Body language is a funny thing. It’s something we all use every day, often without even realizing it. And yet, for something that is so natural and instinctive, it can also be very hard to master.
Think about it: how many times have you gone into a meeting or gave a presentation only to find yourself feeling nervous and unsure of yourself? Your mind goes blank, your palms start to sweat, and your body betrays you by giving away all the tells that you’re anything but confident.
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to fix this. By making a few small tweaks to your body language, you can project confidence, authority, and warmth—all of which are essential for anyone in the business world. Here are four tips for using body language to boost your personal brand.
- Make eye contact. This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people fail to make proper eye contact when they’re talking to someone. When you’re talking to someone, whether it’s in person or on a video call, resist the urge to look at anything else besides their eyes—no matter how tempting it might be to sneak a peek at your notes or check your phone.
- Smile. A genuine smile can go a long way in making people warm up to you. When you smile, it not only puts the other person at ease, but it also makes you appear more approachable and likable. And who doesn’t want that?
- Stand up straight. Your mother was right when she told you to stand up straight! Good posture conveys confidence and shows that you’re comfortable in your own skin—never a bad thing!
- Use open body language. When we feel closed off or guarded, our body language reflects that by crossing our arms or legs in front of us. This type of body language sends the message that we’re not interested in what the other person has to say or that we’re feeling defensive. If you want people to see you as warm and open, make sure your arms and legs are uncrossed and avoid crossing them in front of your chest area.
Remember, first impressions matter—especially when it comes to building a personal brand. By being aware of your body language and making small tweaks here and there, you can project confidence, authority, and warmth—all key ingredients for anyone looking to boost their personal brand.