take a look at the picture above

does this man's posture, or body language,
seem to convey something?

social scientists contend that our gestures,
facial expressions and postures reflect our
feelings, thoughts and intentions

they contend that body language is innate
and universal, spanning across cultures, and
even species

at some level, we all know about body language -
but how often do we consciously attend to it?

people who want to influence us make a study
of body language

they consciously send us nonverbal communications
and they are keenly attuned to the signals we
send back

the intentions of some students of body language
are benign -

doctors and therapists, for example, may
consciously use their bodies to reassure us

salesmen, lawyers and politicians, however,
may use body language to subtly influence us -
to their advantage

there are some internet sites that coach men
on how to use body language to attract women -
is this use benign or is it something else?

back to the posture shown at the top of the page -
it might convey messages such as:

"relax, you're in good hands with me"
"I’m in the superior position here"
"i got the answers "
"you'd be smart to let me help you"

do any of these possible messages seem to
ring true?