Mastering Body Language to Exude Confidence

You might not realize it, but your body language could be saying more about you than your words ever could. While it seems like only psychologists understand body language, research shows that we all subconsciously pick up on even the smallest cues and use this information to form opinions about others. Whether you’re at a job interview or networking, knowing how to use or read body language effectively can be the key to landing a job or impressing your peers. Here are some tips to help you present yourself well, whether you’re in a professional setting or on a first date.

**Hand Gestures**
When you talk with your hands open and palms facing upwards at about a 45-degree angle to your chest, you appear open and honest. If your palms face downwards, it shows you’re confident about what you’re saying. On the other hand, clasped hands, fidgeting, or frequently touching your hair, neck, or face can indicate nervousness. Hand movements that rarely stay still and extend beyond your body’s frame can communicate that you’re disorganized, yet they can also suggest creativity and passion, depending on the context.

**Posture**
Some body language cues are pretty straightforward: shrugged shoulders, for example, show a lack of enthusiasm. But other cues might be less obvious. If you’re standing in front of an audience or at a networking event and cross your feet for balance and confidence, you’re actually signaling your nervousness. To look confident, stand straight with your chin slightly up, shoulders aligned with your earlobes, and legs straight without locking your knees.

**Eye Contact**
Making eye contact is essential, but it needs to be done carefully. Some people try to overcome nervousness by staring intensely into the other person’s eyes, which can come off as unsettling. Instead, make eye contact regularly throughout the conversation. Every ten seconds or so, briefly look at the person’s nose or forehead, then return to their eyes. Avoid looking around the room, as this can make you seem disinterested.

Remember that these are general guidelines, and perceptions can vary. For instance, creative and artistic individuals might be very confident yet fidgety. They might show confidence in their eye contact and posture while using their hands animatedly. So, consider the social and personal context, along with verbal communication and your instincts when interpreting someone else’s body language.