You can communicate much and never say a word. Your clients, colleagues and boss can pick up on your tone simply by observing your body language. If you’re sitting with crossed arms and you yawn during a meeting, you may come across as indifferent. If you’re making eye contact and nodding, you can show you’re listening and eager to engage in conversation.
You can also communicate confidence through your body language, says journalist and professor, Vivian Giang. Knowing how to exude self-confidence is especially important when you’re meeting with prospects or clients. Buyers need to have confidence in your abilities before they commit to working with you.
So, how can you use your body language to show confidence? Keep reading this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, where we share Giang’s seven tips.
1. Assume an assertive posture. If you’re standing, stand tall with your feet shoulder width apart. Distribute your weight equally on both legs. If you’re seated, plant your feet firmly on the floor. You should be able to stand up without leaning forward first, adds Giang.
2. Use power poses. Different poses work in different situations. For example, when you’re closing a deal, Giang suggests placing both your hands on the table and leaning forward to show you’re engaged. If you’re going into a presentation, try the power pose of throwing your hands in the air and standing with your feet wide apart for a few moments.
3. Stay mindful of your hands. You can convey confidence simply by keeping your palms open and your fingers together, says Giang. If you’re pointing at something, point with an open palm and fingers together.
4. Relax your face. Do people tend to think you’re angry based on your facial expression? Try to relax your muscles or smile more often when you’re meeting people, suggests Giang.
5. Watch your eye contact. If your eyes dart around or you don’t make eye contact for long, you’re not projecting the confidence you want. Instead, strive for appropriate eye contact for the situation. This is a way to show that you’re honest, approachable and confident.
6. Mirror others’ body language. Another way you can convey confidence through your body language is to simply mirror the person you’re speaking with. If the other person is sitting in a certain way, try sitting like them. If the other person speaks slowly, Giang recommends matching their pace and volume. These small adjustments show that you are interested in the other person and want to build a connection with them.
7. Don’t fidget. Small things like tapping your foot or fidgeting with your pen can be unproductive when you want to show confidence. If you do these things because you’re nervous, Giang suggests taking a few deep breaths to calm your nerves.
Your body language plays a key role in how others perceive you. You can send a message of self-assuredness and enthusiasm—or one of indifference or nervousness. The good news is that you can learn to pay attention to your body language. When you spot little things like crossed arms or tapping feet, you can make adjustments that will help you convey confidence to others.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Vivian Giang is a journalist for The New York Times and an adjunct professor at New York University.