Cross cultural understanding: a handbook to understand others’ cultures

head 
held 
high
superiority, 
fearlessness, 
arrogance 
Especially if exhibited with 
jutting chin. 
head tilted to 
one side
non-threatening, 
submissive, 
thoughtfulness 
A signal of interest, and/or 
vulnerability, which in turn 
suggests a level of trust. Head 
tilting is thought by some to 
relate 
to 
'sizing 
up' 
something, since tilting the 
head changes the perspective 
offered by the eyes, and a 
different view is seen of the 
other person or subject. 
Exposing the neck is also a 
sign of trust. 
head forward, 
upright
interest, positive 
reaction 
Head forward in the direction 
of a person or other subject 

---

Cross Cultural Understanding | 81 
Signal
Possible
Meaning(s)
Detailed Explanation
indicates interest. The rule 
also applies to a forward 
leaning 
upper 
body, 
commonly sitting, but also 
standing, 
where 
the 
movement can be a distinct 
and significant advancement 
into a closer personal space 
zone of the other person. 
Head forward and upright is 
different to head tilted 
downward.