Body language. When we talk about nonverbal body language, we pay a lot of attention to the expression of the face, eyes and hands, but for some reason our legs are unfairly offended. But in vain!
The further away a part of the body is from the brain, the more difficult it is to control it. If a person can adjust and portray the emotion he needs on his face and more or less control his hands, then everyone forgets about his legs and they give us away.
«If you are not sure if the person sitting at the table is telling the truth, look under the table.»
Allan Pease «New Body Language»
So, let's go through the basic leg poses. Immediately I want to draw your attention to the fact that women and men will have different movements.
After a series of experiments, the authors of the book have deduced an entertaining addiction. People regardless of age and gender, telling lies, begin to unconsciously move their feet (rocked, twisted, pulled, etc.).
1. Attention
This pose means that you are being listened to attentively and the interlocutor is most likely below you in rank. This is usually how students stand in front of teachers and subordinates in front of their superiors.
2. Legs apart
This pose is predominantly male. In this position, a man stands firmly on the ground and feels confident.
3. One leg is put forward
It is very easy to determine a person's intentions by such a pose. Usually, in which direction the sock is directed, the person intends to move in that direction. Being in the company, we will point the sock at the most pleasant interlocutor for us. And if a person feels uncomfortable, then the toe of the exposed foot will most likely be directed to the nearest exit.
4. Crossing legs
Crossed legs and arms are almost always evidence that a person has closed himself off from everyone and entered a protective pose. It is quite difficult to reach such a person and it is unlikely that he will easily accept your arguments.
If the faces and voices of the people talking are calm and friendly, but at the same time their legs and arms are crossed, in fact they do not trust each other as much as they want to show outwardly.
Also, this pose is usually taken in the company of unfamiliar people. You can conduct an interesting experiment — approach a group of strangers and stand next to them in a defensive pose. Almost immediately after that, people will start crossing their arms one by one. This pose is very contagious and conveys a certain anxiety and a sense of danger.
Interpreting sign language is always necessary in context. Sometimes people justify their crossed arms and legs by saying that they are cold or want to go to the toilet. In some cases, this is true, and in some they are simply hiding 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 them around his elbows. We also cross our legs, but at the same time we try to straighten them and press them tightly together. The defensive posture is more relaxed and calm.
If a person says that it's just so convenient for him to stand, most likely he almost always feels as if there are only enemies around.
This pose is peculiar to men. A person sitting in this position is perceived not only as more domineering and energetic, but also as younger. A person sitting in this position is likely to consider himself superior to you and is unlikely to immediately agree with your point of view.
If, having taken this pose, a person also fixes the raised leg with his hands, this means that she is determined to stand on her own and will resist pressure from the outside in every possible way.
Studies have shown that most people make the final decision at 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.
Crossed ankles indicate that your interlocutor suppresses negative emotions and disagreement and tries to cope with them. This gesture can be equated with biting the lip.
Usually people sit like this at the reception of dentists, lawyers and tax inspectors.
Usually girls who wear mini skirts sit like this. Despite their length, they give women an unapproachable and not very friendly appearance, since they have to sit with their legs tightly clenched all the time. People subconsciously interpret this gesture as negative, and treat the interlocutor with caution.
This is a purely feminine gesture. Usually this is how modest and insecure girls twist their legs. It is unlikely that a strong pressure will fit here. In order to get such a person to talk, you need to be open and friendly.
Looking at this picture, I immediately remember «Basic Instinct» and Sharon Stone sitting in a chair. Such a fit is considered very feminine and 86% of men found it the most attractive. This is how models are taught to sit.
A person is given legs to perform two basic actions — to catch up with prey and run away from danger. If a person is interested in you, during a conversation he will put his right foot forward (a lefty will most likely put his left) in order to shorten the distance between you. If he is not in the mood for a conversation, he will most likely put his right leg back, as if preparing for a retreat.
And the last! Advice to business ladies — do not cross your legs at business meetings if you are wearing a skirt that opens your hips. The sight of female thighs can 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 not fall apart on chairs, legs apart in different directions. A restrained pose with knees drawn together would be more appropriate.
Based on the materials of the book by Barbara and Alan Pease « A new body language. Extended Geometry»
