Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Heading to the Heart of the Matter .............................................................
In This Chapter
Using your head to display power
Nodding your head in agreement
Tilting your head to indicate interest
Discerning the meaning of other head movements
W
hether you hold your head high, cant it in contrition, or drop it in
despair, the way you position your head reveals what you think of the
person, place, or thing you’re encountering. How you place and pose your
head indicates whether you’re being aggressive, flirtatious, or are bored to
distraction.Head movements have many purposes. They can reveal attitudes, replace the
spoken word, and support or challenge what is said. You can steer someone to
look or move in a specific direction by using your head to guide her, or you can
point with your head when finger pointing would be rude or inappropriate.Slight head nods, chin thrusts, and sweeping actions emphasise words and
phrases. In a meeting the chairperson nods or her head to indicate who may
speak next.Discover in this chapter how a slight shift in action or angle can make the dif-
ference between being perceived as interested or dismissive, thoughtful or
arrogant, playful or angry.Demonstrating Power and Authority ..........................................................
Power is, indeed, a heady thing, and people with power, whether they’re
aware of it or not, position their heads in ways that reinforce that power.
Particular positions of the head correspond to the kind of power you hold.
Lift your head and tilt it backward, and you convey a sense of superiority
(and people perceive you as haughty); raise your head and thrust your chin