"as it displays the intention to not fight while still keeping my hands ready to punch or throw" I've done that plus arms crossed. The latter looks even better

"as it displays the intention to not fight while still keeping my hands ready to punch or throw" I've done that plus arms crossed. The latter looks even better on camera when making self-defense arguments. Main thing I practiced from that position was feigning a low kick or tackle to get them to lean down followed by a neck strike straight from crossed position. From there to regular striking or grappling if opponent is still standing. The palms out method is more flexible, though.