How can you avoid body language mistakes that damage your credibility?

One thing I’ve found helpful is using your hands to help you illustrate when speaking or keeping them open and at your side when listening to others. Crossing your arms can come off as even aggressive to someone who has experienced this behavior in the past so it is important to be aware and in tune with how you present yourself and hold good posture as well.

First, avoid excessive fidgeting. Nervous habits like tapping your foot, playing with objects, or constantly shifting can indicate anxiety or lack of focus. Aim for calm and composed body movements. Second, Be mindful of personal space. Invading someone's personal space can make them feel uncomfortable or defensive. Maintain an appropriate distance unless given cues otherwise. 3rd, everyone has different nervous habits, such as biting nails, twirling hair, or playing with jewelry. If you identify and manage your habits it will make you appear more composed and professional.

Additionally, incorporating engaging gestures such as nodding, smiling, or pointing can further reinforce our positive body language. These actions demonstrate active listening, interest, and enthusiasm, making us appear more receptive and confident in our interactions. It's important to remember that effective body language extends beyond merely avoiding negative cues. A conscious effort to use positive body language can significantly boost our interpersonal skills and foster stronger connections.

Research suggests that fidget tools were originally created with the intention of aiding focus and concentration. Neurodivergent individuals, who exhibit cognitive differences like ADHD or autism, can benefit from using such tools to enhance their ability to concentrate. Studies have demonstrated that fidgeting can facilitate cognitive performance and information processing (Tucha et al., 2011). Furthermore, a review by Schwenk et al. (2018) indicated that fidgeting can increase sustained attention and improve working memory. Therefore, it is advisable for neurodivergent individuals to utilise fidget tools as an effective means to support their focus and concentration (Smith et al., 2020).

A great example of when to practice this is when providing feedback or receiving it. Whether it’s from a manager or a subordinate, you want to maintain eye contact in a respect manner remembering to blink or react accordingly to the emotion in the conversation. Avoid blankly staring into their eyes but maintaining a healthy eye contact to let them know you are listening and the conversation is important to you.

This is a must. Having a slouch definitely conveys an appearance of disinterest. Posture, have an open and energized aura and eye contact is a must as well. We all possess an image ability to distinguish between someone who actually cares versus someone phoning it in. One last suggestion is to keep in mind the three keys to effective speaking; Tone. Volume and Cadence.

This is great advice. Instead of leaning back, consider leaning in. This shows that you are interested and engaged in the conversation. Sometimes leaning back after leaning in can mean that you are thinking about what has been said. If you do that, consider leaning in again to show your engagement in what is being said.

A good rule of thumb for creating a healthy distance and respecting personal space is at least arm’s length between you and the other person. This way you are close enough to hear the conversation and make eye contact but not close enough to make them uncomfortable, possibly touch them, or even accidentally laugh, cough, or sneeze in their space.

As is noted, the “appropriate” amount of personal distance between two people is determined based on several factors that must be taken into consideration together. Accurately reading body language can be taught; however, many have an inherent skill that we can really hone in to use in our daily interactions to meet or move toward our goals. Not having to think about these factors when actively listening and interacting creates genuine, comfortable interactions that can help meet your or your team’s goals faster and efficiently. Practice with friends and family while assessing. How well do you know them? What setting are you in? What is the context of the conversation? Have they moved toward you or away? Management and peers will take note.

The article should be more neurodivergent-friendly. Implying that certain ways of working or body language damage credibility is unhelpful and exclusionary. It's important to promote inclusivity and understanding of diverse perspectives.

These skills are important for those in the neurodivergent community to at least have some, if not a complete, grasp of. I do agree that it is important for interviewers to know that just because a candidate doesn't display these desired behaviors doesn't mean the candidate is bored, stressed, etc. However the working world remains a mixed bag and it's important for all workers to know a little regarding what "language" interviewers want to see.

I actually agree with the article as there are solid take aways. Humans aren't robots nor are we perfect but we can learn to modify behaviors to be seen in a better light. Who of us doesn't want to improve our connection with others.

While understanding body language can be valuable in communication, it's important to recognise that neurodivergent individuals may not interpret these cues in the same way. Their inability to pick up on body language does not indicate inattentiveness. Instead, we should prioritise clear verbal communication, empathy, and respect for diverse communication styles. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone feels understood and valued, regardless of their ability to perceive nonverbal cues.

Taking a behavior analysis course changed the way I perceive body language. I am always aware whether I’m the person speaking or listening or both. A person can convey so much about what they are thinking (and may not want to reveal) by watching movements. For example, is that smile is genuine? Look at their eyebrows and the rest of the face. Do they match? If not, maybe something else is going on. When they sat down did they move the chair closer or further away? Are they looking at you when talking or do they wait until they finish to look up? They sound confident in what they’re saying but maybe this topic is actually uncomfortable. I now look at body language in every conversation. It’s helped me personally and professionally.

Something I’ve found helpful is to just be present! Show you care and have uninterrupted time with the person your are speaking with! Give them the utmost respect to speak and give them a listening ear!

To avoid damaging body language, I suggest to dress appropriately for the situation. If your dressed professionally, use eye contact and stay at a reasonable distance, hold your head high and be confident but not to cocky with words. Others will know you hold your self at high standards and that is what makes others not judge in a negative manner.

Listening empathetically, acknowledging and holding space with intense feelings can be important where opinions are strongly held. This approach can also be a helpful way to build rapport and move forward together past what otherwise may have become a roadblock or dead end in communication.