Nonverbal Communication Skills

Your Body Speaks Before You Do—Mastering First Impressions in 7 Seconds ⏳ People decide who you are within the first 7 seconds of meeting you—before you even say a word. We all want to come across as confident, charismatic, and engaging, but the real secret? It’s all in your body language. I recently listened to an incredible episode of The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett featuring Vanessa Van Edwards a behavioral investigator who studies human connection. Vanessa, a self-proclaimed “recovering awkward person” (which I deeply relate to), unpacks the science behind how people perceive us—and I couldn’t stop taking notes. Body Language Wasn’t Something I Was Taught. Like many children of Asian immigrants, I was raised to make myself smaller—sitting quietly, keeping my hands in my lap, and lowering my gaze out of respect. Eye contact wasn’t a sign of confidence but of defiance. So when I stepped into the professional world, I constantly second-guessed my social cues: Am I making too much eye contact? Where do I put my hands when I talk? Am I coming off as engaged or just awkward? Hug or no hug? Learning the unspoken rules of communication has been a journey, and I wish I had known earlier how small shifts in body language could make such a big impact. Key Takeaways from the Episode ✅ Success is contagious – The people around you shape your confidence and mindset. ✅ Use hand gestures while speaking – It makes you more engaging and credible. ✅ The power of the slow nod – Three slow nods while someone is talking makes them feel truly heard. ✅ Smile with your eyes (Duchenne smile) – A genuine smile that reaches your eyes boosts likability. ✅ Maintain eye contact 50-60% of the time – Enough to show confidence without being intense. ✅ Lower your pitch, steady your tone – Instantly makes you sound more confident. ✅ Subtle mirroring builds connection – Matching the body language of the person you’re speaking with strengthens rapport. ✅ Use light, natural touches – A gentle touch on the shoulder or elbow (or even a slight vocal shift or lean-in) helps build connection; however, don't talk on the back or head. ✅ Know your RBF (resting bored face) – What does your neutral expression communicate? Does it unintentionally look bored, sad, or unapproachable? Adjust accordingly. ✅ Respect cultural differences – Personal space and social norms vary across cultures. This episode is packed with game-changing insights! 🎙️ Listen to the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gkr4Myri And a huge thank you to Jennifer B. Kong for sharing 🙌 💬 What’s one body language tip that has helped you feel more confident? Drop it below! 👇

💡 The Pre-Meeting Emotional Check-In: A Game-Changer for Leaders 🧠 Neuroscience Insight: Ever walked into a high-stakes meeting feeling stressed, only to realize your tone or body language unintentionally set the wrong vibe? That’s because stress triggers a cortisol spike, increasing heart rate, shortening breath, and leading to emotional hijacking. But here’s the fix—preparing before the meeting can rewire the brain for composure and control. 🔄 A Quick Story: I once coached a leader preparing for a tough conversation with an underperforming employee. Their instinct? “I need to be firm. They need to hear the truth.” But their stress was hijacking their tone—coming off as harsh instead of constructive. ✅ The Shift: A Simple Pre-Meeting Check-In 🔹 Three Words to Embody: Calm, Encouraging, Solution-Oriented 🔹 Mirror Practice: Rehearse a balanced, supportive tone: 💬 “I appreciate your efforts and want to help you succeed. Let’s work on a plan together.” 🔥 The Outcome: Instead of shutting down, the employee engaged in the conversation. The leader communicated with clarity, respect, and vulnerability, turning a difficult discussion into a collaborative problem-solving session. 🚀 CRAVE Leadership in Action: ✔ Communication – Leading with intention and clarity. ✔ Respect – Treating team members as valued contributors. ✔ Vulnerability – Being open to difficult conversations with composure. ✨ Your Turn: Before your next meeting, try this: Write down three words that describe how you want to show up. How does it change your presence? Drop your three words in the comments—I’d love to hear them! ⬇️ #DrAmin #CRAVELeadership #NeuroLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #ExecutivePresence #EmotionalIntelligence

