6. Leaning out

It's worth acknowledging that there are circumstances in which leaning out can actually signal very high status, so you may see others doing it.

This is the silverback posture. Short of putting one's feet on the table it is just about the highest status thing one can do.

And that can work too. 

What’s demonstrated by both of these photographs of President Obama is his relaxed assurance in his own dominance.  You won’t often find pictures of him sitting like this at, for example, a G8 summit.

However it is only an option for those who already hold very high status in the room. You may have been in a meeting yourself where somebody very senior has sat back, detached from the conversation, perhaps even tapping away on a mobile device.  After a while they may even have said quietly “so what's happening is this…" and captured entirely the nub of what's been said.  After an impressed pause, everyone around the room agrees “yes, that's exactly it", marvelling at this ability to go straight to the heart of the matter.  Of course, that intellectual acuity is partly why they hold high status.

So in meetings where you find yourself wanting to get your voice heard more, it’s very unlikely that this tactic will serve you.  Leave it for occasions when you are the alpha.

If you’d like to discuss how I can help you sharpen your impact at meetings and get your voice heard, I’d love to hear from you on +44 7973 890578 or at bill@billbritten.co.uk