It's not WHAT you say, it's about how you LOOK when saying it

55% of communication is not about WHAT we say (words are 7%), or HOW we say it (pitch, tone, and pace equate to 38%) but about how we are visualized saying it. In other word's (pardon the pun), our Body Language!

We are all aware of the power of a firm handshake or the importance of eye contact, but how many of you are conscious of the following body language tells during a business meeting?

1. Relaxed shoulders, not only does this prevent neck and back pain, it makes you appear less stressed.

2. Holding your head level both vertically and horizontally indicates confidence and asked other to take you seriously.

3. Reframe from placing your hands behind your head, sitting back with your hands clasped behind your head communicates arrogance or superiority.

4. If you are in the middle of a conversation with a superior or in a meeting that has been interrupted, it is best to look away from the person dealing with the interruption in an effort to give them privacy and to indicate you have disengaged yourself from something that is not your business.

5. "Weather presenter" hands, or keeping your hands active using gestures to show involvement and energy. Hands hanging down by your side during a presentation indicates depression.

6. Touching your face appears insecure in addition to being distracting to those talking to you. Not to mention the other person knows they will be shaking your hand once the meeting has concluded.

7. Tapping your feet indicates boredom, so unless you are trying to drop a not-so-subtle hint, then make sure to keep your feet still.

8. Don't hold a drink or anything else right in front of your heart as this indicates guardedness.

9. Use hand gestures that keep your palms up, indicating you are open and friendly. Palm down gestures portray a dominant or aggressive posture.

10. Pay attention to what the other person is really saying through their body language. Not only can you determine if they are interested in what you have to offer, you can also match your body language to bond and build understanding.

Although active listening has importance, remember it is more about what we show through body language than what we say, that can make or break our next business meeting.