Using your body language to make a great impression

Your body language says a lot more about you than you might think. You’ve probably heard this before, your non-verbal communication and appearance makes up 55 per cent of your communication. So if you are in the midst of a sales presentation or in the board room, the successful outcome of that meeting depends to a great degree on your approach and overall body language.

Just like you do, others too form up to 90 per cent of their opinion about you in the first 4 minutes and 60-80 per cent of that is non-verbal.

Here are 8 ways to use your body language to make a great first impression. 

1. Maintain eye contact 60-70 per cent of the time

Ever been in the presence of someone who does not look at you during a conversation? If you’re like most people, that probably irritated you. It showed a lack of interest and probably made you wonder if you could trust that person.

Making eye contact is one of the most important aspects of dealing with others, because it shows respect and gives the person a feeling of comfort and genuine warmth in your company. 

2. Mind Your Posture

Your posture tells someone a lot about how you are feeling. Have you noticed how your shoulders droop down when you’re feeling low and how you tend to slouch inwards?

Next time even if you’re feeling a little shaky in front of your customer or your audience, stand tall and you’ll notice that just changing your posture gives you a lift and feels better. 

3. Your smile is priceless

When you smile genuinely at someone, they almost always smile in return. According to psychologist Paula Niedenthal, “a smile-in-response is not just a simple show of camaraderie: In fact, it spurs all the brain activity experienced by the original smiler.”

The smile you get back actually changes that person’s emotional state in a positive way and tells them that you are approachable, cooperative, and trustworthy.

4. Use your head… literally

If you’re looking to portray confidence, keep your head level both horizontally and vertically. You come across more authoritative and people will take you seriously.

When you are trying to be friendly and show that you are listening, lean in and tilt your head slightly to one side or other.

5. Mirror the other person’s posture and expressions

Whether you’re selling a product or an idea, people won’t buy it until they like you first. A great way to build rapport through your body language is by using a technique called mirroring. Mirroring in essence is letting your body subtly take on similar expressions and the posture of the person you’re addressing. 

For instance, is the person leaning back? Are they smiling?  If you lean back and smile too, you are mirroring them. Often times we do it unconsciously.

Mirroring is a way to make the other person feel understood and accepted and hence builds rapport. Word of caution, use this technique very subtly or you risk being offensive. 

6. The way you place your arms implies your openness

You’ve probably heard this before, “don’t cross your arms in front of others.” It’s almost like you’ve put up a wall between the two of you and are saying, “I am not open to what you have to say.” So keep your hands to the side or behind your back to show you’re receptive and open to taking on whatever comes your way. When you tend to use your arms as you talk, you appear more outgoing. 

7. Don’t shuffle your feet

Nothing shows your nervousness more than shuffling your feet. If you are in a sales conversation or a meeting, keep your legs still so you come across confident instead of stressed out or deceptive. 

8. Listen with your body and not just your ears

Pay attention when someone is talking to you. We were all taught this when we were little. In the world of WhatsApp and email we seem to have conveniently forgotten this golden rule. Multitasking when someone is speaking to you may make you feel important, however not only is it annoying it is extremely rude.

If you truly want someone to open up and talk to you, get off your phone and pay attention. If you’re in a meeting, it is against all business etiquette, yes even today, to be on your phone.

The person speaking will notice your behaviour as will the rest of the group and there’s a good chance they’ll be resentful. So please avoid the temptation to check your text messages or your watch. Make eye contact, lean in, and nod to show you’re really listening present and truly engaged.

Bring in the ‘whole of you’ in a conversation, not just your words to really make a great, lasting impression. The 93 per cent does matter after all.