Open and closed postures. Poses

Open and Closed Questions In the previous chapter, we said that advice is often given to a person based on the belief that he does not have integrity, abilities and resources. Directions are usually used to correct him for something; while the adviser does not recognize

LEGO Open Innovation Photo 15. The first four members of the Mindstorms User Board (standing) were selected from LEGO fans and invited to help the company develop next-generation products. Back standing (left to right) Steve Hassenplugg, John Barnes, David Schilling

Human postures and his gestures very visibly, clearly express not only and not so much his character, but his inner state and intentions at the moment. The language of gestures and postures is very eloquent.

Why do we attach so little importance to the postures and gestures of people, but try to pay attention first of all to the words, and secondly, to the tone of speech?

But language of the body no less eloquent and varied.

Apparently, we are too concerned with how to understand the other at the level of words, we are too theorized. We no longer pay attention to the obvious (what the eyes see) things.

But psychologists and psychotherapists turn, investigators and business people cannot do without it. The result of their activities depends on this. And those who ignore this side non-verbal communication, lose a lot. Failure to communicate with other people is costly for all of us. Body language and body language can tell us a lot.

The psychology of gestures and postures is very exciting and has direct practical applications.

Gestures and human posture express his inner state.
So, gestures and postures. The language of gestures and postures can be divided into two types: ostentatious and involuntary. If you ask me “how are you”, and I show this gesture?

In the first case, I gave an ostentatious gesture, and then involuntarily a true one. True means that I lied and I'm afraid to say anything else. This gesture also means a slightly different meaning: “I do not agree with you and restrain myself so as not to say something “against”.
Both pictures are taken from Pease Allan's book " Language body movements. How to read the thoughts of others by their gestures ”(This book can be downloaded at the end of the article).

However, I also got my thoughts from this book.)))

But the task is not only to know, but also to apply the language of gestures and postures! We must learn to be attentive and notice the most diverse bodily manifestations in people. These expressions include facial expressions. But they learned to control facial expressions (by the way, in vain), as well as words and intonations. But involuntary gestures manifest themselves and are easier to notice.

Gesticulation is natural and spontaneous.

I am sitting now, writing these lines in a cross-legged position. But this posture means uncertainty and excessive security. I just can’t get rid of this habit yet.)) By the way, the “hands on chest” gesture expresses a person’s uncertainty to an even greater extent.
"Shelter behind some partition is a natural reaction of a person, which he learns in early childhood for self-preservation."
"Hands in the lock on the chest express an attempt to hide from an unfavorable situation." ( Pease Allan)

There are many variations of this gesture. If fists are clenched, then, naturally, this is also anger. If the thumbs are raised, then along with uncertainty there is self-conceit. And here is a photo of a respected member of the subscribe group and author Natalia (LedyNata) by all of us.

In Piz Allan, this is called an incomplete barrier formed by the hands.
“Another common variant of an incomplete barrier is a gesture in which a person holds his own hands (Fig. 71). This gesture is commonly used by people standing in front of a large audience when receiving an award or when giving a speech. Desmond Morris says this gesture allows a person to regain the sense of emotional security they experienced as a child when their parents held their hand under dangerous circumstances." (Pease Allan) As you can see, body language is varied and eloquent.

Uncertainty and seeking support. Or here are some more pictures from the same book with inscriptions. Various gestures.

Of all three, the one in the middle has the most successful pose. Confidence, relaxation, a sense of strength of position.
Everything is simple and clear. We can only learn to be observant, both for others and for ourselves!

Postures can be roughly divided into two categories: leg postures and hand postures.

The main and usually emphasized foot pose is cross-legged. The cross-legged pose is always a defensive pose, a pose of uncertainty.

Hand poses more varied. The posture of the hand in the pockets most often means restraint, tightness and secrecy. And the posture of the hand in the castle is already complete indecision and confusion. What can you do with your hands clasped in the lock? Nothing!

The posture of the hand on the belt expresses the containment of aggression.

Hand poses are very expressive! And hand gestures too!

Gesticulation is ambiguous! For example gesture goat!

In Christian culture, the gesture depicts the good news! The new Russians have a sign of their own superiority over others. And in the Middle Ages, this gesture generally played a mystical role and supposedly protected from the evil eye.

