How can your body language signal confidence and increase your salary during a phone call?

While body language is typically associated with in-person interactions, there are aspects of vocal delivery and tone that can influence how confident and assertive you come across during a phone call. Enunciate your words clearly and avoid speaking too quickly. Speaking at a measured pace can convey confidence. Avoid using filler words such as "um" or "uh" and pause instead if you need a moment to collect your thoughts. Even though the other person can't see you, smiling while speaking can affect the tone of your voice, making you sound more friendly and confident. Remember that confidence is not only about how you sound but also about how well you know your subject matter and how prepared you are for the conversation.

Maintain an upright posture, speak with a steady tone, and use confident gestures. Express enthusiasm, provide concise responses, and actively listen. Projecting confidence enhances your professional image, influencing positive outcomes, including salary negotiations.

Walk Around: If you're on a mobile device, walking around can boost your energy levels. A dynamic, energetic tone can convey confidence and assertiveness.

for video meetings: do blur your background / use a preset background unless you are prepared to get questions possibly about your surroundings!

One thing I emphasize in addition to preparing your area is to prepare yourself. Treat a phone interview just like an in person interview, dress accordingly, prepare accordingly. This will help put you in the right mindset to crush your interview!

How I negotiated a 12% higher salary and higher job title. Sit in a confident position with your shoulders back, making eye contact, smiling, speaking clear & concise. Articulate the 2 or 3 specific reasons you are worthy of the increased pay. Make sure they are specific to the team/project you will be tasked with and what additional qualities or expertise you bring. Example: I have assisted in transforming two finance departments prior to this position. I feel my prior success demonstrates my ability to deliver quality results. I am excellent at presentations which assists us in getting executive buy-in internally and externally. As an Analyst and Consultant, I have repeatedly found gaps others could not to streamline processes.

I would not say "Do not fidget", just make sure they cannot see it on the camera. Some of us need certain coping mechanisms and struggle to stay sitting still which is just fine!

It can be hard to get your body to signal "confident" when you're feeling "nervous". Before sitting down for the interview take some time to reconnect with your body in a way that feels natural and lets you release any nervous tension. This could be a short walk, holding a plank pose or a squat, or even putting on your favorite song and having a dance-like-no-one-is-watching party before your call starts. Just try not to overdo it, because then you'll feel sweaty.

Sit or stand with an upright posture and be aware to maintain that throughout, use a confident tone, maintain good eye contact (even during a phone call or video call picture as it is happening now itself physically), and speak clearly and assertively (point forms are effective as well) to convey confidence and potentially influence a positive salary outcome.

They can "hear" if you smile during a call!! This is such a biggie! People normally adapt to how they are spoken to - just handle the conversation and tone of voice as you would wish them to answer you and the rest will follow!

in case you have 2-3 screens - pay attention to position the meeting onto the screen you have your webcam on! Otherwise, you will look like you are not looking at your conversation partner.

One thing I like to emphasize is to practice, practice, then practice some more. Use the same programs, equipment the interviewer will use and practice. If you can find a friend, mentor, or better yet a coach to help you will be better prepared. If not practice and record. Notice I say practice, not rehearse! It’s not a dress rehearsal, there are no memorized lines. It’s about you and your success stories showing the hiring manager the value you provide!