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The Book of Tells (Peter Collett)[unlocked]

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THE BOOK OF TELLS<br />

Because they convey a strong impression <strong>of</strong> relaxation,<br />

asymmetrical sitting postures tend to be more dominant<br />

than symmetrical postures. But there are exceptions. For<br />

example, when someone extends his legs and crosses his<br />

ankles, his extended legs show that he wants to be seen as<br />

dominant. However, his crossed legs give the game away<br />

- they show that he is really quite reticent.<br />

Relaxation is a key part <strong>of</strong> any dominance display<br />

because it suggests that the individual isn't concerned<br />

about being attacked and could easily respond if<br />

necessary. Relaxation is signalled by postural and movement<br />

cues - postural cues consist <strong>of</strong> low muscle tone, an<br />

absence <strong>of</strong> tension, and asymmetric arrangements <strong>of</strong> the<br />

arms and legs, while movement cues consist <strong>of</strong> less movement<br />

and slower movements <strong>of</strong> the body. As Balzac<br />

observed, 'slow movement is essentially majestic'.<br />

Submissive individuals display the opposite behaviour -<br />

they tend to adopt more symmetrical poses, to rearrange<br />

their arms and legs more <strong>of</strong>ten, to show more tension<br />

in their posture, and to move their body quickly and more<br />

<strong>of</strong>ten. Through their posture, dominant individuals show<br />

that they are unconcerned about being attacked and don't<br />

expect it to happen. Submissive individuals give the<br />

impression that they expect to be attacked - they're tense<br />

and defensive.<br />

Elbow <strong>Tells</strong><br />

To appear dominant, people need to create an impression<br />

<strong>of</strong> physical strength, to look calm, and to appear unconcerned<br />

about any threats from others. One way to<br />

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