The most powerful messages aren’t always spoken. Long before you say a word, your body announces your confidence and credibility. For example, a steady stance or a moment of stillness can shape how others feel about what you say. Whether you’re meeting with prospects or leading a team, your presence can amplify your message or quietly undermine it.
According to Andy Harrington, the founder of The Professional Speakers Academy, body language is the silent language of leadership. It’s not about performing but about making sure your body and words are aligned. This is how you can show your authenticity and get your message to land.
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we highlight Harrington’s tips for using body language to communicate confidence.
Record and review yourself. You might be unaware of your habitual body language. Harrington suggests recording a practice sales pitch or team talk and then reviewing it. This can highlight incongruencies and reveal areas for adjustment.
Anchor your confidence physically. Before presenting or leading, Harrington recommends adopting a “power pose” for a few moments. Stand tall, breathe deeply and open your chest. Research suggests this primes both your body and mind for confidence.
Slow down. Nervous energy often translates into rushed speech and jittery movements, he says. Deliberate pauses and slower gestures communicate authority.
Use gestures that illustrate and emphasize. Aim to be purposeful rather than fidgety. According to Harrington, open-handed movements convey transparency and honesty, while sharp, deliberate gestures can underline key points.
Align intention with expression. Harrington says you should ask yourself: What do I want my team/audience to feel right now? Then let your body reflect that intention.
Practice congruent transitions. When shifting from problems to solutions, Harrington says your posture, expression and location shift, too. This physical transition reinforces the mental one.
Pay attention to proximity and presence. Harrington points out that where you position yourself matters. For example, sitting among your team members during collaboration signals equality and inclusion. Standing at the head of the table when making a decisive announcement reinforces authority.
The way you make eye contact and the way you stand and move around a room impact whether people simply hear you or truly feel your message. When you align your posture, gestures and tone with authentic intent, you can convey confidence and create connection.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Andy Harrington is the founder of The Professional Speakers Academy and Sunday Times best-selling author of Passion Into Profit.
