What body language says about you?

Our body language often portrays the confidence we have within ourselves or lack thereof.  Sometimes, if not often, we are unaware of our body language and the message we are giving with our gestures.  Let’s look at the different types of ways that we can portray confidence vs. lack thereof:

Handshakes: This is probably one of the most commonly known ways to demonstrate confidence with a firm handshake.  If your handshake is loose or limp, this can be perceived and uncertain or self-conscious.  However, a handshake that is too tight can be viewed as being aggressive.  This is something to consider when you are meeting someone in a professional setting.

Body stance: How we maintain our stance in a standing position can portray an image of ourselves.  For instance, standing erect with your shoulders positioned slightly out will demonstrate confidence in yourself.  Having slouched shoulders and back would indicate disinterest or inattentiveness.  This is also something to consider when sitting; a slumped posture while sitting could be perceived as though you are not engaged in your surroundings. 

Eye contact: The way we fixate our eyes can vary as well; avoidant eye contact will indicate a type of nervousness, while overly open/staring and intense eyes can be perceived in an intimidating way.  For the best results in sending a message of confidence, you want the eyes to be open but soft and attentive to the speaker but with an intermittent break of eye contact. 

Head nodding: When engaging in a discussion with someone, gently nodding your head will send the message that you are listening to the person speaking.  This is important when you want to let someone know that you are in the present moment with them.        

There are numerous ways to display confidence without having to say a word; just as well, there are ways to show uncertainty or self-consciousness.  Additionally, our body language can show others how attentive and engaged with me.  This should be considered when you are in a setting where you want others to be perceived as being listened to.  The most important part of body language is your own awareness; paying attention to our gestures helps to ensure we are sending the right message to our observers.