Category Archives: territorial

The Patrolman

The hand holds the other wrist behind the back.body language The Patrolman

Authority and Self-assurance The person walks through his/her terrain fearlessly.
“Nothing can harm me.”

Distance The person monitors the situation, but does not want physical contact with the other – usually subordinate – persons.
“Please do not touch me.”

Explanation
This gesture is found with high-level personal, such as high-ranking police officers, military personnel or bosses. They pace out their territory and inspect. The vulnerable front demonstrates that the person has no fear. The hands on the back offer little opportunity to engage in physical contact with them.

Categories arms/hands, easy, , territorial

This is one out of 63 gestures from the body language trainer.

Spaces

Each situation requires a different distance to the other person.body language Spaces

Distance 0-15cm (~5″) -> very close intimate space
15cm – 45cm (5-15″) -> intimate space
45cm-1.20m (15″-4ft) -> personal space
1,20m – 3.60m (4ft-12ft) -> social space
>3.6m (>12ft) -> public space

Explanation
When looking at space between people, the rotation of the bodies towards each other plays a big role. We have no problem to stand next to someone that is 30cm (~10″) away. However, if the person faces us completely at this distance, we start feeling uneasy.
The ‘intimate space’ is reserved for people who are close to us, such as your partner or family. We allow people we like and know well, such as family or very good friends, into this space. In the ‘personal space’ we interact with friends or colleagues, e.g. at a party. In the ‘social space’ we communicate with people, we have a neutral attitude towards, for example sales man. In the ‘public space’, most people feel safest. E.g., this distance is common in lectures or presentations.

Categories body, territorial

This is one out of 63 gestures from the body language trainer.

The Armshake

During the handshake, the left hand touches the other’s elbow, forearm or shoulder.body language The Armshake

Trust The person wants to strengthen the personal bond.
“We are good friends.”

Dominance The person raises his/her status.
“You are beneath me.”

Explanation
With this gesture the person tries to establish trust in a dominant manner. It is only acceptable between close friends. Using this gesture with customers, may cause distrust and you may commit social suicide. As an answer to this dominant gesture, you can either reciprocate the touch or use the left hand to push the other person back slightly and then stand sideways.

Categories arms/hands, dominant, territorial

This is one out of 63 gestures from the body language trainer.

The Cowboy

The body leans back and the crotch is clearly visible.body language The Cowboy

Self-confidence The person feels very safe in what he/she is doing.
“Come – if you dare!”

Explanation
The presentation of the crotch is an act of dominance and challenges the other. At the same time, it is a sexual signal that is deemed inappropriate in most cultures.

Categories body, easy, dominant, territorial

This is one out of 63 gestures from the body language trainer.

The Double Handshake

During the handshake, the left hand touches the other’s hand, wrist or forearm.body language The Double Handshake

Trust The person wants to strengthen the personal bond.
“I am sincere.”

or Dominance The person takes the lead.
“Trust me, I will lead you.”

Explanation
Touches strengthen the bond between two people. The extra hand shall emphasize the intimacy of the relationship. When touching the other, the person shows affection – but also dominance. On average the handshake becomes longer when touching. The double handshake is often used by politicians and sales men. The gesture enters the intimate space and should therefore only be used with friends.

Categories arms/hands, dominant, territorial

This is one out of 63 gestures from the body language trainer.

The Escort

The person ushers the other or offers a seat.body language The Escort

Sovereignty The person takes the role of the host and lays out the rules.
“Please sit here.”

Explanation
The dominant effect increases if the person touches the other. This establishes who is in charge. Generally, it is good if the host takes the leading role.

Categories arms/hands, dominant, territorial

This is one out of 63 gestures from the body language trainer.

The Hip Stem

The hands touch the hip, while all fingers are visible in the front.body language The Hip Stem

Dominance and Aggression The person has no fear and claims authority.
“This is my turf!”

Explanation
This posture makes the person appear wider. It comes across as aggressive and should only be used rarely. Yet, the gesture emphasizes authority. If the fingers and thumbs point downwards, the meaning is weakened.

Categories body, dominant, territorial

This is one out of 63 gestures from the body language trainer.

The Laydown

The palms are spread-out on the table.body language The Laydown

Possessiveness and Dominance The person wants to establish his/her authority.
“I’m in charge!”

Explanation
The hands claim ownership. Through spreading the fingers, the hands appear larger. The person takes up more space and shows authority.

Categories arms/hands, dominant, territorial

This is one out of 63 gestures from the body language trainer.