Body Language

Buttress stance ...................................................................................

Built against or projecting from a wall, buttresses are architectural structures

designed to support or reinforce the wall to which they are attached. In a

more general sense, the word suggests support, as in one person buttressing

another person’s arguments.

In the buttress stance you place most of your weight on a straight supporting

leg, allowing your other leg to serve as a buttress. This non-weightbearing leg

can be straight or bent. Whichever it is, the foot most likely points away from

where the rest of the body is facing.

Although people adopting the buttress stance say they’re just resting com-

fortably, this position signals that the person wants to get away. The stance

bears a close resemblance to the act of walking. Just before moving, you shift

your weight to one leg in order that the other is free to take a step. Although

you may not choose to move from the buttress stance, your legs are posi-

tioned so that they easily can. This position gives a cleverly disguised mes-

sage, saying that you want to go.

If you see someone repeatedly shifting his weight from one foot to the other

while in conversation with you, he’s signalling that he’s ready to take leave of

your company.

170 Part III: The Trunk: Limbs and Roots

Taking a stance

To experience the contrasting sensations, atti-

tudes, and impressions that result from stand-

ing in the straddle and parallel positions do the

following exercise.

This exercise requires a full length mirror.

1. Stand in front of the mirror.


2. Observe how you are standing.


3. Adopt the parallel stance.


4. Hold this position for fifteen seconds.
   5. Observe yourself closely and identify the
   feelings you experience from standing in
   this position.

What feelings, thoughts, or attitudes did you

experience standing in that position? What

image does that posture convey to you? How

does your response to that image affect your

self-perception?

Repeat this exercise, this time standing in the

straddle stance. Ask yourself the same ques-

tions as in the previous exercise. What differ-

ences do you notice?