Observing Posture .......................................................................................
An upright stance, with legs parallel and feet under knees, knees under hips,
and hips under shoulders, marks out the strong and powerful individual. If
her chest is thrust forward, with chin jutting out, and the jaw clenched,
beware. She may have moved into aggressive territory.Slumped shoulders, hands protecting the privates, and a downcast eye all indi-
cate that the person’s depressed or despondent. In a woman, crossed ankles
and hands neatly folded in her lap suggest a prim and proper attitude, whereas
men who sit with their legs splayed, their arms stretched across the back of
their chair, and their chests pumped out, are showing how manly they are.You can read more about posture in Chapter 7.Considering Proximity and Orientation ....................................................
Does a person get up close and personal when she’s not been invited? Does
she turn her back when you approach? You can tell a lot about a person’s
nature, attitude, and culture by the amount of space she places between the
two of you, as well as how she positions her body in relation to yours.If someone is feeling cooperative and helpful she sits next to you. If she’s feel-
ing competitive she sits across from you. If she really doesn’t get on with you,
she turns away.Look at where a single person places herself in public places. Someone sitting
with her back to the other people is clearly indicating that she wants no
engagement with anyone, thank you very much. Although facing other people
head on may indicate a fearless attitude, it can be a bit overwhelming for
both the person assuming the position as well as other people. The person
who sits at an angle is indicating that she is open to speaking with another
person if the opportunity comes along.Those with a sense of high status remain seated while others stand. People
with a low sense of status hang back by the door when entering someone’s
office. Someone who believes she’s of equal status with a colleague sits next
to that person’s desk.Go to Chapter 10 for more information on the messages you send through
positioning yourself in relation to others.280 Part V: The Part of Tens