Open Positioning
Adopt body positions that invite engagement and avoid defensive or closed-off appearances.
What & why
Listeners read posture before they process words, and an unguarded body (open torso, visible hands, no barriers) tends to register as low threat, which lowers their guard and frees attention for your message. Crossed arms or a shielding object can signal defensiveness or discomfort, prompting people to mirror that tension. Facing someone squarely also cues that they have your focus, which often reads as confidence and respect and makes the exchange feel safer and more cooperative.
Before & after
“Arms crossed, hands in pockets, standing behind barriers, turning body away from audience.”
“Arms at sides or gesturing naturally, facing audience, removing physical barriers when possible.”
When you’ll use it
Networking events: Stand with arms uncrossed, body slightly angled toward others in conversation
Team meetings: Avoid barriers like crossed arms, closed laptop, or defensive positioning
Presentations: Keep space between you and podium/table, face audience directly
Difficult conversations: Maintain open posture to reduce perceived threat or defensiveness
Pro tip
Uncross everything - arms, legs, hands. Face your audience with your whole body.
Questions & answers
What is open positioning in business communication?
How does open positioning improve business relationships?
What body language creates closed versus open positioning?
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