Improve Your Body Language – A Brief Guide

People make snap judgments about each other based on body language. It is possible to improve your body language and the way that others view you. Give an air of confidence when meeting with colleagues and potential clients. Understanding the subtleties of body language makes it easier to improve your own.

Simply pay attention to what you say and do.

Be Aware of Your Movements

It is important to be aware of your movements and what they mean. The best way to do this, however, is to make sure that the movements are genuine. Faked body language typically looks disjointed and unnatural. People can subconsciously pick up on these movements.

Tips:

Relax: Try to relax and implement open body language. This will help prevent any nervous body signals.
Watch your hands: Use comfortable gestures when talking. Do not hide your hands, and try to avoid fidgeting or touching your face.
Eye contact: Maintain eye contact, but do stare at people.
Smile: Avoid fake smiles. Give genuine smiles to instill trust.
Watch your head: Look ahead; tilting is submissive. Nod occasionally to signal your interest.

The Power of Confidence

Improve body language by increasing personal confidence. Everyone has a personal level of confidence that is evident in body language. There are simple ways that can help improve confidence and body language.

Tips:

Exercise: A strong body will boost personal confidence. It can also improve posture.
Dress: Our appearance affects our confidence. Dressing well will help improve our selfesteem.
Posture: An open posture will induce confidence. It will also improve the way others see you.
Speech: Speak in a confident tone to increase your feelings of confidence. Do not mumble.

Position and Posture

Posture and body position are effective forms of communication. Pay attention to your position and posture and think about what they are communicating.

Posture: Straight posture automatically increases confidence and alertness. Avoid slouching, but remain relaxed.
Position: Open body positions communicate a relaxed and confident demeanor. Closed body positions indicate defensiveness.

Practice in a Mirror

Practice is the key to success. Many people have poor body mechanics. They do not realize the mechanics alter their posture or positions. Practicing body language in front of a mirror will give an accurate evaluation of what you are communicating.

What to Practice:

Note your posture: Pay attention to any tendencies to slouch or hunch over. Practice your posture until it is correct.
Note your gestures: Identify any nervous gestures you use, and consciously try to avoid them.
Practice talking: Your tone should match your gestures and body language.

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