Body Language

Taking the pressure off

Positioning your body at a 45 degree angle relieves the potential stress of the

meeting. When a sensitive issue needs addressing, go for this position. It takes

the pressure off and encourages more open answers to your open questions.

Facing directly for serious answers .................................................

If someone asks you a direct question, look at him directly – that is, if you

want to be taken seriously. If you drop your head, avert your eyes, and peer

at him over your shoulder, you’re telling him that you’re unsure, doubtful,

and perhaps even scared; you’ve lost your power.

Serious questions require a serious attitude. Reflect that attitude in your

pose. When you’re asked a direct question, follow these steps (which you can

do both seated and standing):

1. Close your mouth.Breathe through your nose.


2. Hold your head vertically as if your chin were resting on a calm lake.


3. Square your hips and shoulders with your knees.


4. Place your knees directly over your ankles, with your feet planted
   firmly on the ground.

Figure 14-2:
Pointing
your body
directly
towards
someone
indicates
you mean
business.

Chapter 14: Interviewing, Influencing, and Playing Politics 237