Body Language Secrets Behind Successful People
One must perfect nonverbal communication, especially body language, in order to succeed. In fact, it's possible to make the case that body language is sometimes even more significant than voice language since it intuitively expresses real feelings when words would not.
Popular TV programs like "Lie to Me," best-selling books like "The Definite Book of Body Language," and a significant number of websites devoted to this subject are all due to this awareness. Every successful person is aware of a list of 10 body language secrets, and we are here to share them with you.
We did this because we recognize that people yearning for success in numerous areas, such as business and relationships, are utilizing this new wave of nonverbal communication. You may drive yourself toward success by practicing these techniques in your day-to-day activities without ever having to say a word.
10 aspects of body language that a successful person is aware of:
1. Do: Smile Appropriately
While some may consider smiling to be basic, it is, in fact, fundamental. We all know that a smile can instantly gain trust and acceptance from others. However, the key lies in knowing when it is appropriate.
Smiling is suitable when meeting someone new or giving feedback to a superior, but not when discussing failures or shortcomings.
Smiling in inappropriate situations can convey insecurity and a lack of confidence. Therefore, it is crucial to know when to smile, as it is a fundamental key to success.
2. Don't: Give a Weak Handshake
A weak handshake is a sign of submission when first interacting with someone, and it is not conducive to success. Whether it is a job interview, a business meeting, or a potential partnership, a weak handshake reflects weakness, which is not a trait associated with success.
However, it is essential not to take it to an extreme and turn it into a squeezing match. As a bonus tip, when shaking hands with someone, subtly rotate your wrist so that your hand is slightly on top of theirs, subconsciously displaying dominance.
3. Do: Utilize the Facial Triangle
Active listening is highly valued, demonstrating respect, interest, and trust. While maintaining solid eye contact can be effective, it can also be overly intense.
You can decrease the intensity of your look while simultaneously demonstrating that you are paying close attention to their lips by using the so-called "facial triangle," which entails switching between your two eyes and your mouth.
This method's versatility allows it to be used in any direct communication situation and can greatly increase other people's trust in you in the following ways:
3.1. Micro-expressions:
they are brief facial expressions that reveal fleeting emotions. Successful people are skilled at reading micro-expressions in others, allowing them to gauge their audience's reactions and respond accordingly. In order to prevent transmitting the wrong signals, they are also aware of their own microexpressions and take care to control them. The facial triangle allows you to fine-tune those microexpressions to perfection.
3.2. Congruence:
Successful individuals understand the importance of unity between their verbal and nonverbal communication. They ensure that their facial triangle aligns with their words, tone, and overall message. They avoid mixed signals or inconsistencies that can lead to misinterpretation or mistrust. Applying the facial triangle technique correctly makes all of this much simpler.
4. Don't: Rub Your Palms, Face, or Neck
Rubbing one's palms, face, or neck is a universal sign of anxiety and stress, which conveys an inability to handle the task at hand or a lack of confidence in oneself, and this is not a trait associated with success.
Successful individuals do not exhibit such behaviors publicly, as they strive to display confidence and strength even when faced with challenging circumstances.
5. Do: Steeple Your Hands
Adopting the trademark gesture of steepling your hands can be highly effective if you want to project an image of being interesting, intelligent, and confident.
Also known as the "Merkel-Raute," politicians favor this gesture as it is believed to convey trustworthiness in handling important responsibilities. This gesture works particularly well in formal environments, and using it when interacting with superiors can significantly boost your credibility.
It is important to note that lowering your steeple mid-conversation can indicate a sudden loss of confidence, so it is advisable to maintain the gesture throughout the conversation.
6. Avoid: Displaying Excessive Agreeability
While it is essential to maintain a professional rapport with others, including superiors and subordinates, pretending to agree when you actually disagree can be detrimental.
It is not advisable to nod uncontrollably or silently accept blame from your boss. Instead, do not hesitate to show a curious or bewildered expression when false statements are made, and follow up with your reasons.
It is crucial to express dissent when necessary, as avoiding it may indicate a lack of discernment or competence.
7. Do: Assume a Confident Posture
Indeed, the power pose is a go-to stance for superheroes, and research has shown why. It not only gives off an air of certainty and authority in the eyes of others, but it also makes you feel more confident.
It has been shown that performing power poses before high-stakes scenarios raises testosterone levels and lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. Successful individuals in the business world understand the immense power of posture, as it enhances self-confidence and influences others' opinions of you.
8. Avoid: Turning Away from Your Conversation Partner
This behavior can convey a range of negative impressions, including fear, anxiety, distrust, ignorance, or contempt.
Avoiding eye contact and not facing the person you are engaging with can hinder your chances of success.
Body language plays a significant role in communication; turning away from your conversation partner can convey negative non-verbal cues.
It can signal that you are closed off, unapproachable, or uninterested in the conversation. This can hinder effective communication and create barriers to building rapport and trust.
Also, turning away from your conversation partner can be perceived as disrespectful, especially in professional settings or formal interactions.
It can indicate a lack of regard for the other person's opinions or perspectives and negatively impact the relationship and professional image.
Successful individuals prioritize showing respect and consideration towards others, and they avoid behaviors that can be interpreted as disrespectful.
Success is often a result of teamwork, and building a team that respects and values you is crucial. Ignoring or dismissing others is unacceptable, as you would not appreciate being treated this way.
9. Do: Maintain Good Posture
Posture speaks volumes about an individual's professionalism and demeanor. Slouching or habitually staring down at your phone when standing or sitting down might harm your level of respect as well as your general looks and health.
When you are slouching or your head is continually pointing downward, it is difficult for people to see you as an equal or superior.
Maintaining appropriate posture will increase your physical stature, which will also improve your character and possibly further your career.
10. Avoid: Exaggerating Your Gestures
Overly flamboyant gestures can be perceived as lacking in seriousness and may convey the opposite of what you intend, such as enthusiasm or confidence.
It is not necessary to be excessively animated in order to come across as energetic or enthusiastic. In fact, being reserved can be seen as a sign of maturity and mystery.
Successful individuals understand the importance of maintaining a balanced and measured demeanor to command respect.
While it is natural to want to appear energetic in a job interview, excessive gestures can be overwhelming and counterproductive.
In Short:
In the world of success, body language has tremendous influence. Successful people are conscious of how their nonverbal clues might affect their interactions and interpersonal connections.
They recognize the need to refrain from excessively amenable conduct, adopt a confident stance, uphold excellent posture, and avoid too animated movements. Successful people can project confidence, demand respect, and build solid professional relationships by mastering certain body language techniques.
So, the next time you're in a scenario with a lot on the line, be aware of your body language and make the most of it. Unleash the potential of nonverbal communication to further your own success!