Body Language Posture and Stance

Question 1

What does an 'open' posture — facing someone with uncrossed arms and legs — generally communicate?

Accepted Answer

Receptiveness, confidence, and willingness to engage

Answer

An open posture with uncrossed limbs and a body orientation toward the other person signals receptiveness, confidence, and genuine engagement.

Question 2

Crossed arms during a conversation most reliably indicate:

Accepted Answer

Possible defensiveness, discomfort, or self-protection — context dependent

Answer

While crossed arms can signal defensiveness or discomfort, they must be read in context — a person may cross arms because they are cold or simply comfortable.

Question 3

In body language, 'postural echo' or 'mirroring' a conversation partner's posture usually signals:

Accepted Answer

Rapport, agreement, and empathy

Answer

Postural mirroring — unconsciously adopting a similar posture to your conversation partner — is a strong nonverbal indicator of rapport and empathy.

Question 4

Someone who stands with legs wide apart and hands on hips is displaying which type of posture signal?

Accepted Answer

Dominant and confident

Answer

The wide stance with hands on hips is a classic power or dominance pose that expands the body and signals authority and self-assurance.

Question 5

What does a forward lean toward another person typically communicate?

Accepted Answer

Interest, engagement, or enthusiasm for the conversation

Answer

Leaning forward toward someone is a strong indicator of interest, engagement, and enthusiasm — the body moves toward what it finds appealing.

Body Language Practice Test

Body Language Practice Test

Body Language Posture and Stance