How To Communicate with Confident Body Language

Effective Body Language Tips

Having effective communication skills has evolved into a sort of a requirement to win in life. When it comes to communication, truly action speaks louder than words. In fact, according to Professor Mehrabian, communication comprises 7% verbal cues and 93% non-verbal cues. The non-verbal component was made up of body language which is 55% and tone of voice with 38%.

Body language is one of the most important factors in communication. These are a set of non-verbal signs that you communicate to others. Your body language is also the signal that indicates how others should perceive you and treat you. Discover the nonverbal communication secrets that you should be aware of in order to skyrocket your success.

1. Maintain Open Body Language As Much As Possible

When you talk to someone, avoid displaying closed body language such as crossing your arms. Closed body language is associated with nervousness, fear, and lack of confidence. On a subconscious level, the person that you are talking to will pick up on that. Here’s what you should do instead:

• Have a relaxed and straight posture with your legs slightly apart. This emanates a sense of being relaxed, confident, and calm. This will not only benefit the impression that you’re giving out, but it also boosts your confidence by pumping testosterone throughout your body which ensures that you come across as more enthusiastic.
• Avoid slouching at all times.

2. Hidden Powers of Nodding

The simple act of nodding has profound effects on your confidence. Research shows that nodding increases your likeability and approachability towards others (Takayuki Osugi, Jun I. Kawahara, 2017). Nodding also communicates a sign of certitude, which is an apple to the pie of persuasive communication.

Here’s a pro tip:

• Nod while you explain, especially when you want to discreetly demand attention from the person you’re talking to.
• Nod with a little smile when you agree with something.
• Don’t take nodding too far. Too much of something will take you off-track.

3. Hand Gestures Are Crucial in Speech: The Hand-And-Mouth Connection

A study conducted in the field of Cognitive Psychology has proven that hand gestures promote better understanding (Kang, S., and Tversky, B., 2016).

It’s simple, follow these rules:

• Avoid doing anything that detracts attention from your message. Any movement that supplements or amplifies your message is good.
• When trying to express a big idea or something, glance at your hands for a second and then go for piercing eye contact directly with the other person.

4. Eyes, Eyes, Baby!

“There’s something in the way you look at me.” If you’re familiar with this phrase, then we can’t stress how important eye contact is when it comes to projecting confidence in all kinds of human interaction subject to cultural norms. Eyes set the tone of your conversation. People who hold strong eye contact tend to appear more competent and reliable especially in Western cultures. This also exudes a high level of confidence.

• Make eye contact while you speak and while you listen. If you’re not comfortable at first, focus on the upper part of the nose or the forehead.
• Practice making eye-contact with yourself in the mirror and figure out what’s effective. Too much eye contact can appear aggressive in some situations so beware of that.

5. Avoid Unpleasant Lip Movements: What Your Lips Say About You

Your lips say a lot about you. Some lip movements may connote a negative signal to the other person. An example for this is puckering your lips to the side while listening to a person.

• Avoid voluntary lip twitching because it indicates cynicism and disbelief. Smile and nod more often instead.
• Do not purse your lips. This could be an indication of tension. This signals a sense of frustration and disapproval.
• Remember these three rules: teeth together, lips together, and tongue on the roof of your mouth.

BONUS TIP:

6. Be Aware of What You Wear

When you feel like you don’t look your best, you’re more likely to display body language that denotes a lack of confidence. If you are feeling insecure and uncomfortable with what you wear, you’ll manifest it on a subconscious level, making you exhibit “slack” mannerisms without even realizing it.

• Wear comfortable clothing. Make sure you feel confident with what you wear.
• Avoid constantly adjusting your clothes
• Refrain from constantly touching and holding onto your clothes.

Knowledge is not power until you apply it. Good luck applying some of these tips and bolstering your body language appeal.

“Your body language shows what kind of person you are.” - Antony Alex