So much goes on non-verbally during a business meeting that it would be difficult to talk about it all in one e-newsletter so let’s just talk about from the legs down in order to keep it simple.
Usually and subconsciously, when we enter a business meeting or sales presentation, we sit and immediately cross our legs. This is a defensive position and, yes, you’ll probably tell me that it’s just a comfortable way of sitting and you would be right. It’s comfortable because it comforts you when you are in those situations and so you have made a habit out of it. So, yes, it is comfortable for you, but what is it saying to the other person?
Three things to consider:
- A crossed leg is a defensive position and is perceived that way.
- Your crossed leg points towards the person you like or away from the person you don’t like.
- Your crossed leg points towards to the door to show the other person just where s/he can go.
Legs crossed at the ankles means that you are not really interested in being at the meeting. When you put your feet/ankles crossed under your chair, you are non-verbally withdrawing from the meeting.
Intertwined (contortionist) legs show insecurity/timidity and is another withdrawal indication. Many women sit like this and it is picked up as a defensive position.
Knees talk in a similar fashion as the feet. Your knee points to people you like or are interested in. Ladies, keep this in mind if you like to sit with one leg tucked under you. I sit like this all the time at home and my knee is usually pointed towards Jackie, the cat or Jackson, the dog. It’s rarely pointed at the TV.
Shoes not only talk about the person’s dress code but also about their attitude. A loose shoe dangling on the toes is very relaxed. In any business encounter, keep your shoes on and if you must cross your legs, do not pump the crossed leg back and forth.
So what’s a person to do with legs, knees and shoes in a business meeting? Keep your legs uncrossed, feet flat on the floor in the “A” position and keep your grooming standards up to par so when people see your shoes, there’s congruence with your attire and body language.
