10 Body Language Tips for Success

10 Body Language Tips for SuccessYou can talk a good game, but if you dont back it up with body language that says, Im confident and know what Im talking about, theres a good chance you wont get the professional consideration you deserve. Think of body language as an extension of your work dress code. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) These 10 tips will help you perfect that extra layer of confidence in interviews, meetings, or conversations with colleagues.1. Dont slouch.Slumping is one of the biggest underminers of strong body language. It suggests youre disinterested or unkoranvers of yourself. So make sure you sit up straight, and keep those shoulders up and slightly back (leid hunched around your ears).2. Shake hands like a pro.The best handshake is strong, but doesnt crush. If you grip too tightly, it can be interpreted as a sign of aggression. If you barely grip at all, it suggests youre timid or afraid of confrontation. Extend your right hand to the shake-ee with your palm flat and perpendicular to the ground (with your thumb straight up if you need a guide to help you remember the stance). Do 2-3 hearty pumps, be sure to make eye contact while youre greeting the person, and then withdraw your hand. Dont linger too long, or it can get a little awkward.3. Unclench the fists.If you find yourself clenching your fists while talking to someone, loosen up. Clenched fists suggest anger or being closed off to the conversation, even if youre not doing it on purpose. Try to keep your hands loose. If you need something to occupy them, try taking notes, holding them casually in your lap, or keeping your arms relaxed at your sides. If youre looking to join a brawl, be sure to put those dukes up. In a normal conversation, not so much.4. Loosen those limbs.Crossed arms are a great way to say I dont want to be here or I dont want to hear what youre saying. They close you off from the person whos talking. Instead of crossing your arms, try to hold them loosely at your sides, elbows slightly bent, or hold them gently in your lap.5. The eyes have it.The right level of eye contact can be a toughie, especially if youre someone who has trouble with it due to shyness or whatever reason. Practice is really the key here. Spend time talking casually with a friend or family member and ask them questions about your level of eye contact. That way, you can find out what you may be doing unconsciously, and find a style thats comfortable for you.Blinking too much can indicate nervousness, while blinking too little can seem like an aggressive challenge to a staring contest. Try to find a middle groundand while talking with others, be conscious of your blink rate and how the other person is responding.6. Keep your emotions in check.No matter how annoying or wrong your coworkers statement may be, dont roll your eyes or let a scowl show on your face. Try to stay neutral while youre talking to the person. Vent later if you need to, but your facial expressions can show disrespect and sandbag your relationship with the person. Its especially important to keep a neutral expression if youre talking to a higher-up at work or an interviewer.7. Dont fidget.Personally, I find this one the hardestmy hands just want to be doing something all the time, whether Im hanging out and having a casual conversation or talking in a meeting. Moving your hands a lot or playing with your hair/watch/etc. can be distracting to the listener, and undermine what youre trying to say. If you need to be doing something, try taking notes. If it helps to keep your hands still, fold them in your lap or on the table in front of you.8. Dont be a bobblehead.Nodding too vigorously makes you look too anxious to agree or like youre agreeing to something without really listening.9. Face the music.Try to face the person youre talking to head-on. Turning away makes the person think youre disinterested or trying to hide something. Facing the p erson with good listening posture shows youre engaged in the conversation.10. Dont be a clockwatcher.If your eyes keep drifting over to the clock, the person youre talking to is likely to notice and feel either insulted or rushedneither which makes for a productive discussion.No matter what youre saying, your body language can betray (or bolster) your words. If you ooze confidence, calm, and competence, your words will carry so much more weight.