Sitting well uses the same ideas as standing with poise: easy, upright and paying attention. You sit in class, at meals, in waiting rooms and at other people’s homes, so it is one of the habits people notice most.
Key idea
Sit back in the chair, upright and relaxed, with your feet on the floor and your hands in your lap or resting on the table edge. Keep all four chair legs on the floor.
Why it works
How you sit shows whether you are paying attention to the people with you. Sprawling across a couch or hanging over the back of a chair takes up space others might need and can look as if you are bored. Sitting well is a quiet way to say, “I’m with you.” Tipping a chair back is also hard on the chair and can startle people nearby.
Worked example: At a friend’s house
Sam is visiting Omar’s family and sits on their couch while Omar’s grandmother talks to him. What does sitting well look like?
- Sit back on the couch, not sprawled across it.
- Feet on the floor; shoes off the cushions.
- Hands in his lap, and face her while she talks.
Answer: Sit back and upright, feet on the floor, hands still, facing her.
Worked example: In class
Ruby is tired during the last class of the day. What can she do so she still looks attentive?
- Sit back in the chair with feet on the floor; avoid putting her head down on the desk.
- Turn toward whoever is speaking.
- Keep her hands still, not drumming or clicking a pen.
Answer: Sit back and upright, turned toward the speaker, hands still.
Common mistake
Sprawling, hanging an arm over the chair back, or tipping the chair onto two legs. A quick check: are all four chair legs and both your feet on the floor?