How Your Body Language Affects other People's Perceptions of You

Part of the Body Language For Dummies Cheat Sheet

The way that you move and gesture plays a huge part in the way you are perceived by others and the impression you leave. Remember these telltale signs when positioning yourself and interpreting the positioning of others:

An upright posture demonstrates confidence.
Hunched over shoulders indicate insecurity.
Arms crossed over the chest sets up a barrier.
Precise gestures reflect precise thinking.
Open palms indicate an open attitude.
Feet point towards where you want to go.
Heads nodding means agreement and is a way of keeping the speaker talking.
Head tilted shows submissiveness.
Index finger to mouth, chin resting on thumb, elbow resting on the other arm crossed in front of the body is an evaluation gesture.
Hands on hips show readiness for action.
Legs draped over a chair arm demonstrates informality or indifference.
Hands held behind the head with elbows pointed outward is a dominance display.
Leaning forward with both hands on the knees or gripping the arms of the chair indicates wanting to get up and go.