Open vs Closed Posture

Body posture is one of the strongest forms of nonverbal communication and often determines in split seconds how other people perceive us. The difference between an open and a closed posture can determine whether a conversation happens or whether potential conversation partners unconsciously keep their distance.

What is an Open Body Posture

An open body posture signals confidence, approachability, and interest in social interaction. It is characterized by a relaxed but upright posture, where the body is not protected by crossed arms or crossed legs.

Characteristics of an Open Posture

• Upright Spine: The upper body is straight, shoulders back, but not tense
• Free Arms: Arms hang loosely at the sides or are used in open gestures
• Facing Upper Body: The torso is directed toward the conversation partner
• Relaxed Shoulders: No raised or forward-rolled shoulders
• Open Palms: Palms are visible and not hidden
• Stable Stance: Feet are shoulder-width apart and convey stability
• Free Neck Area: No covering of the neck or burying in the collar

What is a Closed Body Posture

A closed body posture signals insecurity, defensiveness, or disinterest. It often occurs unconsciously when people feel uncomfortable, are nervous, or want to protect themselves.

Characteristics of a Closed Posture

• Crossed Arms: Arms are crossed in front of the body as a protective barrier
• Crossed Legs: Legs are crossed or close together
• Turned Away Body: The upper body is turned away from the conversation partner
• Raised Shoulders: Shoulders are tense and pulled up
• Hidden Hands: Hands in pockets, behind the back, or under the armpits
• Slumped Posture: The spine is curved, head lowered
• Creating Barriers: Holding onto objects like drinks or bags

Psychological Effects and Perception

Body posture not only influences how others perceive us, but also how we feel ourselves. This phenomenon is called "embodied cognition" or embodied cognition.

Practical Application in Social Situations

In Conversation Situations

Cultivate Open Posture:

1. Start with conscious breathing to release tension
2. Straighten your spine as if a thread is pulling you upward
3. Let your shoulders relax and fall back
4. Keep your arms open and use natural gestures
5. Turn your upper body toward your conversation partner
6. Use your hands visibly to signal openness

Avoid Closed Signals:

• Avoid crossing your arms, even if it seems comfortable
• Avoid holding onto objects
• Don't turn your body away from the conversation partner
• Make sure you don't slump inward

In Different Contexts

Club/Bar:

• Open posture is essential, as competition is high
• Don't lean against walls or hide in corners
• Actively take up space, stand centrally and visibly
• Use your arms for expansive, but not exaggerated gestures

Daytime Situations (Coffee Shop, Street):

• Subtler open posture to avoid appearing too dominant
• Relaxed but upright stance
• Friendly but not intrusive body alignment
• Avoid typical closed signals like phone fixation

Business/Networking:

• Professional open posture with clear presence
• Stable stance with even weight distribution
• Controlled but open gestures
• Direct body alignment during handshake and conversation

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Exaggerated Openness

An overly pronounced open posture can be perceived as intrusive or aggressive:

Avoid:

• Excessively wide leg stance (more than shoulder-width)
• Too far back-leaning posture (appears arrogant)
• Exaggerated space-taking in social situations
• Too direct confrontation through too open body alignment

Unconscious Relapse into Closed Posture

Many people unconsciously fall back into closed postures under stress:

Strategies Against This:

1. Establish "body check-ins" every 5-10 minutes
2. Use external anchors (e.g., check posture every time you drink)
3. Practice open posture in relaxed situations
4. Use positive self-talk when nervous
5. Breathe consciously when you notice tension

Cultural Misunderstandings

Body posture is interpreted differently across cultures:

• In some cultures, very open posture is disrespectful
• Personal space varies greatly between cultures
• Direct eye contact has different meanings
• Touch is valued differently

Training and Development

Exercises for Open Body Posture

Power Posing (2 minutes daily):

• Stand with arms and legs spread wide
• Lift your chin slightly
• Hold this position for 2 minutes before important social situations
• Studies show positive effects on confidence and hormones

