Body language. When we talk about the nonverbal body language, we pay much attention to the expression of the face, eyes and hands, but our legs, for some reason, are undeservedly offended. And in vain!
The further from the brain is the part of the body, the more difficult it is to control it. If a person can adjust and depict the right emotion on his face and more or less control his hands, then everyone forgets about his legs and they give us away with his head.
“If you are not sure whether the person sitting at the table is telling the truth, look under the table.”
Allan Pease “The New Body Language”
So, let’s walk through the main legs. Immediately I want to draw your attention to the fact that women and men will have different movements.
Treacherous feet
In the course of a number of experiments, the authors of the book derived an entertaining dependence. People, regardless of age and sex, telling lies, unconsciously move their feet (swinging, twisting, pulling, etc.).
Four basic standing positions
1. Attention
This posture means that you listens carefully and the interlocutor, most likely, is lower than you in rank. Usually students stand before teachers and subordinates before their superiors.
2. Spaced legs
This pose is predominantly male. In this position, a man stands firmly on the ground and feels confident.
3. One leg forward
In this position it is very easy to determine the intentions of a person. Usually, in which direction the toe is directed, in that direction the person intends to move. Being in the company, we will direct the sock to the most pleasant for us interlocutor. And if a person feels uncomfortable, the toe of the exposed leg is likely to be directed to the nearest exit.
4. Crosses the legs
Crossed legs and arms are almost always a testament to the fact that the person closed himself from everyone and entered a protective pose. It’s difficult to get to such a person and it’s unlikely that he will easily accept your arguments.
If the faces and voices of the conversing people are calm and benevolent, but the legs and arms are crossed, in fact they do not trust each other as much as they want to show externally.
Also such a pose is usually accepted in a society of unfamiliar people. You can conduct an interesting experiment – go to a group of strangers and become a number in a defensive pose. Almost immediately after this, people will begin to cross their arms one by one. This posture is very contagious and conveys a certain anxiety and sense of danger.
Frozen or took a defensive position?
To interpret sign language is always necessary in the context. Sometimes people justify their crossed arms and legs by the fact that they are frozen or want to go to the toilet. In some cases, this is indeed the case, and in some they just hide behind a convenient explanation.
In fact, if a person is really cold, he will not only cross his arms, but also hide his fingers under his armpits, and not just wrap his elbows around them. We also cross the legs, but at the same time we try to straighten them and press them tightly against each other. The defensive posture is more relaxed and calm.
If a person says that it’s easy for him to stand, most likely he almost always feels as if some enemies are around.
The American Four
This position is peculiar to men. A person sitting in such a pose is perceived not only as more powerful and energetic, but also as a younger one. A person sitting in such a pose will most likely consider himself superior to you and is unlikely to immediately agree with your point of view.
If this person adopts this position and fixes the raised leg with his hands, this means that she is determined to stand on her own and in every way will resist pressure from outside.
Studies have shown that most people make the final decision in those moments when both feet are firmly on the ground. So do not rush your interlocutor to make a decision if one of his soles does not touch the floor.
Crossing of ankles
Crossed ankles indicate that your interlocutor suppresses negative emotions and disagreement and tries to cope with them. This gesture can be equated with a biting lip.
Usually people sit so at a reception with dentists, lawyers and tax inspectors.
Short Skirt Syndrome
Usually so sit girls who wear mini skirts. Despite their length, it gives women an impregnable and not very friendly look, as they have to sit all the time, tightly clenching their legs. People subconsciously interpret this gesture as negative, and treat the interlocutor with caution.
The weaving of the legs
This is a purely feminine gesture. Usually, so modest and insecure girls twist their legs. It is unlikely that there will be a strong pressure. In order to talk such a person, you need to be open and friendly.
Parallelism
Looking at this picture, I immediately recall “Basic Instinct” and sitting in the chair Sharon Stone. Such a landing is considered very feminine and 86% of men found it the most attractive. So learn to sit models.
Right foot forward, right foot back
A man is given legs to perform two basic actions – to catch up with the prey and run away from danger. If a person is interested in you, during the conversation he will put his right foot forward (the left-hander is likely to set the left foot) in order to shorten the distance between you. If he is not tuned to a conversation, he most likely will put his right foot back, as if preparing for a retreat.
And the last! Council of business ladies – do not cross your legs at business meetings, if you wear a skirt that opens the hips. The kind of female hips is capable to excite almost any man. As a result, he will remember your hips, but not the topic of the conversation.
And men should be more restrained and do not fall apart on the chairs, legs apart in different directions. More appropriate will be a restrained pose with knees bent.
Based on the book by Barbara and Alan Pease, “A New Language of Motion. Expanded Scale »
