What do you do if your non-verbal cues are not projecting confidence in the workplace?

As a neurodivergent person, eye contact can be difficult for me. I understand that in a generally neurotypical environment, my preference for no eye contact may be perceived negatively. To give the impression of eye contact, I'll often look at a point that is directly behind a person, instead of directly at them. If I have to think about actually looking in a persons eye, measuring how long I can do so before it may be perceived as confrontational, and then looking away, this can impact my ability to process information. What I will say is that we should jnstead consider what a person is actually saying, and measure them by what they can offer instead of basing this on a 'one-size' body language that can vary based on a number of factors.

Much of the body language/non-verbal cue advice isn't appropriate to apply to people who have other reasons for fidgeting/being overly animated. I am neurodivergent and I fidget because it helps me process information. I move because it helps me focus. I have learned to use expected gestures if I have a planned speech or talk. This becomes somewhat of a routine, i.e., at X point in the presentation, gesture with open hand. It's perfectly fine to put this in your speaker notes to remind you to do it. We must consider the person's actual individual skillset and not just their non-verbal gestures/preconceived notions of how a 'type' of person 'should' move and act. If we don't, we're at risk of excluding people in the workplace.

* Analyze how loud your voice is and choose an even tone, which would be balanced on clarity, warmth, and boldness. * Develop your speech by speaking at a regular rhythm respectively. * Try to employ pitch, tone, and stress when you're speaking so that you can be certain that your statements and proposals are heard, recognized, and understood. * Experiment with different vocal tones and pitches to maintain your audience throughout the course of the presentation. * Try focusing on the area of your vocal tone and delivery by recording yourself while speaking and listening to the recording back.

One thing to consider is that non-verbal cues can be impacted by disability and cultural influences. What appears confident and professional to one person may be overwhelming or not culturally appropriate for another. While I can, as a neurodivergent person, practice on some elements, others will remain difficult (such as eye contact, not fidgeting). Instead, I think we should look at how to measure confidence, integrity, etc. in a way that is more inclusive. For example, what would allow neurodivergent people to feel comfortable and confident at work? Can communicate in a clearer, direct manner? I think by considering how we do this, we can avoid excluding people due to outdated social constructs/restrictive body language markers.