A relaxed stance with uncrossed arms and legs and the torso turned toward others, signalling receptiveness.
A colleague leans back with arms resting easily on the chair, the chest open toward the group. Nothing is held across the body, and the whole frame seems to invite conversation rather than guard against it.
Read open posture as comfort, confidence and a willingness to engage with what is being said. When the torso stays turned toward you across a long exchange, it signals steady and genuine attention.
Some people simply prefer to sit openly, so treat it as a starting baseline rather than proof of agreement. Openness of body is not the same as openness of mind, and a relaxed frame can still conceal doubt.
A protective stance with crossed arms or legs and the torso turned slightly away from others.
ExploreA wide, space-claiming posture in which the body spreads out to occupy more room.
ExploreA collapsed stance with rounded shoulders and a lowered head that reduces the apparent size of the body.
Explore