Let's do a little experiment

Suppose you need to sit at a rectangular table. We will designate your interlocutor as A, and we will give you name B. What position will you choose in the circumstances proposed below?

• You are conducting a job interview in a small company.
• You help the person to solve a crossword puzzle.
• You are going to play chess with your interlocutor.
• You are in a public library and do not want anyone to disturb you.

Basic table seating
Look at the picture above and make your choice. But the most likely answers.

• For the interview you will choose the place B1, to see the interlocutor completely and at the same time not to look aggressive, as you would have seemed at the place B3, or excessively familiar, as in the place B2.
• Helping your interlocutor to solve a crossword puzzle, you will sit down in place B2, taking the position of cooperation. This is how we are located if we want to help the interlocutor or to reach mutual understanding with him.
• Playing chess, you sit down on the seat B3. This is a defensive position or a rivalry position. Usually we sit in this way opposite the enemy, because we have the opportunity to clearly see his face and observe all his actions.
• In the reading room, you will almost certainly choose a place B4 to emphasize your independence and unwillingness to communicate.