In order to understand posture in its best possible form, we will divide it into three major categories—standing, walking and sitting. Each of these three would be explained to show the inner intents of people not expressed by words of the mouth.
Chris (2013) lists four main ways in which a person might stand—straight up with their feet together, feet slightly apart but parallel, one foot forward and legs crossed at the ankle.
The first posture with the legs straight and feet together is an attentive pose seen in obedient children when speaking to their parents. It is a neutral, honest pose and is found in adults of differing status like a boss and his employees. The second pose where the legs are spread at shoulder width while standing, is a form of crotch display. This posture says “I’m going nowhere, and fast.” The standing crotch display can be made even more powerful by adding the thumbs in a belt loop, called the “cowboy pose.” The cowboy pose was made famous by old Western movies. The third posture where one foot is moved forward, with respect to the other, indicates subtle interest toward the direction in which the foot is advanced. To show interest, the foot will be moved toward the speaker, but it can also be moved away from the speaker toward someone we would rather have spoken, or to the door when we wish to end the conversation. The foot takes the “first step” toward where the mind wishes it were (Chris, 2013).
The final pose where the legs are crossed at the ankle is a submissive posture. It reveals that the target isn’t ready to commit to a proposal, and shows reservation to the situation, but also that he isn’t ready to leave. The ankle cross is figurative denial of access to the body and mind. Our minds and bodies are linked so when we uncross our bodies we show others that we are willing to hear them out, which is an excellent indication that, our opinions either already match, or that there is at least a willingness to consider the facts (Chris, 2013).
An open posture while standing shows supreme confidence because it exposes the midsection to attack. When people meet for the first time, they will show timidity by crossing at the ankle. In fact, this is the most common way in which people will stand when meeting new people, those exempt will both, carry a higher status, and be aware of it.
Arm crossing, or tucking the hands in pockets, are two other ways to raise barriers when uncomfortable. These posture don’t mean negativity per se, they are simply indications that someone needs more time to acclimatize themselves to new people. Introverts over extroverts, will be found to hold this posture for much longer and more frequently than extroverts. In fact, extroverts might warm up to people so fast that they never show timidity at all, they usually jump right into any group and feel at home. When dealing with an introvert, on the other hand, offer to take them to a quiet and less busy environment to make them more comfortable. Offering a drink too, can give their hands something to do to breaking their rigidity (Chris, 2013).
The second division to be considered is the walking posture. People walk differently, partly due to habit and partly due to intent.A fast walk shows a person in a hurry or with a generally determined character who likes to get things done. A slow walk may be a person who has time to kill, is daydreaming, is lazy or perhaps gets aches and pains when they walk faster.An affected or stylish walk indicates a focus on the self and a certain self-consciousness with a concern for how others see them. Longer strides indicate confidence while shorter steps show timidity or preciseness. When people get lost in the wilderness, they tend to walk in circles. This is because legs are not identical and blindfolded people quickly veer off a straight line (Changing Minds, 2018).
Then, the final category is the sitting posture. The way you sit each time describes you. If you sit erect, it is an indication that you are confident. Sitting up straight with your shoulders back, and feet firmly planted on the floor sends a strong message: You’re confident. You get extra points if you use your hands to gesture as you speak. Further, when a person crosses their legs, there is a high probability that they are insecure. When you cross one leg over the other you’re making yourself smaller while physically tucking your bottom leg out of sight, which signals insecurity. And of course confident people don’t shrink away like that — they spread out like they own the place. That said, like most rules of body language, there are situational exceptions: Crossing your legs toward someone can be a bold statement that says you’re into the person you’re cozying up to. Crossing away from someone, however, can send the message that you’re checked out (Narins, 2017).
Also, when you sit cross-legged, it means you’re open-minded, care-free and agile. Unlike when you cross your legs while sitting in a chair, sitting cross legged on the floor indicates openness. Never mind the fact that this pose, which involves knees splayed out to opposite sides, signifies open-mindedness. Folding yourself into cross-legged position means you’re agile and athletic. If you cross your ankles, it means you are secure. Compared to crossing one whole leg over the other while sitting in a chair, crossing just the ankles hides less of your legs, which projects the message you’ve got very little to hide. What’s more: When your feet are planted firmly on the ground, it shows you’re sure of yourself (Narins, 2017).
Sitting in the center of the couch of the bench depicts you as being confident. However, using armrests portrays you as being insecure. If you regularly rely on arm rests, you’re the shaky type who needs to steady herself, and you’re likely insecure (Narins, 2017).
References
Changing Minds (2018).Leg Body Language. Retrieved from http://changingminds.org/techniques/body/parts_body_language/leg_body_language.htm
Chris (2013).Standing Positions and their Hidden Meaning. Retrieved from bodylanguageproject.com/the-only-book-on-body-language-that-everybody-needs-to-read/standing-positions-and-their-hidden-meaning/
Narins, E (2017). What Your Sitting Style Says About Your Personality. Retrieved from https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a8976967/body-language-sitting/
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