MemeMachineGo!

The Non-verbal dictionary of Gestures, Signs & Body Language Cues has entries touching on many aspects of non-verbal communication. For instance, high-stand display:

Posture. 1. A vertically looming stance in which the body “enlarges” through extension of the limbs. 2. A primeval “pushup” intended to lift the quadrupedal body higher off the ground.

Usage: The high-stand is an antigravity display used to show a superior, confident, haughty attitude or mood. It is a forerunner of the aggressive pushup used by some lizards, and of our own assertive palm-down cue as well.

Culture. “Whereas high status communicators are generally relaxed in North America, in Japan they assume stiff, erect postures with feet firmly planted on the floor …” (Burgoon et al. 1989:194).