Even in people trying to hide their body language, the legs and feet reveal vital clues
The farther away a body part is from the brain, the less awareness we have of it. Naturally, this means we have little awareness of our legs and feet and in turn, this makes the body language of legs a powerful indicator of the truth. While people may hide or limit the expressiveness of their hands or face, they leave their feet and legs communicating important messages which, properly interpreted, reveal important clues about their feelings, meanings and intentions.
Reading the Body Language of Legs in Standing Positions
There are four main standing positions to be considered in the body language of legs, each of which can be easily interpreted and understood.
Body Langage of Legs 1: Standing with both legs straight: in this position, the legs are straight, side by side, with feet flat on the floor. This position is formal and neutral. The person is not particularly concerned about coming or going, meaning they are calm and neither overly stimulated nor disinterested. in the body language of legs, this is also the position considered correct in business etiquette most of the time.
Body Langage of Legs 2: One Foot Forward, The Other Turned: In this position, one leg stands straight with the foot pointing forward while the other leg is turned with the foot pointing in a certain direction. This direction is important because the foot points to where the person wants to go. If it’s pointing to a door, they want to leave, pointing to the bar, they likely want a drink, pointing to another person, they’re interested and maybe attracted to them. One of the good business meeting strategies to employ with the body language of legs is to observe any time a person assumes this position. Who is their foot point to? That’s the person they agree with. In a different field; it’s also worth noting how one of the biggest issues with online dating sites is that they miss these important nonverbal communication clues.
Body Langage of Legs 3: Legs Apart, Standing Straight: The favourite position of men wanting to show their dominance (also the most common mistake in the body language of legs as loads of guys overdo it). Essentially, this position highlights the crown jewels, is dominant (the person is marking their territorial ownership) and gives an impression of authority / strength.
Body Langage of Legs 4: Crossed-Legs: Standing with the legs crossed is a defensive position that reveals a few key attitudes. Firstly, the person might be assuming the stance because they feel insecure. If it’s a woman and she’s talking to a man she’s indicating that access is denied. If it’s a guy he’s protecting himself. This is also the leg stance most likely to be assumed by people with depression (of course, that does not mean that all people who stand this way are suffering from depression).
From Defensive Body Language to Confident, and Vice Versa:
If you’re particularly mindful of body language of legs you may notice people moving from one stance to another. A person might start in a closed position (legs crossed) but gradually move to an open, confident position, or they might do the opposite. If you track a person’s gestures, you can tell whether you’re growing on them or putting them off. If someone has their legs and arms crossed defensively before you start chatting to them, but after five minutes of talking to you start to adopt more open and confident gestures, give yourself a pat on the back: you’ve made them feel better and have gained their trust.