The thumbs up gesture is also ambiguous. At Slavic peoples it is a call for attention, and in Germany an expression of confidence and stability. Of course, we are talking about the index finger. The thumbs up gesture expresses: “Everything is fine!!

Gestures (gestures) and character human are closely related. The same gestures can have the opposite meaning in people with opposite characters.
For example, a man's gesture to straighten his tie. A demonstrative, hysterical man with such a gesture, most likely, attracts attention. But a suspicious, self-doubting person thereby expresses his confusion.
It turns out that not only gestures express character, but character also forms gestures. Gesticulation is a consequence of character.
And the interpretation of gestures can be different and depends on the nature of the person.

Human postures are static, gestures are dynamic, but both are intertwined and in a common canvas give out true moods and experiences.

Download a book Pisa Allan " body language. How to read the thoughts of others by their gestures.

And more on the topic interesting video. Psychology of gestures - facial expressions.

http://youtu.be/SgBoZlFueoU
And in conclusion, I wanted to add the most popular topic.

Gestures of love and sympathy .

Funny video. The language of gestures and postures in action.) A young guy very "eloquently" with the help of gestures shows sympathy for the girl, urges her to spend time together. Pointing to his chest, he assures her that she lives in his soul. All gestures are accompanied by the cutest smile. The guy is open to communication

Hello dear readers. Today I want to start a conversation with you about how the body is involved in interpersonal communication. It's no secret that bodily postures, gestures, movements and even muscle tone play an important "signal" role both for the person himself and for the people who are in contact with him.

Over the past 10-15 years, it has been translated into Russian a large number of literature containing interpretations of the elements of corporal language. Some of them, in my opinion, seriously simplify the meaning of body signals.

Traditionally, it is customary to divide poses into “Open” and “Closed”.

Today I want to talk about the so-called "Closed Postures". In the literature (Alan Pease and others), these postures are deciphered as defensive reactions (unwillingness to communicate).

Look what we find in bornike " Psychological aspects selection and verification of personnel", compiled by N.A. Litvintseva:

The usual "leg to leg" pose. The right foot rests on the left. The man is nervous, withdrawn, trying to protect his vulnerability. Set up negatively to the event.

Fully closed posture: arms crossed over chest and crossed. Refusal to continue the conversation, extremely negative ... attitude towards the interlocutor or situation.

Uncertain pose: "Foot to foot", hands in the castle support the knee. Tries to hide his insecurity.

Woven feet- reinforced defensive posture. Characteristic for modest and shy women.

Crossed ankles indicate a desire to hide fear, nervousness, negative emotions. When the interviewee crosses his ankles, mentally he is biting his lips. This is how they usually sit during interrogation, trying to control their words and emotions.

Let's look at what such a direct interpretation of "closed postures" leads to. It seems to me that such a peremptory assessment can lead to erroneous conclusions, both for the person using these postures and for the person interpreting them.

For a person in a "closed" position:

Being in a stressful situation, any person relies on their own strategies for protective behavior. And this is a normal, healthy and natural reaction. Suffering from cold, pain, weakness - a person will take appropriate postures, make the necessary movements in order to improve his well-being.

The situation of new communication, interview, exam, negotiations, family or any other conflict - can also be stressful for a person, thereby including him automatic system bodily self-preservation.

The danger of a direct interpretation of "closed" postures, for a person, is that he may begin to consciously abandon his own wise bodily defense strategies. A man or a woman often wants to make a favorable impression in communication, accepting for this the ideals of sociability that are alien to themselves.

Try to observe your bodily postures in situations of stress and you will find at least one commonly used posture, which is commonly called "closed". Don't try to give it up, but explore the support it gives you in a tense situation. If you get the feeling that your posture is too visible to the interlocutor, try to come up with a more inconspicuous counterpart.

But before following public opinion about any of your postures, try asking yourself: “What is more important for me in this case - to maintain my mental and physical comfort or to adapt to the interlocutor?”

