Improving Body Language

Have you ever thought thoroughly what your body language looks like? Or how often do you actually use it in your everyday life? Undoubtedly, the way you use body language depends on the person you communicate with. You just can’t talk to your boss the same way as to someone you’re interested in, or can you? If you are looking for a strict list of rules how to use your body language, you might be disappointed as there isn’t anything specific. But if you do want to know how to improve body language, keep reading as we are going to reveal you the art of body language.

Let’s figure out what is meant by the notion of body language because in order to improve something, we should be aware of it. The way you stand, move, or sit, how you behave yourself while communicating with someone, the way you use your legs and hands, that’s all is your body language. Of course, we aren’t able to watch ourselves from “that other side,” I mean we can’t see ourselves the way the others do, but we can change or at least make our body language a bit better. Of course, no one forbids you to stand in front of a mirror and imitate a conversation; you might say, “What a ridiculous thing ever!” But still, it’s such a great opportunity to notice how you usually act while talking to people. The language of the body is something everyone can and should work on.

Tips on How to Make Your Body Language Better, and They Do Help!

1. Watch your legs and arms; they shouldn’t be crossed anyway. I strongly believe that you’ve heard that millions of times, sorry, but I need to repeat it one more time. When you cross your legs and arms, you straightway seem to be guarded or defensive to others. Your arms the same as legs need to be open, remember that!
2. Keep an eye contact, but be careful not to stare. How can I do that will you ask? How should I have an eye contact so that not to stare? It’s simple enough, believe me. It goes about the need to create a better connection with the people you are communicating with and see if they are listening to you. You need to balance here, as too much eye contact is as bad a no-eye-contact at all. Don’t worry if it seems a bit scary for you, it might be so especially in the beginning. Nonetheless, the more you will work on it, the quicker you’ll get used to it.
3. It’s totally okay to take up some space. Each time you stand or sit with your legs apart you show your self-confidence. You shouldn’t be afraid of taking up some space, demonstrate the others that you feel very comfortable in your own skin.
4. Your shoulders need some relax, leave no space for tension. When you sense tension, your shoulders tend to move up and forward a little. To avoid this you need to shake your shoulders a little and move them back a little bit.
5. Nod when someone is talking to you. Nodding you are signalizing that you are listening. Of course, you are listening, aren’t you? Mind not to overdo and be like Woody Woodpecker.
6. Don’t forget about your posture, don’t slouch. You should sit up straight; try to be more relaxed in order to avoid a too tense manner.
7. Mind not to lean too much. We tend to lean forward the people talking when we want to show our interest in what they are saying. To show our confidence and relaxation, we need to lean back a little. To avoid making an impression of someone desperate for some approval and needy, mind not to lean forward too much. But bear in mind not to lean back too much also, as thus you might make an impression of someone distant and arrogant.
8. When it’s something funny, then smile and laugh. When you seem to be a positive person, people tend to be more inclined to talk and listen to you. Lighten up, as there is no need to take yourself too seriously, you aren’t super old, or are you? Make sure your smile doesn’t look like a plaster put on your face. Smile when it’s needed, don’t do it every single minute of your conversation if you don’t want to seem insincere of course. Remember that’s not a good idea to be the first person who laughs at your own jokes, doing this you are threatened to seem needy and nervous.
9. Keep your hands off your face, don’t touch it. Why shouldn’t you do that? Because it makes an impression that you are nervous, and it distracts people from the conversation.
10. Hold your head up. If you don’t want to seem a bit lost and insecure, pay attention to your head and eyes, they shouldn’t be on the ground. Take care of your eyes to look toward the horizon and head which should be up straight.
11. More slowly. Slow down in everything. Is it your walk or the move of your head when someone addresses to you. Doing everything slower, you are giving a signal that you are confident and calm, you seem to be less stressed this way.
12. Declutter your movements, work on them. You’ll definitely agree that all those nervous tricks such as tapping your fingers against the table or shaking your leg bring nothing good at all. Those fidgety movements lead only to distraction and nervousness. Easier said than done, really. It’s not so easy to avoid them, but do your best to slow down and concentrate on your movements. It’s a matter of time and practice, you can do that!
13. Watch your hands. It’s a true disaster personally for me. To use the hands not too much and more confidently seems like the hardest task ever! Once you gain control over your hands, you should be the happiest person! Mind to use them properly when there is a need to add weight to the idea you are trying to convey, but don’t even think of scratching your face or whatever! Keep an eye on them, don’t let your hands flail around, they need your control.
14. Hold your drink beside your leg, not in front of your chest. There is no difference what it will be, a drink or something else. Nothing should be held in front of your heart as it will create an impression of you as a distant and guarded person.
15. Mind not to stand too close. No one forbids the notion of the personal space, so please, be so kind not to invade it! A close-talker might seem to be as a curse for some people. Let’s be honest, we do get weirded out byclose-talkers.
16. A good attitude. You shouldn’t undervalue this point as it is essential when it goes about body language. An open, positive, and relaxed attitude is priceless, believe me. No matter how bad your body language might seem to you, it can be changed! And it definitely will be! No one says it’s like a piece of cake, no, no way! Of course, to keep your head up won’t be the easiest task ever, especially if you get used to look at your feet all your life. But you can correct, improve, and create your “new version of your body language.” A strong desire for improving body language is a key point here. Your new habits definitely need some time, so work on them every day for a while and watch the way your body language is changing day by day.

Good habits will stick to you, and after a while, you won’t even notice how you use them in your everyday life without even thinking about them. Just be patient, they do need your time, efforts, and practice to stick to you. The precious art of body language depends only on you, you are a big boss here, don’t forget that!

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