Mirror Training:

1. Stand in front of a mirror
2. Switch between open and closed posture
3. Observe the difference in your presence
4. Practice different degrees of openness
5. Find your natural but confident posture

Field Exercises:

• Consciously walk through public spaces with open posture
• Observe the reactions of other people
• Start small interactions from an open posture
• Experiment with different degrees of openness

Checklist: Optimal Body Posture

Use this checklist before and during social interactions:

• Feet shoulder-width apart, weight evenly distributed
• Knees slightly bent, not locked
• Pelvis neutrally aligned, not tilted forward or backward
• Spine upright, but not stiff
• Shoulders back and relaxed
• Chest slightly opened, but not exaggeratedly pushed out
• Arms loose at the sides or in natural gestures
• Hands visible and relaxed
• Head straight, chin parallel to the floor
• Neck long and relaxed
• Facial expression friendly and relaxed
• Breathing calm and deep into the belly

The Power Pose Controversy

The "Power Poses" popularized by Amy Cuddy have sparked discussions in the scientific community. While the original claims about hormonal changes are controversial, there is consensus on the following points:

Scientifically Confirmed:

• Open body posture improves subjective feeling of power and confidence
• Body posture influences emotional states (embodied cognition)
• Other people perceive open posture as more confident
• Body posture influences willingness to take risks

Controversial:

• Direct causal effects on testosterone and cortisol
• Long-term effects of short power pose sessions
• Magnitude of effects

Practical Implication:

Even if the hormonal effects are debated, the psychological and social benefits of open body posture are undisputed.

Body Posture and First Impressions

The first impression is determined 55% by body language, 38% by voice, and only 7% by the content of what is said (Mehrabian's rule). Body posture is the dominant factor here.

The First 7 Seconds

In the first 7 seconds of an encounter, people make unconscious judgments about:

1. Status: Open posture suggests higher social status
2. Confidence: Upright posture is associated with competence
3. Approachability: Openness invites interaction
4. Attractiveness: Confident posture increases perceived attractiveness
5. Trustworthiness: Open body language appears honest and transparent

Connection to Other Aspects of Nonverbal Communication

Body posture does not work in isolation, but in interplay with other nonverbal signals:

Congruence is Crucial

Your body posture must match the other signals:

• With Eye Contact: Open posture without eye contact appears insecure
• With Voice: Open posture with trembling voice sends mixed signals
• With Facial Expression: Open posture with closed face is confusing
• With Gestures: Open posture with nervous gestures undermines the effect

Micro-Adjustments

Learn to subtly adjust your posture:

• Mirroring: Slight adjustment to the other person's posture creates rapport
• Leading: Encouraging others to open up through your own open posture
• Calibrating: Adjusting the degree of openness to the situation and person

Gender-Specific Differences

The perception and effect of body posture differs somewhat between genders:

In Men:

• Wider posture is perceived as masculine and dominant
• Too open posture can be interpreted as aggressive in some contexts
• Closed posture is strongly associated with insecurity

In Women:

• Open but not overly expansive posture is perceived as confident
• Too wide posture can be stigmatized as unfeminine (which is problematic)
• Closed posture is often misinterpreted as modesty

Important: These differences are based on societal expectations, not biological necessities. Authenticity and self-confidence are more important than gender norms.

From Theory to Practice

30-Day Challenge: Open Body Posture

Week 1: Develop Awareness

• Observe your natural posture in various situations
• Note when you fall into closed posture
• Observe other people and their body posture

Week 2: Controlled Practice

• Practice open posture in safe environments (at home, with friends)
• Use power poses before important situations
• Work with mirror feedback

Week 3: Real Application

• Apply open posture in social situations
• Start simple interactions from open posture
• Observe the reactions of others

Week 4: Integration and Fine-Tuning

• Make open posture a habit
• Find your personal style
• Adjust the degree of openness situationally