Arms. In general, an open arm position suggests that someone is receptive to the negotiation process. Watch especially for changes in arm position. If your counterpart’s arms are lying open on the table where you are both sitting as you start the negotiation, and he takes his arms off the table and crosses them over his chest when you mention that your company has a standard deposit of 50 percent on all first-time orders, that’s a good indication that this information was not received well. You may want to clarify your words or, better yet, ask your counterpart whether he has a concern about the deposit.