Maybo’s Open PALMS™ Model helps us communicate positively while maintaining personal safety. Showing open hands with palms facing upwards is generally considered positive and non-threatening.

This short video illustrates how the use of body language and positioning enable you to display non-aggression towards another person:

Key Principles of the Open PALMS™ Model:

1. Position - think about your position in the environment. Ensure you and the person you are communicating with have a clear exit path
2. Attitude - adopt a positive and helpful approach
3. Look and Listen - use appropriate eye contact and show you are listening
4. Make Space - Maintain an appropriate distance for the situation (consider intimate space, social space and stranger space)
5. Stance - stand slightly to one side as it’s less confrontational

To purchase posters of our SAFER, POPS, SEAL™ and Open PALMS™ models, suitable for staff rooms, training rooms and notice boards visit our store.