Body Language of Standing At Attention or Parallel Stance
Cue: Standing At Attention or Parallel Stance.
Synonym(s): Parallel Stance.
Description: A standing position where the legs are together, neither one in front of the other.
In One Sentence: Standing at attention is a sign of submission and preparedness to head to someone else’s leadership.
How To Use it: Stand at attention when you are fully committed to be lead by another person of higher authority. The parallel stance should be done when a low ranking person meets with a high ranking person out of respect. This therefore, finds a place in the military and occasionally in business settings. When children meet with principles or teachers, they may also use the stance to show that they are prepared to submit, take orders or receive punishment without a fight.
A submissive husband may also use this posture to show his wife that she “wears the pants” and he’s prepared to take her abuse. Generally speaking, this is, however, to be avoided as it often causes only a temporary lowering of aggression, which due to the submissive posture, is bound to persist indefinitely.
Context: General.
Verbal Translation: “I’m timid, shy, submissive, uncertain, hesitant and tentative. I’m totally at your mercy, which is why my feet are close together in a precarious standing posture. I’m the subject of your dominance, do what you wish.”
Variant: See Arms Akimbo.
Cue In Action: a) The teacher pulled the student aside. His arms dropped to his sides, head bowed with his feel parallel touching each other. He submitted to her dominance. b) The officer made his way around, walked with a firm stride, head held high, eyes straight forward. When he reached the commander, he stopped, place his feet neatly together, maintained a straight gaze, head high and arms to his side. He showed the commander his respect and subservience.
Meaning and/or Motivation: The parallel stance posture occurs subconsciously when we talk about ideas in which we don’t feel total confidence or are uncertain. It shows timidity, hesitation, and tentativeness.
Standing at attention is a submissive posture where the context includes being reprimanded by a teacher or principle, a child facing a parent, reporting to a head officer in the military or standing in front of the judge during sentencing. It signifies “no comment” and is found in a person who has neither committed to stay or go. Because the posture is submissive, it is used more often by women (and children) than men. When it is seen in men, it happens when meeting with higher ranking people indicating submission. The standing posture is nearly mandatory when lower ranking officers address higher ranking officers to demonstrate their subservience.
The stance creates a weak and precariously balanced base as opposed to a leg-splayed stance. The legs being close together, permits others to easily shove you over should they wish. Therefore, offering this posture to another is the key to its hidden meaning. It shows that we are trusting of them and also subject to their dominance.
Cue Cluster: Watch for eyes averted, head lowered or bowed, arms to the side, blushing, blank face or one that shows grief.
Body Language Category: Appease, Body size reduction, Low confidence body language, Nonthreatening body language, Readiness to submit postures.
Resources:
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http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/dominant-and-submissive-postures-affects-more-than-public-perception-it-also-affects-felt-pain-and-physical-strength/
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http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/nonverbally-negotiate-conversation-walking-away/
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http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/whats-more-powerful-nonverbal-power-or-real-power/
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Mehrabian, A. (1968) Inference of attitudes from the posture, orientation, and distance of a communicator. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 32, 296–308.
Mehrabian, A. (1969). Significance of posture and position in the communication of attitude and status relationship. Psychological Bulletin, 71, 359–372.
Pease, Barbara and Allan Pease. 2006. The Definitive Book of Body Language Hardcover. Bantam.
Pitterman, Hallee ; Nowicki Jr, Stephen. A Test of the Ability to Identify Emotion in Human Standing and Sitting Postures: The Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy-2 Posture Test (DANVA2-POS). Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs. 2004. 130(2): 146-162.
Schwartz, Barry ; Tesser, Abraham ; Powell, Evan. Dominance Cues in Nonverbal Behavior. Social Psychology Quarterly. 1982. 45(2): 114-120.
Sartori, Luisa ; Becchio, Cristina ; Castiello, Umberto. Cues to Intention: The Role of Movement Information. Cognition. 2011. 119(2): 242-252.
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