A protective stance with crossed arms or legs and the torso turned slightly away from others.
During feedback a person folds the arms tightly across the chest and angles the shoulders away. The body seems to shrink and shield itself, closing off the soft front from the source of the discomfort.
This often signals defensiveness, discomfort or a wish to create distance from the topic or person. Note the moment it appears, since the subject being discussed when the arms fold is usually the trigger.
Cold rooms and tired bodies also produce crossed arms, so do not leap to a single explanation. Many people simply find folded arms comfortable, so look for a change rather than the posture by itself.
A relaxed stance with uncrossed arms and legs and the torso turned toward others, signalling receptiveness.
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.
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