The Ultimate Body Language Book

ather than demonstrate authority, it would be wise to have a more informal setting, perhaps even a
comfortable sofa and coffee table with casual furnishings. It is no accident when a high powered lawyer
organizes rows upon rows of legal books to his back. His message is clear; I have the knowledge to
back me. What non verbal message does your office convey?
Chapter 15 – Seating Arrangements
Office Artifacts – The Other Nonverbal
Messages
We often take for granted our office layout which is understandable, but another nonverbal channel also
exists, and that is the artifacts it contains. While we might not personally pay particular attention to
these objects, visitors will use the information to make decisions about your personality and traits.
Diplomas, certificates and awards on walls all provide clues to the office owner. Excessive accolades
spells out to others an outward looking individual seeking to dominant and dazzle others by their
achievements (usually attributed to them by the opinions of others). Pay particular attention to awards
that might be less than prestigious as this might mean they are poorly accomplished, but trying to play
it up. Usually someone that is more subtle will only hold their highest award rather than all awards
leading up to it. For example, I know of one particular aesthetician who has ten neatly framed awards
on her salon walls for miniscule achievements during her one year study. In this sense, small accolades
detract from a persons perceived status and shows insecurity instead.
Tidiness is another factor. A cluttered office shows busyness and importance, but only up to a certain
limit. When hygiene becomes a factor, it’s time to clean up! An overly tidy office can show obsessive
tendencies negating any positive feelings. Thus, a mixture of clutter and tidiness is likely best as it
conveys busyness and importance but avoids the negative feelings of an overly sanitized office. Also
consider richness of furnishings such as desks and chairs, the view (or having windows at all), the size
and location, the type and level of lighting, degree of privacy, having plants and so forth. What research
that does exist on lighting shows that brightness has a more positive affect on friendliness than does
more subdued lighting. Also consider the ability or lack of ability to personalize a particular space.
Lower ranking workers are often not permitted this luxury.
Personal items, like family or pet photographs shows a strong family orientation whereas artwork can
provide clues to interests. For example, fishing or nature photographs for people interested in the
outdoors and adventure, city backdrops to someone with a metropolitan interest, or beaches for those
interested in leisure. Paying particular attention to these variations can provide clues to someone’s
interests, and when building rapport quickly is required, it can spell the difference between success and
failure.
Chapter 15 – Seating Arrangements
The Power Of Chairs
When my brother comes over to visit he likes to play chair games with me since he’s aware, through
my research, of the power plays afforded by such a seemingly innocuous objects. He often chooses the
head of the table or the most desirable position on the sofa, and if possible, will secure the tallest chair.