While visiting Chard, I attended Community Showcase Day, where I spoke with a man who had spent many years in business and who had considerable experience interviewing people. He was also involved in a choral group.
Our conversation moved across several topics. At one point I mentioned a phrase I had once heard: the whole body is a resonant instrument. We briefly discussed how posture affects singing — sitting tends to restrict the breath, whereas standing upright allows the voice to carry more freely. It is largely a matter of physical alignment rather than anything mystical.
This led him to describe his earlier career in sales and marketing. During the final decade of his working life, he held a senior position in a large aerospace and events company and was responsible for interviewing and appointing sales staff.
He explained a simple method he often used during interviews. After asking a substantial question, he would observe the candidate’s posture while answering. Some leaned back in their chairs, while others leaned forward. His instinct was usually to favour those who leaned forward, as he interpreted this as a sign of engagement with the question rather than detachment.
I found the observation interesting, although of course posture alone cannot reliably indicate character or ability. Nevertheless, it was a reminder that physical behaviour often reveals something about a person’s attitude during conversation.
