"I had something called the back of the chair test. Where I sit, we don't sit like you and I do. I can see a sliver right behind them and they come out and they sit like this like god students and they don't touch the back of the chair"

James Lipton, the well known host of "Inside the Actors Studio", was known for his keen observational skills and his ability to draw out extensive insights from his visitors. The quote you supplied captures Lipton's method of discreetly examining the attitude and engagement of the individuals he communicated with, possibly particularly his students.

The "back of the chair test" is a metaphorical gadget that Lipton uses to gauge attentiveness and regard. When somebody sits without leaning back, it typically shows a state of awareness and presence. Such posture recommends that the person is actively engaged, focused, and considerate of the interaction or the setting they remain in. It contrasts with a more relaxed posture, where leaning back may recommend casualness, disengagement, or an absence of interest.

Lipton's mention of sitting "like god students" adds another layer to this analysis. "God trainees" can be inferred to imply excellent trainees-- those who are thorough, excited to find out, and deeply respectful of the educational or dialogical procedure. They are metaphorically raised ("god-like") in their dedication and seriousness.

By observing such apparently ordinary details as how a person sits, Lipton is expressing his fascination with non-verbal cues and the subconscious interaction they convey. The method a person holds themselves physically can often be a more honest reflection of their mindset than words alone. Through this lens, Lipton reveals his user-friendly understanding of human nature and his appreciation for the unspoken dynamics of interpersonal interactions.

In essence, this "test" isn't about physical posture alone however about the regard, listening, and engagement it represents. Lipton's quote underscores how small habits can show broader mindsets and how he, as an interviewer and educator, valued these subtleties in his quest to understand and get in touch with people.