Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “Wow, he looks like he bleeds money?” If so, this perception you have about the person probably has a lot to do with his/her body language.
Your nonverbal communication is the first clue strangers use to form their first impression of you. Even when we’re not speaking, we’re still communicating with our posture, facial expressions and gestures.
10 Body Language Tips That Exude Charisma
If you want to have successful interactions, you must understand how others perceive us.
These 10 body language tips will not only boost your confidence, they’ll also help you develop habits that will help you exude success and charisma in your life.
1. Sit Up Straight
Slouching is a sign of disrespect because it says that you’re either bored or have no interest of being where you are.
When you sit or stand up straight, you not only fill the space around you in a charismatic way, but you’re also conveying success. This is because being in an upright position with your shoulders back is a power position. People who sit up straight seem confident and ready to take action.
To do this comfortably, relax your shoulders and place your feet less than shoulder length apart. You should feel as though you are leaning back against the back of a chair without having it there.
Next time you feel like slouching, remember that it is a result of collapsing your form – you’re taking up less space and projecting to be powerless.
2. Lean In
When you lean in, people feel as though they are being listened to, which is important. When you respond to the person, you may naturally lean back slightly. This gives the other person a chance to also lean in to show he/she is interested.
3. Make Gestures
Gestures can show people you’re competent.
During a presentation, don’t be afraid to show people what you’re referring to or use your hands to communicate with them. People feel as though you’re personable and know what you’re talking about when they see how comfortable you are with your gestures.
But on the other hand, exaggerating your gestures can imply that you’re stretching the truth. Spreading your arms apart or gesturing with your palms exposed communicates that you have nothing to hide.
4. Laugh, Smile, and Nod
While the business you’re conducting is serious, you don’t have to keep a serious face the entire time. Relax a bit to show people you are paying attention and agree with them.
You can nod when you understand what the person is talking about, smile when you appreciate the person’s thoughts, and laugh when the person makes a joke.
5. Use Appropriate Eye Contact
Eye contact is so important, as long as you use it appropriately. Why do you think people say it’s important to maintain eye contact with the police officer when you’re pulled over? You should be maintaining eye contact 60-70% of the time.
The average length of time that people maintain eye contact is reported to be 7-10 seconds.
Keeping your eyes level with the person you’re communicating with shows them you’re confident and sure of yourself. This will help especially if you’re explaining/presenting a difficult or valuable message.
Remember to not overdo it, though. If you never break eye contact with someone, they may perceive you as awkward or confrontational. Be sure to take breaks by looking away from time to time. Since looking down can make you seem secretive or week, turn your gaze to the side instead.
6. Give a Firm Handshake
Handshakes can tell someone a lot about you. Too loose and you seem incompetent or lack confidence; too hard and you’re aggressive and wound up tight, making it difficult to work with you.
The perfect handshake is one in which you don’t shake the person’s hand, but instead hold the hand and gentle apply pressure. It’s a good idea to wait until the other person lets go because letting go too early can send the message that you’re in a rush.
Weak handshakes are also a sign indicating a lack of authority and confidence. Adapt your handshake to each situation and person, making sure it’s always firm without being aggressive.
7. Mirror the Other Person’s Body Language
People like people who are like them.
Body language can help you seem much more like the person you’re speaking with. Research shows that when we imitate other people’s nonverbal cues, we can actually understand the emotions they are experiencing a lot better. If the person is leaning in, you should do the same.
If the person has a hand on his/her face, you should also do it.
These should be casual movements so the person doesn’t catch on to what you are doing. Plus, mimicking facial expressions will make the other person feel an increase of positive feelings from the interaction.
8. Never Cross Your Arms or Legs
When you cross your arms and legs, it means you’re closed off.
When they are not, it means you’re open to what others are saying.
You’re welcoming them in, which can be quite attractive. Even if you’re smiling or engaged in a nice conversation, the person you’re talking to may get a sense that you’re shutting them out.
Resist that urge to fold your arms if you want others to view you as open-minded and interested in what they are doing or saying.
9. Stand Arm’s Length Away
Standing too close will make people feel uncomfortable, and standing too far away can mean you’re not confident. Standing about arm’s length away will show you are willing to speak to the person and engage.
10. Be Mindful of Your Blinking
This can be a tricky one because blinking is involuntary, and when you try to control it, you may look unnatural. However, blinking too much is a sign you’re uncomfortable with the conversation you’re having with the person.
Try to relax, and if you find yourself blinking more than usual, try closing your eyes for just a moment and reopening to see if it may slow them down.