trunk: Limbs and Roots