Defensive and Aggressive Stances

So, what is defensive body language? What is aggressive body language? When we
chose our topic, we didnt choose it for the obvious reasons *place air quotes arouund obvious
reasons for effect* but merely because we were interested in the classifications, and the
specifics to these types of body language. We, all of us in here, have used defensive and
aggressive body language at one point or another in our lives. As humans, we use defensive
body language to figuratively protect ourselves against aggression, which doesnt have to be
physical. Most of it stems from emotional roots. Aggressive body language, however, comes
from places of intense anger, possesive personality traits, or the need to attack/defend oneself.
Lets go over some of the specifics, shall we?

As far as the defensive body language signs, were met with a few. The first is the
double arm cross. (Slide has a picture of this, with the title of the pose and no other text). The
action of hugging oneself is a closed body position. This position is most often blamed on the
temperature in the room, even when there are no chill factors present. This pose sends off
signals of being awkward and uptight. Many people guilty of this body pose are actually
unaware of its use because it has become such a habitual posture. Youre going to want to be
really aware of the placement of your arms during job interviews or business meetings, as this
pose can be easily misunderstood and come across different than you might intend it to.

Speaking of arm crossing, there is another form of it. The partial arm cross, with one arm
reaching across to grab either the elbow or shoulder of the opposite arm. (Picture in slideshow
indicates this pose, simple caption. One person can also demonstrate this.) The partial arm
cross indicates fear, timidity, shyness, shyness, and lack of self confidence. In rooms where a

person feels judged, this is the go to. The idea of grasping one shoulder or elbow of the
opposite arm stems in comfortability tied with past comforting memories. Ones from childhood,
even. It provides the sensation of being hugged and protected from potentially dangerous
surroundings.

Next in line is the good old fashioned Arm Grip. Similar to the arm crossing, both hands
actually grip the opposite arm sending off a back off type of vibe. This pose comes across as
cold and closed off. The posture actually indicates tension, discomfort, anger, or anxiety. Its
negative and restraining, meaning that if good news isnt received quickly something bad will
more than likely happen. More often than not, this pose is more present in women than men,
and is often an indicator of hidden feelings or an attempt to not lash out on the surrounding
individuals. When this pose is demonstrated and read, it is probably a good idea to step away.
Just saying.

The security blanket is a peculiar one. Both men and women posses different types of
security blankets; with the blanket aspect being less literal. Generally speaking, when we as
humans are presented with an awkward or uncomfortable situation, the first of our body parts to
feel this tension are our arms and legs. Why? Well, the arms and legs are the most awkwardly
attached limbs on our bodies, and essentially dangle there unless they are in use. But when
presented with tension, they naturally try to find comfort, quickly. In women, youre going to find
comfort in the vast place that is a purse, any dangling jewelry, the neck, and the shoulders. Men
tend to fidget with the collars on their shirts should they be dressed in such attire, or the hands
quickly rush to the pockets of their jeans.

There are some cues to indicate that someone is entering defensive stances. Given the
stances we just went over, and with our lovely pictures, youll almost be able to tell on your own.

But one key body posture, one that we havent gone over rather, is that the reduction of your
body size is a big indication that one is entering defense mode, subconsciously or fully aware of
their actions. When you shrink down, youre bringing yourself together to protect yourself either
as a whole, or to just protect your most vital areas. If in the presence of an aggressor, you might
find yourself dropping your chin and avoiding eye contact in order to quickly diffuse the situation.
So, always be aware of the defensive stances, because these generally mean that someone is
feeling uncomfortable, and you just might be the cause of it.

This brings us to the aggressive body language. Now, aggressive body language is
generally asserted through a feeling of dominance, whether it be hinted at or verbal. Aggressive
body language, unlike its defensive counterpart, is actually mostly uncommon. Most people
who exert this type of body language tend to be incredibly angry, dominant, and sometimes
unstable, making these signs pretty scary and potentially dangerous.

An easy sign of aggression to spot is the aggressive eye contact. Normally when you
make eye contact with someone, it happens very quickly and should your eyes meet (unless
you are both at an intimate level with each other) youd find yourself looking away within
milliseconds of your eyes locking. Now, this becomes dangerous when eye contact becomes
staring. After about a second up until ten seconds, it can be a form of aggression. By subjecting
someone to the incredibly awkward and equally creepy gaze, youre turning them into an object.
They are no longer a person. To you, they have become something that is appealing and
generally only acquirable through great might or force. No one enjoys the creepy stare, so do
yourself and the people around you a favor, dont. Just dont.

One of the most common and noticeable forms of aggression is the blatant disregard of
anothers personal space bubble. As people, we all have a nice comfy imaginary bubble placed

around us and were prefer if no one passed those boundaries. Well, people experienced in
aggression completely disregard anothers bubble. By doing this, a person is choosing to assert
and even maintain their dominance against others. Invasion of personal space comes in many
forms, from slight pats on the back to the completely inappropriate swift tap to the posterior!
Basically, if you choose to disregard someones personal bubble, congrats youre an aggressive
person and probably should get that looked at. Also no one likes being poked or prodded. Ever.
Under any circumstance. Ever.
So, weve covered both defensive and aggressive body language over the course of this
speech. When a person enters defensive states, its both a form of self protection from outside
harm and a readable insecurity, and the signs are pretty easy to spot. When it comes to
aggression, using the phrase blatantly obvious couldnt begin to cover it. Remeber, just be
mindful of others personal space bubbles and stalker-ish eye contact. Seriously, its creepy.
Thank you so much for listening to our gab, and hopefully youre now more aware and able to
spot people in defensive or aggressive body postures.