Studies show that one’s level of emotion and confidence are dictated by your body language. By improving your body language, you can have an advantage in your career, from presentations, negotiations, and client meeting.
What are some simple body language tricks you can do to step up your career? How can you make a difficult task easier, persuade people and encourage more collaboration between your colleagues?
Here are some ways where you can use body language to influence career success:
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When doing a presentation, do not stand with your feet close together. It will give the impression that you don’t have any idea of what you’re saying. Instead, take a wide stance, relax your knees, and put your weight on your lower body. People will think you are confident.
When you stand with your feet close together, you can seem hesitant or unsure of what you are saying.
Before facing a client meeting or an interview for a promotion, it’s important to talk to yourself with confidence. Remember positive things that happened to you. Gain confidence from previous success stories of the company which you have contributed to. This emotion will help you go through anything.
Keep your posture straight, shoulders at the back and head up high. This makes you sure of yourself. You will look more powerful and add up to the impression that you know what you are doing. If seated, you can widen your arms away from your body, feet flat on the floor, and spread out your belongings on the table to claim territory.
Eye contact is essential when in a business meeting. It makes a connection between you and the client or colleague. You must maintain eye contact 50-60% of the time. Career experts suggest that when greeting a business colleague, you can look in their eyes until you notice its colour.
There are certain high power poses which are scientifically proven to increase levels of testosterone or the hormone which is responsible for power and dominance. When you strike a power pose for just 2 minutes, your body will produce fewer levels of cortisol (stress hormone).
Before an important business meeting, strike a power pose and you will find yourself feeling more confident and more eager to take risks.
The quality of your voice can be a factor on how people perceive you. Individuals with high pitched voices are less empathic, less powerful and more nervous than those with low pitched voices. Before accepting a huge telephone call, take time to say “Um hum, um hum, um hum.” This relaxes your voice and helps you attain your optimal pitch.
Rubbing your hand together, playing with your jewelry, or bouncing your feet are some nervous gestures which you need to avoid while in a meeting or presentation. These gestures will make you look like you’re nervous and not calm. Rather, place your feet firmly on the floor, hands on your lap or the desk.
SEE ALSO: 7 Traits That Will Help You Get That Promotion
Gesture is integrally linked to speech. When you talk and make gestures, it boosts your way of thinking. You can practice hand gestures for meetings and you will find that the use of speech fillers like “uhm” and “uh” will be decreased.
While doing hand gestures, it’s important to keep your movements relaxed. Open arm gestures that show the palm of your hands is a sign of credibility. These individuals are perceived to be more positive and persuasive.
Science says that human brain prefers happy faces. Smiling gives off an approachable and trustworthy vibe and stimulates the well-being of people around you.
Research suggests that the orbitofrontal cortices were more active with retention when the individual is smiling at them. Facial expressions trigger corresponding feelings. Means, when you smile, the other person will also smile back. It fosters a positive exchange of energy for both of you.
This power signal is commonly used by politicians and lecturers when they are trying to make an important point. The tips of your fingers touch, but the palms are separated.
Cultivating a great handshake is important especially to people you just met through a business meeting. It can give you credibility and the wrong one can cost you a job.
Good posture doesn’t only apply while you stand up or sit down. You should also take note of the way you walk. Make sure your shoulders are pulled back and chin up. Your stride must be at least one feet apart. You must walk directly toward the person you are meeting while maintaining eye contact and side glances.
A vital part of speech is focusing on your breath. If the audience to your presentation asks you a question, before responding, you must breathe deeply and speak on exhale.
This will clear your head and calm you down. Before the interview or meeting, you can take 10 deep breaths to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
A good way to show attentiveness apart from eye contact is to nod your head while listening. Showing the client or your boss that you pay attention and listens well is an added positive point.
Do you know any other body language tips to power up your career? Share with us below.
Also, here are some resourceful ‘Elevator Pitch’ tips:
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