Answer: It is a good technique but in order to be more empathic, he shouldn't cross his arms.
Explanation: if you want to be empathic, you should be able to make the other person feel comfortable and listened when talking. In this case, Mr. Boothe crossing their hands over his chest marks a distance between him and whoever he's talking to, it's like "you listen to me but i'm not open to whatever you have to say".