Reading Body Language

Two groups of volunteers were asked to participate
in an American research project in which
the participants attended a series of lectures.
The purpose of the project was to examine the
effects of the crossed-arm position on retention
of information and attitude toward the lecturer.
The first group was instructed to sit in a casual,
relaxed position, with their arms and legs in an
Blocking out information
Chapter 8: Arming Yourself
open position. The second group was told to
fold their arms tightly across their chests during
the lectures. The study showed that the group
with the folded arms had a more negative view
of both the lectures and the lecturer and
retained 38 per cent less information than the
group that sat with their arms and legs
uncrossed.
Most people adopt the arms-crossed position when they disagree with what’s
going on around them, as illustrated during a recent public meeting in our village.
A landowner applied to the local council to turn his farm into a golf
course. The villagers were divided in opinion over this change of land use
and a public hearing was held. Those in favour of the change sat on one side
of the room while those against the proposal sat on the other. At the start of
the meeting many of those who opposed the plan sat with their arms crossed
over their chests. As the supporters spoke in favour of the proposal, more
and more of the opponents crossed their arms. When the time came for those
who opposed the plan to speak, the supporters crossed their arms. As the
meeting progressed and people became more adamant and agitated, almost
the entire gathering sat with their arms tightly folded across their chests. No
constructive discussions took place at that meeting and the individuals present
left feeling disgruntled.
An attitude can lead to a gesture or posture that reflects the emotion. As long
as you maintain that pose the attitude remains. Therefore, to get someone to
change from a crossed-arm position, give him something to do or hold. They
he has to unlock his arms and lean towards you. This breaks his negative
posture and creates a more open body position, which in turn leads to a
more open attitude.
Gripped crossed arms
A sure sign of restrained anxiety and apprehension is when the arms are
folded across the chest and the hands are tightly gripping the upper arms.
The person appears to be fortifying himself against adversity and holding on
for dear life. People waiting in the doctor’s or dentist’s reception room can
often be seen in this position, as can inexperienced air travellers who adopt
the posture as the plane takes off and lands, indicating that they are in need
of comfort or reassurance.
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