Body Language

You may find that a person is more comfortable and trusting if you subtly match your body language to be more similar to theirs in the following areas:

• Eye contact
• Posture and body language
• Gestures
• Facial expressions
• Tone and speech patterns
• Vocabulary

• A good smile conveys warmth, sincerity, and confidence. Practice your smile in the mirror to make sure you are sending the right signal to others. Some other considerations are:
• Think positive when you smile.
• Use your eyes for a Duchenne smile.
• Most important is to be genuine.

Eye contact is an essential part of communication. Good eye contact (not just staring) lets the other person know you are paying attention, while looking away often shows disinterest.

• Smiling (genuine)
• Nodding (not too fast)
• Uncrossed arms and legs
• Facing the other person
• Open hand gestures

Hand gestures can be powerful tools for enhancing communication and conveying meaning:

• Use a variety of gestures to emphasize key points
• Do not be too repetitive
• Be mindful of the space you are taking
• Use both hands
• Use clear and precise gestures
• Be relaxed and authentic

Maintaining good posture during conversation is important for conveying confidence, attentiveness, and respect. Also be aware of the other  person’s personal space.

Touch is one of the most fundamental ways we connect. It is used to communicate care, empathy, and bonding and greatly affects our well being.

• Use touch at greetings or exits with handshakes, high fives, or fist bumps.
• In conversation try using occasional non-intrusive touch with the back of your hand on their  arm to add emphasis in conversation.
• Pay attention to how they respond and adapt accordingly.

• Smile genuinely and with  open arms when you go to hug someone.
• Ensure mutual consent (either verbal or non verbal).
• Vary intensity and duration to match the other person.
• Say something nice during the hug.