Posture and body language connote self-concept, energy, and openness.  Open body positions include leaning forward with uncrossed arms and legs, with the arms away from the body.  Closed or defensive body positions include leaning back, arms and legs crossed or closed together or hands in pockets.  As the labels imply, open positions suggest that people are accepting and open to new ideas.  Closed positions suggest that people are physically or psychologically uncomfortable, that they are defending themselves and shutting other people out.

People who cross their arms or legs claims that they do so only because the position is more comfortable.  Certainly, crossing one’s legs is one way to be comfortable in a chair that is the wrong height.  Women used to be taught to adopt a “ladylike” posture – arms close to their bodies and knees and ankles together.  But notice your own body the next time you’re in a perfectly comfortable discussion with a good friend.  You will probably find that you naturally assume open body positions.   The fact that so many people in organisational settings adopt close positions may indicate that many people feel at least slightly uncomfortable in school and on the job.

People of eastern cultures value the ability to sit quietly.  They may see the western culture tendency to fidget and shift as an indication of a lack of mental or spiritual balance.