Here is my personal example on this subject:

A few years ago, the medical institution where I worked sent me for advanced training. The lecture was held in a cold room, the lecturer was very boring and often distracted from the essence of the matter by irrelevant, and even, moreover, vulgar stories. I was dissatisfied - I was cold, uninterested, and I also felt annoyed that I should listen to this kind of "revelation". I sat in a pose with crossed arms in the area of ​​the solar plexus. Quite unexpectedly, the lecturer turned to me with the following words: “You are sitting in a closed position! This is disrespectful to me. Open your hands and listen to what I'm talking about!" I refused this offer. I found his request strange and outrageous. If he, as a lecturer, cannot interest me, then why on earth should I open up?

And at this point, I turn to the second part of this article, addressed to those who interpret the "closed postures" of their interlocutors and listeners.

When evaluating a person's posture as "unwilling to communicate," ask yourself the following questions:

Do you think this person is in a stressful situation communicating with you? Does he (she) have the right to calm himself a little, balancing his anxiety?

What did you do in this communication in order for the person to feel trust and security?

How do you behave in a stressful situation of communication, how does your body react when you experience uncertainty, anger or anxiety?

Despite the fact that you can be a very pleasant conversationalist, a caring and sympathetic person. Who you communicate with may have their own personal reasons and characteristics. nervous system to protect yourself with the help of "closed" postures - this is the first. Secondly, there are a lot of bodily symptoms in which a person can cross his arms, legs, press his head into his shoulders, etc. Don't forget about it!

What is a pose. The meaning of postures in communication

You can tell a lot about a person by their posture. Posture is the position of the human body in space. A person can control postures with consciousness. By posture, you can recognize the state of a person - vitality or fatigue, confidence or insecurity, etc. Posture, together with gestures and facial expressions, gives out the true emotions and intentions of a person.

For example, if a person is standing calmly, his arms and legs are in a natural position, his chin is raised, then he gives the impression of confidence. This posture shows self-respect.

If the seated person turned slightly towards you or tilted his head in your direction, then he wants to talk to you. If during the conversation he crosses his arms over his chest or crosses his legs, it means that he disagrees with you in some way, is inclined to enter into an argument. If in the process of communication you manage to take an open pose, that is, open your palms, then perhaps your conversation will flow more favorably.

What are the poses

All poses are divided into three groups.

✓ Joining or leaving a conversation. If a person is ready to communicate, then he smiles slightly, his face and body are turned to the interlocutor, and the body is slightly tilted forward. When avoiding conversation, disagreement, hands are often clasped into the castle, crossed on the chest, crossed legs in a sitting position. Often at the same time they deviate backwards, i.e. by all acceptable means "leave" the interlocutor.

✓ Authority or subordination. Power in communication is manifested by appropriate behavior. A communication partner may hang over you, condescendingly pat on the shoulder or arm. Subordination is manifested by an insecure posture - stooping, a timid look and directed from the bottom up.

✓ Harmony or opposition. In harmony, the poses of communication partners are always similar. Both partners are free and open, periodically repeating each other's gestures. The confrontation is expressed in putting the foot forward, clenching the fists, pushing one shoulder forward or placing the hands to the sides.

Poses are further divided into open and closed:

1) open posture. A person in an open position behaves at ease, it is easy to communicate with him. He is moderately relaxed and there is no excessive tension in him. An open posture can be recognized by the turn of the torso and head towards the interlocutor, open palms, the free position of the legs (not crossed, feet with full support), the muscles are relaxed, the gaze is directed to the face of the interlocutor;

2) closed postures. They are formed as a defensive reaction, as unwillingness to continue communication, disagreement with the statement of the interlocutor. Closed postures can be different. For example, a person can cross his arms behind his head and thus express his superiority.

Crossing the arms on the chest or legs (leg to leg, at the ankles) shows a defensive reaction, a desire to stop communication.

Going to negotiate with a friend, for an exam, take a confident look. This will help you tune in and collect your thoughts. Openness and calm will be perceived by the teacher better than tension and stiffness. If you still know at least a little of the subject, then with the right behavior you are more likely to get a good grade. Yes, and negotiations with a friend can go very well. That's ostentatious self-confidence is completely useless.

Remembering closed poses, you can quickly end unpleasant questions from friends about something, find the strength in yourself to give a negative answer - say “no”. Although this is not always applicable with adults, they are still older and may perceive crossing arms in a different way - as a challenge or an insult, and your goal is to end the communication safely.