Research: Legs

Culiminating: Body Language
Research

Legs:

Happy/Pleased
-Sitting with slightly open legs is a relaxed position
-Swinging a leg when standing can act as a pointer towards something of interest
-Touching and stroking the knee indicates a sexual invitation or tease
-Bouncing of the feet indicates confidence

Frightened/Anxiety
-When the person is standing with feet together then this may display anxiety as it makes them smaller as a target
-When sitting, the knees may be held gently or tightly together, depending on the anxiety level
-An ankle cross with legs tucked under the chair can indicate concealed anxiety
-Bouncing the leg can indicate impatience
-When feet curl around each other or a chair leg, this can indicate suppressed tension

Anger/Rage
-Legs which are held apart when standing provide a stable base for the person; makes body appear wider and bigger as a sign of power and dominence
-Crossing the thighs, standing or sitting, takes the defensiveness of closing further; like crossing arms

Deception/ Lying

Misc.
-Crossing legs when standing can be an indication of shyness or being coy
-Legs may be used to point to things of interest, as with other parts of the body
-thighs that are pulled tight together send a signal of rejection
-thighs that are pulled apart send a sign of invitation