http://www.hbacademy.org.uk

1. How someone
sits or stands can
indicate whether
you’re welcomed or
just tolerated.
■■By Dr Leow Chee Seng
The art and
science of
leg
reading
44 | MARCH / APRIL 2012 • OH!

2. How someone’s legs are positioned
when sitting and standing can tell
us much their personalities and
attitudes. As with most aspects of body
language, observation of leg positions
will be able to let you obtain a lot more
information than simply talking to that
person.
This is especially useful in Asian
culture, where people tend to wear
“masks” when dealing with others.
For instance, if you ask your friend
what he thought of the cake you had
baked, he would most probably utter a
compliment to please you.
To understand his true feelings, you
should observe the position of his legs
as he says those words. As to what
he might have actually meant, the
explanations below would give you a
better idea of the actual message.
Confident legs
To better gauge a person’s openness
or level of confidence in any situation,
it would be easier to observe their legs
when they’re in a sitting position. Do
note that for a woman wearing a skirt,
the legs will be only slightly apart due
to modesty.
Most importantly, legs kept together
and closed at the knees indicate
openness plus a sense of self-
assuredness. Frankness and honesty
can be demonstrated when a person
has both feet on the ground and
pointing toward the other person.
Legs crossed display confidence and
self-assuredness for both men and
women, but only if one knee is crossed
directly over the other.
When person is feeling neutral towards
a situation, they have no crossed legs
MARCH / APRIL 2012 • OH! | 45

3. T h e art o f sci e n c e o f l e g r e adi n g
– which means negative or closed opinions while
their feet won’t be pointing towards anywhere in
particular. This position enhances the confidence
level of a person.
This gesture shows a sense of self-assuredness.
Further, the locking of their crossed leg position
using one hand indicates a clear sign of a stubborn
or tough-minded individual who is closed to any
other opinion but their own.
Dominant legs
This gesture implies
“nobody will move me from
here because I have my
feet well positioned on the Lone legs
ground” “ I don’t care how you perceive me. What
matters is that I feel comfortable.”
A dominant person would
stretch out his legs or crossed When writing books at home, I love to sit
in front of someone. This with one leg under the other. I love this
bullying behaviour shows the style because I feel comfortable and I
person has a strong will and am not concerned about how and
appears to be self-centred in what others think of me then.
order to be noticed.
However, my mother complains
If you encounter such a person, try not to of this improper sitting position.
argue with him. Using a persuasive method Why? A psychologist or body
is more effective than reasoning with him. language specialist may interpret
He might not listen to you – therefore, this gesture as someone being
reasoning with him or even correcting his naturally independent, free-
errors must be done carefully. spirited, and informal.
46 | MARCH / APRIL 2012 • OH!

4. “From leg
position
observations,
we can quickly
determine if we
are included or
excluded in any
conversation.”
When communicating with someone with lone If their feet stay in place and they twist only their
legs, you do not need to be upper torsos in your direction,
too serious. Flexibility and they don’t really want you to join
informal discussions bring in the conversation. However, if
greater results than the formal their feet open up to include you,
discussions. you know that you are welcome
to join the conversation. Also, the
Inclusive and foot nearest you will turn slightly
exclusive legs in your direction.
From leg position observations,
we can quickly determine if we The two guys on the right are
are included or excluded in any within the conversing group
conversation. For example, when because their legs are facing
you’re at a seminar or a party, you each other. The guy on the left is
can determine if you are welcome excluded from the conversation
or simply tolerated by observing because his legs do not face
other people’s legs. the speaker.
MARCH / APRIL 2012 • OH! | 47