The Ultimate Body Language Book

Chapter 11 - Emotional Body Language
How Bodies Become Relaxed And Defrost
When people meet for the first time they keep a significant amount of space between themselves.
Quite literally, human bodies when comfortable undergo a thawing out process. Initially we start off
stiff and rigid, even appearing cold. But over time we open up and become more loose, ready to take
part in activities, or converse. Here is a summary of the defrosting process:
[A] Strangers meet, but keep their distance with arms and or legs crossed. Buttons and jackets are done
up tight.
[B] Legs become uncrossed, but arms remained uncrossed as we decide our company is no immediate
threat.
[C] Conversation is initiated, usually small talk, until a common interest is discovered. Once this
happens rapport begins forming and gesticulation is used to liven up the speech. At first, the arms recross
after speaking, but eventually they stay loose and drop to the sides or find themselves in pockets.
[D] Attire is loosened and jackets are removed.
[E] The legs become uncrossed and a foot is extended toward their company, but the back foot bears
most of the weight.
[F] If rapport increases and trust builds, the space between the strangers might shrink bringing them
into each others personal space zone.
[G] Touching in safe zones like the elbows and arms might solidify the relationship, but touching is not
always expected or common.