From facial expressions to how you walk and sit, body language affects peoples’ opinions immediately, many times even subconsciously. To illustrate only one angle regarding the importance of body language, every seating position you choose says something about you. Learning what this is and how it affects others’ opinions will make you look sharper, act better and allow you to manipulate body language to complement your image.
The slouch
Sinking into your chair shows indifference, impoliteness and incompetence wrapped up in one. Some people also slouch over their desk while reading or working, which also creates a negative perception in others’ minds. In general, it’s best not to slouch at all so you can get into the habit of sitting correctly in any situation, which is better for your back and for the image you want to project.
The leg cross
Most people who do the leg cross neatly tend to cross the left leg over the right one when sitting down. While informal, this is an acceptable sitting position although a bit on the defensive. If the person crosses both legs and arms, it means they’re emotionally withdrawn from the conversation. Don’t even try convincing them of anything during such a stance.
The masculine figure-4
This is associated with American films and is taken as a sign of masculinity in men as it tends to highlight the crotch. Young men around the globe have tried to imitate this position with mixed results. For one, it can be rude in the Middle East because you don’t want to show off the soles of your shoes to people sitting next to you. Interestingly, studies show that people make final decisions when both feet or on the ground, so your best bet would be to not to cross your legs.
The leg clamp
The figure four seating position can be combined with a leg clamp, i.e. when you hold your leg close to you with both arms. This shows a competitive attitude, locking the figure four into a permanent position. It’s also a sign of stubbornness and of someone who rejects opinions of others. Definitely not good for team discussions and office work!
The mousy squeeze
If you sit with legs tight and shoulders down and head bowed slightly, you’re showing a very submissive side the will allow people to take advantage of you. Ladies sitting in this way show vulnerability as well, and could use this to their advantage in certain situations. Overall, one should sit up and have his or her legs almost together, but not in a tight squeeze. Men can leave their legs open a bit more than women.
The ankle lock
When men lock ankles it shows they’re hiding a negative emotion such as fear or guilt, and can also mean the person is holding something back. This happens before sitting in the dentist’s chair or at the beginning of a job interview. For women, who unlike men clasp their knees together as well during an ankle lock, this could simply mean they’re minimising leg space and are a little shy.
The fidgety character
If you’re shaking your leg, playing with your keys or twirling a pen while being interviewed, you’ll be seen as a very nervous, anxious type and will be looked on unfavourably. In any situation such behaviour is not conducive to positive energy. Taking a deep breath and calming down is necessary here if you want to release tension and seem normal.
The desk claim
No one in his right mind would put his legs up on the desk apart from a Sheriff in a Western movie, but it still does happen every now and then. This is a masculinity claim and makes a statement that I’m here and I’m staking claim to my desk/office as well! Naturally, when you have shoes in your face it doesn’t reflect well, particularly in this region as mentioned before.
Most of these observations have been deduced through scientific studies, although many of them are common sense. If you become aware about your own language and learn to read others’ body language, you will certainly cultivate a better image and improved negotiating power. The clothes and fancy car alone won’t do the trick!
