The impact of your body language

Body language is a critical part of effectively communicating messages and meaning. Particularly in personal branding,?your ability to express and communicate your value is directly related to the nonverbal communications you deploy.

As you consider?the ways you want to be perceived by others, think about?what your body language could be telling them.

Evaluate your own body language in terms of?your personal branding goals.?

The consistency of your verbal and nonverbal communications often drives how you're seen by those you wish to influence and impact. Watch for behavior that might be sending mixed -- or incorrect -- messages and, more importantly, try to behave in ways that reinforce the image and reputation you desire.

Pay attention to:

1. Your Eye Contact

Proper eye contact supports and reinforces what you're communicating. Awkward staring, avoiding eye contact, or aggressive eye contact (think daggers) could send the message you’re either insecure or overly assertive.

?2. Your Stride

How fast or slow you walk, whether you take long strides or short steps, and the pace at which you enter a room send signals of your confidence, gravitas, and poise. Aim for a stride that’s consistent with the people you’re walking with — don’t drag behind or walk in front of others.

?3. What You Do with Your Hands

I’m often asked by people, “Where do I put my hands?” Whether you’re addressing an audience in a presentation, speaking one-on-one, or facilitating a meeting with your team, use your hands to support and reinforce your message.

If you flail your hands around randomly, you might distract from your message. Likewise, taking up too much space with your hands and arms could imply you’re looking to protect yourself (as if you’re keeping everyone else at distance), and this can seem defensive or insecure.

To project confidence…

Eye contact:?The confident person looks you in the eye when addressing or meeting you. Their eyes are wide, bright, and happy. The eyebrows match this by being raised and open.

Posture:?The confident person knows to point their belly button towards you when they’re addressing you; this shows you are the center of their attention. This is called "fronting." In group scenarios,?confident body language?includes relaxed shoulders, arms at your side (except when illustrating a point and gesturing appropriately,) and a stance that is solid and stable, instead of overly wide (as an aggressive posture would be).

Handshake:?A confident handshake is firm but doesn’t leave you feeling crushed. The handshake is matched by maybe one or two “pumps” to indicate pleasure in meeting you, and then the grip is released. A confident handshake is consistently matched with other body language to reveal the person as in control of their feelings and able to communicate with directness and authenticity.

As you build your reputation, consider the consistency and impact of your body language to strengthen your position.?Showcase your empathy, approachability, confidence, and relatability to others as you build rapport and trust.

Want to know more about body language? ?? What if your #personalbrand , #executivepresence , and #bodylanguage need help? Read the article below??