How can you use your posture to convey interest when networking?

Classic body language - facing and maintaining eye contact ...which I know isn't always comfortable for everyone. So I would suggest being aware of your feet. If they are pointing towards the person you're talking to, you are showing your intent and interest. If they are pointing elsewhere, they are showing your intention to leave or speak to someone else. You may not be fully aware of this but others might. We talk with our whole body....

Posture is so important to communication, especially in often noisy networking locations. In situations where large body movements and positioning may be lost, like seated at dinner or on a Zoom call, make sure you use a gentle head tilt in addition to eye contact. Head tilt should be slight, and accompany a friendly eye contact. Too deep a tilt or shifting eye contact can be too submissive. Keep the eye contact warm and look into only one eye for the amount of time it takes you to note their eye contact. Then you can break contact if needed. That amount of time is enough to create a connect without being too intrusive.

Body language is an essential part of networking that enables us to convey our feelings, thoughts, and intentions to others. It is the nonverbal aspect of communication that reflects our authentic feelings and emotions, and it plays a significant role in networking. The three main types of body language are facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact, but other factors such as posture and personal space can also communicate information and foster relationships.

Agree, but remember: in networking, avoid overthinking. Your goal should always be authenticity, not maintaining a rigid stance.

Maximizing posture at networking events is crucial for making a positive impression. What I usually do is to maintain an upright and confident posture, standing tall with my shoulders back. This projects confidence and professionalism. I also use eye contact to demonstrates attentiveness and sincerity. It is very important to avoid crossing your arms, as it can be perceived as defensive. I recommend to keep your body open to signal approachability. Offer a firm handshake when greeting someone with a genuine smile will be a secure tip always. It is also important to maintain good posture while listening. This shows that you are actively engaged in the conversation and value what the other person is saying.

A slight lean towards the person you are conversing with demonstrates that you are fully engaged in listening to what the other person is saying. This physical gesture reinforces the psychological aspect of active listening.

The major way I've been successful in networking environments is to keep it natural and genuine. If you are being your authentic self, it's easier to be engaging and not superficial. I also like to compliment the person I'm talking to on at least one thing and then relate to them on why you like it. Perhaps you have something similar or it evokes a fond memory. That way, you're leveling the playing field and making the conversation an interchange.

These gestures encourage continued dialogue and subtly elevate the speaker’s confidence, fostering a psychologically supportive and engaging exchange.

I learned to smile a lot from my Salsa dancing days. A smiling person automatically seems more beautiful and approachable. And, as long as it's used genuinely and to the right degree, it's a silent invitation for the other person to open up and share. It works wonders!

Not only is nodding your head a sign of agreement, you’re also sending them positive messages about who you are and that they like you. A simple nod from you, is a “yes” from them. It’s a tactic often used in sales, yet in networking, we’re often selling our personalities.

Along with the non-verbal skills of nodding and smiling it is imperative to being an active listener, and sometimes even a loud listener! Don't be afraid to periodically repeat notable statements or ask probing questions that encourage the speaker to provide additional details and delve deeper into the topic. However, make sure not to interrupt or interject your own thoughts too soon. Allow the person to fully finish expressing their perspective before responding. Genuinely allowing your conversation partner to hold the stage, only chiming in once you are certain they have conveyed all their thoughts, creates an open and trusting dialogue. When it's your turn, you'll have gained fuller context and insights to make your own contribution.

Mirroring is a delicate dance of empathy and alignment, where you mirror just enough to resonate with their feelings and attitudes, without overstepping into imitation.

I learned mirroring from NLP. While it works, it can also be a double-edged sword. When you use mirroring, you risk being found trying to manipulate the interaction, and that's not a cool spot to be in!... It's best to smile, listen deeply, and ask curious questions. This creates a space of trust and intimacy where mirroring starts occurring naturally. It's a much better choice!

Historically, open palms signal welcome and receptivity. The gesture is natural for me, as it should be for anyone interested in making quality connections, not strategic or contrived. Subtlety is essential to the open-palm approach. In a networking setting, I often balance the opening of my palm by turning my shoulder inward, enabling me to strike the right angle for a handshake. I rotate my right hand (palm facing the other person). I'm known to add a nod of approval while maintaining eye contact and a warm smile. People are more hip to body language these days. They notice the little things. With greater emphasis on F2F interactions in driving business decisions, we should be conscious of how others perceive and interpret us.

One of the most important lessons I learned as Exec. Director of the Maui Writers Conference was there’s a TANGIBLE way to tell if someone’s truly interested in you. Watch their eyebrows. If their eyebrows are crunched up, it means they’re confused and confused people don’t keep listening. If their eyebrows are unmoved, it means they’re unmoved (or they’ve had Botox). If their eyebrows are up, it means they’re curious, intrigued. So when you’re networking, if you want people to know you’re genuinely listening to what they’re saying … raise your eyebrows. It will animate your energy. You will LOOK and FEEL more intrigued - which is a win for both of you. - Sam Horn, author of Got Your Attention?

Some more parameters to consider Facial expressions, Our Face can express a myriad of emotions without uttering a word. And unlike some other forms, facial expressions are the same everywhere. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures. Eye Contact, The way we look at someone can communicate many things, such as interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. It is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person's interest and response. Space, We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship and they can signal intimacy or dominance.

Maintaining eye contact & Nodding gently to communicate that you are listening, is a simple way in addition to maintaining a sense of curiosity through raised eyebrows and open standing position facing the speaker at a distance which is comfortable for both.

Non-verbal cues like posture are just as important as verbal ones. This slight body movement can communicate a lot about your approachability and willingness to connect on a deeper level.

?? Innovative Networking Posture Tips ?? 1?? Half-Turn Technique: Angle your body slightly sideways in conversations for a less confrontational, inviting atmosphere. 2?? Belly Button Rule: In groups, aim your belly button at who you're most interested in. It subtly shows focus and engagement. 3?? Power Pose: Adopt a confident stance, like hands on hips, before mingling. It elevates your confidence and approachability. 4?? Head Tilt: Tilt your head when listening, signaling empathy and making others feel heard. 5?? Observer Stance: Keep a relaxed posture, like hands in pockets with thumbs out, to demonstrate ease and confidence. ?? These expert tips can transform your networking! For more body language insights, feel free to reach out.