You might know this, but the way a person’s feet are pointing and positioned is a key indicator on what they think of you. After all, the feet and legs take longer to receive signals from the brain than any body parts above the torso. Therefore, the signals are more involuntary and honest than something from the hands or chest. And while this might be easier to determine lower extremity signals when you’re all in bleachers at a sporting event versus talking with someone seated at a desk, it can still be useful knowledge.
Provided the toes are pointing towards you, you’re in good shape. Also, if the person is standing and they lean back on their heels so their toes point up, you’re definitely in good shape. Similarly, when the legs are crossed, you want to make sure that your body is within the new barrier that the leg crossing created. Otherwise, the other person might be disinterested or uncomfortable.
But how do you look at someone’s feet and legs without making it obvious?
While you could glance a couple of times, or make some comment about shoes to distract them, or drop your pen repeatedly to sneak a peek, the easiest way to figure it out is to watch some of their other body language signals.
When someone has their legs crossed, they shift their weight to whatever direction they have open. Posture is adjusted when one rocks back on their heels. And the body shuffles a bit when toes point in a different direction.
If you ever have looked at yourself in the mirror do any of these things and noticed the way that you change in posture, appearance and movement, you can see similar changes in others. As long as you’re aware of the feet and legs, you can always be a step ahead during an interview!
