Sitting Posture and Business Scenarios

Leaning forward: Presence and participation.

When seated in a business meeting or conversation, leaning forward slightly is a powerful nonverbal signal of presence and active participation.

This subtle movement communicates to the other person that you are engaged, interested in what they are saying and that you are listening attentively.

It's not about lunging across the table, but a postural adjustment that reduces physical and psychological distance, creating a stronger connection.

However, it is important to use this leaning in moderation; constantly maintaining it can be interpreted as excessive anxiety or impatience.

Ideally, it should be used at key moments, such as when someone is sharing important information or when you want to emphasize your own interest and commitment to the topic.

This posture contrasts sharply with leaning back, showing dynamism versus passivity.

Leaning back: Distance, boredom or disinterest.

Conversely, leaning back in your chair during a professional interaction often sends negative signals.

This posture increases physical distance and may be interpreted by the other person as a sign of disconnection, disinterest, boredom, or even superiority or arrogance.

While in some contexts it might indicate relaxation, in most business settings, especially during important discussions or negotiations, leaning back suggests that you are not fully engaged or that you do not sufficiently value the conversation or the person speaking.

While sitting completely upright communicates presence and relevance, leaning back often breaks that connection and can create a communication barrier. It is a posture to avoid if you want to foster collaboration and rapport.

The seated "Command Posture" (feet on the floor, arms outstretched).

To project confidence, stability and openness while seated, you can adopt what might be called a seated "Command Posture."

This posture involves sitting upright, without slumping in your chair, keeping both feet firmly planted on the floor.

In addition, it is crucial to keep the arms open and relaxed, avoiding crossing them over the chest or keeping them tense.

Resting the arms on the armrests or naturally on the lap or table (if applicable) contributes to this feeling of openness.

This combination - straight back, anchored feet and open arms - not only makes you appear more confident and receptive, but, according to studies on embodied cognition, it can also positively influence your mental state, helping you think more clearly and speak more assertively.

It's a posture that balances authority with accessibility.

Summary

In a meeting, leaning slightly forward is a powerful nonverbal signal of presence, active participation and interest in the conversation. It reduces psychological distance.

Conversely, leaning back in the chair often sends negative signals. It can be interpreted as disinterest, boredom, disengagement or even a sign of arrogance.

The seated "Command Posture" projects confidence and stability. It involves sitting upright, with both feet firmly on the floor and keeping the arms open and relaxed.