How did the Messenger (peace be upon him) speak with people in gatherings, what was his posture when he spoke, and did he stretch out his legs?

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) spoke about the manner of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) speech, mentioning that he spoke clearly and distinctly, such that anyone counting could enumerate his words. He did not recite quickly; rather, his words were distinct, understood by hearts.

As for his (peace be upon him) sitting posture, he would sit cross-legged (qurfusa), which is the posture of the humble and devout. It was also narrated that he would lie down in the mosque, placing one leg over the other. This act was interpreted as demonstrating permissibility during times of rest, provided that the private parts were not exposed, or as being abrogated. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade a person from raising one leg over the other while lying down if there was a fear of exposing the private parts.

He (peace be upon him) would also sit muhtabiyan with his hand, meaning gathering his shins to his abdomen with his hands, and this is permissible as long as one is not awaiting prayer. It was also narrated that he would recline on a pillow or on his elbow. After Fajr prayer, he would sit cross-legged in his place until the sun rose.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade certain sitting postures, among them sitting with the left hand placed behind the back and leaning on it, describing it as the "sitting of those who incurred wrath." He also forbade sitting between the shade and the sun.

As for stretching one's legs out in front of people, no authentic hadith (definition) has been reported concerning it, but there are statements from scholars indicating its dislike if it involves causing harm or disrespect. It was narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was never seen extending his knees in front of his companion, which indicates his keenness on good manners and humility.