Body Language we need to be aware of

The Conversation Catapult

This body language is seated, with the arms raised and the hands clasped together behind, in support of the head. It is a superior gesture or exhibits extreme confidence sometimes appearing close to arrogance. It is often done with the chin held high. Most women dislike men doing this when speaking with them.

Figure 4 Leg lock

This is when one ankle is crossed to rest on the knee of the other leg. This denotes a dominant and competitive personality. The higher the leg is crossed over the more dominant and competitive. When the person is also holding his leg this suggests he is not changing his mind on matters. He is sticking around.

The Thumbs Up

In the event that the thumbs are showing in an upward position it signifies that they are running things! It can be to demonstrate the superiority of the person’s attitude.  Royalty have been known to demonstrate this also in poses or photos. This can be often a familiar stance of the barrister in a courtroom. Some speakers also adopt this posture and use thumbs which may be rather intimidating to the audience. Another variation of this can be while the thumbs protrude from the pockets, they are displaying dominance.

The Cowboy Stance

When a man stands with his legs firmly planted apart, thumbs in belt pose, with fingers pointing down towards crotch area it is really an aggressive posture when adopted facing another man.  If, however, an individual adopts this posture regarding a woman it may well be interpreted to be a sexual gesture and attracting attention to his male anatomy. Increasing the chances of signifying an alpha male stance.

In recent times some females have also adopted this posture; to communicate an attitude of feminine dominance and sexual control over men.

The Hands on Hips Expression

We have all seen children do this in shopping centre’s when they don’t get what they want. It becomes an aggressive and threatening gesture when utilised by a male or when utilised by a woman to another woman. Normally when we are in a negative but confrontational attitude we will display our aggressiveness in this form.