6 Tips for Influential Body Language in Business

the importance of body lanuage, reading body language, the right body language for business, pr strategy

Sit straight! No elbows on the table! Look at me when I'm talking to you!

Mothers across the country will be happy to know that their constant "advice" to help you better present yourself is actually incredibly valuable.

93% of our communication is nonverbal, and it actually matters very little what you say, but how you say it. Only 7% of our understanding is from spoken words.

Body language is something that is often subconscious because we instinctively position ourselves how we're comfortable. It's time to take it a step further. Use your body language to your advantage in the garden industry.

Integrate these 6 easy, quick, and most importantly, influential body language tricks to appear more confident, in control, and trustworthy.

1. Footloose

Our brains subconsciously pay attention to people's feet. Unexpected, but true.

This tip has two parts: engagement and confidence. Women who are timid tend to keep their feet tucked under a chair to take up as little space as possible. To boost your confidence, un-tuck your feet and plant them firmly in a way that will occupy more space.

Also, when you're standing and in conversation, your feet tend to point where you want to go. For instance, if you're planning on heading to the bar at a party, your feet will point there while you remain in conversation.

To maximize engagement, point your feet and angle your body towards the person you're talking to. Through this motion, people will see you're truly invested in this conversation--and them.

2. Mirror Mirror on the Wall

When we're around friends, we subtly mimic their body movements. We want to showcase our similarities to further our friendship.

When meeting someone new, apply the same trick. Establish yourself as a good ol' friend by standing the same way they do, using the same sentence structure, mimicking their hand motions, and any other body language quirks you notice.

3. Smile in the Face of Danger

When you get frustrated or overwhelmed, you naturally grimace. And when you grimace, your brain responds by sending stress chemicals to the rest of your body.

Next time, you're feeling the heat, smile. Your body then realizes you have more energy to keep going!

Simply smile--it will help in virtually any situation!

4. Evaluate Enthusiasm

Too much enthusiasm is actually a bad thing because it's overwhelming. Who would have guessed!!!

To remain calm, cool, and collected while still showcasing your passion, take a pause before commenting. Then when you talk, keep your hand motions to waist level. You'll appear more in control, and consequently, like you have authority.

5. Unplug

Next time you're in a waiting room, ditch the smartphone, and opt for a copy of a newspaper.

When on smartphones, you naturally hunch your shoulders and tuck your chin down to look at the screen. This smartphone stance makes you look defensive and unsure of yourself.

But, when you're reading a newspaper, you have to make yourself big: wide arms, sitting straight, and customarily, a foot propped up on your knee.

Now, you look confident--and you'll feel more sure of yourself too because this stance raises testosterone levels.

6. Positively Poignant

Stay positive when you're working with another party to try to come to a deal. Smile frequently, agree with what they're saying (Yeah, totally, love that!), and nod along with them.

These motions show the other person that you're on their side, which makes them more likely to reach an agreement with you.