Foot Movement (Emotion)

"Happy Feet" (Joy, negotiating leverage).

Just as feet reveal intent (direction), they also reveal emotion (movement).

One of the most revealing indicators is the phenomenon known as "happy feet".

When a person receives excellent news or feels they have a great advantage, they may maintain a neutral facial expression, but their feet will give them away.

The feet may begin to bounce, move rhythmically, or shake with joy. This is seen in poker players who receive a winning hand.

In a negotiation, it is a crucial sign: if you present an offer and see your counterpart's feet, which had been still, begin to wiggle happily under the table, you can deduce that the person believes he or she has gotten a very favorable deal.

Rapid movement (Impatience, nervousness).

Not all foot movement is positive. A rapid, repetitive, rhythmic movement, such as constant foot tapping or incessant leg movement, is usually not a sign of joy, but of impatience.

The person is anxious to leave, is nervous, bored or anxious. Their body is saying "I want to move, I want to get out of here". It is a leakage of nervous energy.

Toes in (Shyness)

The orientation of the feet when standing is also revealing.

While feet pointing outward or straight indicate confidence and openness, a person who stands with the tips of the toes facing inward ("pigeon-toed" posture) is sending a signal of insecurity.

It is a contractive posture that indicates shyness, low self-esteem, nervousness or submissiveness.

The person is unconsciously trying to "make themselves smaller" and appear less threatening.