A wide, space-claiming posture in which the body spreads out to occupy more room.
A leader stands with feet apart and hands on hips while addressing a waiting team. The body takes up room deliberately, filling the space in a way that announces ease and authority.
Read expansion as a display of confidence, comfort or status within the present setting. The person who spreads out tends to feel secure, so the posture often tracks real or perceived rank in the room.
Expansiveness can tip into intimidation, so consider how others in the space respond to it. A stance that reassures one group may make another feel crowded or diminished.
A relaxed stance with uncrossed arms and legs and the torso turned toward others, signalling receptiveness.
ExploreA protective stance with crossed arms or legs and the torso turned slightly away from others.
ExploreA collapsed stance with rounded shoulders and a lowered head that reduces the apparent size of the body.
Explore