Body Language

Cecile stands at just over 6 feet tall. As an athlete, she was used to being with

people of equal height, and felt comfortable with them. When her sports

career ended, she obtained her law degree and joined a city firm. After sev-

eral months, Cecile noticed that she was hunching her shoulders and sinking

into her hips. Her chest caved inward, her head sunk into her neck, and she

was looking at people from under her eyes. As we explored the reasons for

this new behaviour, we discovered several issues. Cecile was experiencing a

lack of confidence and low self-perception because she was still learning the

job. Highly competitive, she was uncomfortable, fearing that she was being

perceived as lacking in her work. In addition, the male partner she reported to

was shorter than Cecile. She discovered that she was purposely making her-

self smaller to make him look bigger. With practice, Cecile regained her stature.

We explored her mental attitude and made the necessary self-perception

adjustments. Her new way of thinking and perceiving herself was reflected in

the way she stood and gestured. Now when Cecile sits and stands using her

full stature she feels confident, looks credible, and commands respect.

Moving with purpose .........................................................................

Whether you stride into a room with focus and direction, or wander in as

though you’ve forgotten why you’re there, you’re going to create an impres-

sion. Unless you’re purposely playing the role of someone from La-La Land, I

suggest that if you want to be noticed in a positive light, put your muscles into

your movement, and propel yourself into the fray with focus, direction, and

positive energy. You’re then perceived as vibrant, interesting, and engaging.

Positive energy draws people, whereas negative energy repels them. You

don’t have to bounce like Tigger or Tony the Tiger to demonstrate focus and

energy. Slow actions performed with integrity project authority and com-

mand attention. A movement that is intentionally deliberate is compelling,

and draws our attention to it.

To make a favourable impression, moderate your movements to mirror those

of the people you’re with. If you come bounding into a room full of silent, con-

templative folk, you may be perceived as a bit of a buffoon, if not an outright

annoyance.

Pointing Your Body in the Right Direction................................................

How you position your body in relation to other people impacts upon their

perception of you. If you stand directly in front of them, face to face, hands

234 Part IV: Putting the Body into Social and Business Context