6 Powerful Body Language Hacks for Successful Leaders

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Body language is powerful. It can be used to project confidence, express love, or influence the behavior of others -- all without saying a word. The problem is most people don't know they're sending nonverbal signals. This is especially true for those who are shy or aren't naturally outgoing.

Luckily, there's a lot you can do to improve your nonverbal communication skills through simple awareness and practice. With these easy changes to your body language, you can instantly make yourself appear more confident, powerful, and charismatic.?Here are some exercises you can do to project more confidence through body language.?

1. Open your arms and make eye contact

When people cross their arms in front of their body, they appear closed off and unreceptive. Instead, open your arms and make eye contact. This is the most effective way to invite people into a conversation and show you are open to what they have to say. It might feel awkward at first but try it. Opening your body language shows you are confident, engaged, and receptive. It also projects openness and willingness to engage.?

2. Lean in

People tend to lean back when speaking, but leaning forward is the most effective way to connect with someone. When you lean forward, you tell the other person that they are important and that what they have to say is important to you. It also signals interest, which can help build rapport.

3. Nod with meaning

You can express agreement and understanding through nodding. When someone says something you agree with or find interesting, use a nod to show you are listening.

You can also nod to encourage others to continue their thoughts. This is helpful when someone shares ideas or information with you, and they pause mid-sentence as if they don't know what else to say. Using a nod as encouragement shows you're still interested in what they're saying and encourages them to continue with their thought process so the conversation proceeds smoothly.

4. Use your hands to punctuate points

When presenting, use your hands to emphasize points or make a point or points more memorable. Here are some examples:

? Hold one hand out palm down and then move it up and down to indicate a high-low scale, such as when discussing retail prices.

? Put both hands together in front of your chest, with palms facing each other, to show cooperation and connection.

? Clasp your hands together in front of your torso to show strength and confidence.

5. Take up space

Commanding power and confidence means taking up more physical space. This doesn't mean you should invade people's personal space or act like a big shot. It means when you stand up or sit down, take up more of the room around you. Don't make yourself look small.

Don't hunch over your desk, slouch in your chair, cross your arms across your chest (which makes you look defensive), cross legs (which makes you look closed off), fidget too much (we all do it sometimes), play with your hair (it distracts people from what you are saying), or play with objects on the table. For example, don't fiddle with your pen or phone -- or use hand gestures inappropriate for the situation at hand.

6. Be More Aware

There are many ways to look like a leader. First, pay attention to how you present yourself physically. Are your shoulders back and relaxed? Are you standing with good posture that looks intentional, not forced? When people meet you, do they see someone who looks confident and in control of the situation?

These are all important questions to ask when evaluating your body language at work or in any other setting where leadership skills play an important role -- and if the answer is no on any of these counts, then it's time to reassess.

What About Those with Disabilities?

Leadership body language is a set of gestures and postures that convey confidence and authority. People often use it in positions of power, such as CEOs and political leaders.

However, people with disabilities can also use body language to assert their rights.

One way to do this is to be aware of your audience and adjust your gestures accordingly. For example, if you are speaking to a group of people unfamiliar with you, it may be helpful to use more explicit gestures, such as pointing or making eye contact.

On the other hand, if you are speaking to a group of people who know you, more subtle gestures may be sufficient.?If possible, sit straight and keep your head up to show confidence.?

It is also important to make eye contact with those you are speaking to. You can do this by keeping your head level and looking directly at the person you are speaking to. Leadership body language can be a powerful tool for disabled people to create inclusive environments and assert their rights.

Conclusion

Now that you've learned how to use these body language techniques, it's time to try them. Notice how they help you feel more confident and relaxed, and observe how they affect the people around you. If you notice a positive response, you're on the right track. Body language does talking for you. Make sure it's conveying the right messages.

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Copyright Nov. 28, 2022 by Rafael Maga?a. Contact for usage license.?Opinions?expressed?are solely own.

Rafael Maga?a helps organizations grow. Helps leaders accelerate strategy implementation in their organizations. Specializes in donor-centered Philanthropy. Major Gift & Planned Giving Officer - Veritus Scholar. Rafael is also a Board of Trustees at the?Hollywood Schoolhouse, and currently is the Development Chair. He has been a member of the Board of Directors with the Navy League of the United States, BHC since 2006. Enjoys writing about leadership, management, philanthropy and careers.?Founder of?Latino Professionals,?Latina Professionals, &?Latinx Professionals. He resides in California.?

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