Success : Positions of Power

One of the most overlooked techniques, is choosing the right seat. If the seating is not arranged, get as close to the leader of the group as possible. After all, the person leading the discussion makes the rules, hands out the assignments and most likely has an influence on your position. Sitting as close as possible to the power, psychologically tells others that the ranking person wants you near them.

The leader or speaker, typically looks mainly to the persons near to them, when making a statement in which they expect support or input from.

If at all possible, face the door. Most conference rooms either have the leader facing the main entrance, or entering through a private door. Being able to see who enters and exits, early or late - without turning your head - is powerful. When someone walks in late, look at them expressionless, neither accepting nor disapproving, their tardiness. This puts you in a position of judgment, yet retaining your verdict. Consider how you feel when walking into a full room of people already seated. Intimidating. Now picture that person who looks at you expressionless, as you enter. Another position of power.

If possible, sit to the side opposite of the leader's writing hand. Most speakers tend to direct their visual attention away from their dominant side. A subconscious security response.

Most of you have been in the situation, whether in a job interview or applying for a loan, where the decision maker is sitting in a $2000 dollar leather chair - four or five inches higher than yours. There is often a reason for this. Subconsciously, the more elegant and higher the chair, the more important the person. Many police investigators purposely use this technique for placing suspects in an immediate inferior mindset, and therefore more open to verbal interrogation.

Most chairs in a professional environment, have adjustment levers under the seat - usually on the right hand side. If possible, raise your chair to an equal level, or a couple of inches higher, than the person your are conversing with. If if makes them feel uncomfortable, you may have just taken the edge.

Hiding your hands is a psychological symbol of weakness or deceit. Keep your hands on or above the table - either separate or in the powerful, confident, fingers-crossed business fold. Everyone subconsciously watches what others do with their hands. Showing both of your hands, builds confidence and trust. If you need to subtly draw attention, move them, but always keep them in sight.