93% of communication is non-verbal. Yet, we obsess over what to say... I learned this the hard way as a founder. In my early pitches, I'd rehearse every word. Perfect slides. Perfect script. But I was missing something crucial: My body language was screaming "I'm not confident." Crossed arms. Averted eyes. Nervous fidgeting. Until one day... I read about the power of body language. And applied these 8 science-backed changes: 1️⃣ Be fully present - it builds trust 2️⃣ Stand tall - it boosts confidence 3️⃣ Smile genuinely - it releases endorphins 4️⃣ Mirror subtly - it creates rapport 5️⃣ Gesture purposefully - it engages others 6️⃣ Power pose - it reduces stress 7️⃣ Keep shoulders back - it projects capability 8️⃣ Make eye contact - it shows you care The results were immediate. Same pitch. Different presence. Science backs this up: Just 2 minutes in a power pose can boost confidence by 20% and reduce stress by 25%. Because people don't remember what you said. They remember how you made them feel. Anyone else had a similar realisation? ♻️ Repost to help your network _ 👋🏽 I'm Radha Vyas, CEO & Co-Founder of Flash Pack, creating 1 million connections via the power of travel. Follow for daily posts on the journey!

Let's talk about gestures on stage 👇👇 One big mistake that I see often: small, quick gestures. When someone is nervous or inexperienced, they pull their arms and legs close into their body. They make themselves smaller. They stay in one place, with limited, fast movement (rocking back and forth, quick hand motions, etc.). This results in feeling frenzied as the speaker, a bit confused as the audience, and makes it hard to get good video footage or still shots, since the person is constantly bopping about. Instead, use BIG gestures, BROAD stance, and POWERFUL poses. This helps ground you as a speaker in the space, it helps orient the audience to know where to look, and it helps folks taking video/pictures to actually get a usable shot. Consider a few scenarios: - Move from/Move to: Use a single, full-arm gesture to show the past in one direction, and the future in another direction. - Making a point with an image on the screen: full-arm gesture, energetic finger point, hold it for emphasis as you speak (you can also walk towards the screen if it's reasonably close to the stage). - Asking a question: Over-emphasize the "shrug" hand gesture, and keep the arms out for the pause to let the audience consider the question. This gives them time to actually process it and think of their answer, and they know you'll continue speaking with you drop your hands. In sum, use your body! Big gestures help you, the audience, and anyone capturing visuals for later use 🙌

Navigate Negotiations with Positive Body Language: Tips from SMARTnership Negotiation Negotiations aren't just about the words we use; our body speaks volumes too. As a seasoned negotiator and advisor, I've seen firsthand how nonverbal cues can make or break a deal. Here are 6 body language mistakes that could be undermining your negotiation efforts and how to fix them: 1. Rubbing Your Hands: Signals nervousness. Instead, practice calm and deliberate gestures that reinforce your points.    2. Crossing Your Arms: Creates a barrier. Keep arms open and inviting to foster trust and openness. 3. Avoiding Eye Contact: Appears disinterested. Maintain brief, comfortable eye contact to show engagement. 4. Poor Posture: Reflects low confidence. Stand tall, shoulders back, and exude confidence inside and out. 5. Annoying Movements: Can distract. Use purposeful movement to emphasize key messages. 6. Fidgeting Your Legs: Indicates restlessness. Control your movements to demonstrate experience and control. In SMARTnership Negotiation, we emphasize the alignment of verbal and nonverbal communication to establish trust and drive mutual gains. Want to dive deeper into mastering negotiation tactics? Explore more at www.smartnership.org #NegotiationSkills #BodyLanguage #SMARTnership #Communication #Leadership BMI Executive Institute UCLouvain I BMI Executive Institute World Commerce & Contracting #negotiation

What do I do with my hands? You know that weird, slightly awkward feeling when you’re on a dance floor, getting your picture taken, or standing at a bar without holding a drink? What about on a Zoom meeting? Honestly, I wasn't thinking about them at all. I’d just cling to my coffee mug or awkwardly rest my hands on the keyboard. Then I listened to a podcast about body language on video calls... and down the rabbit hole I went. Here are a few interesting things I've learned and started implementing on calls: - Show your hands right away. Once a meeting starts, do a quick wave, hold your coffee cup between your hands, or even just rest them visibly. When we can’t see someone’s hands, our brain unconsciously registers that as a potential threat or that they're hiding something. - Back it up. Sitting too close to the camera creates the “floating head” effect. Sit about an arm’s length away so your gestures feel natural, not cramped. -  Facial expressions matter more on camera. What looks neutral in person can come off as flat or checked out on Zoom. Smile slightly more. Use head tilts. Nod when you’re listening. Stay visually present (even when you’re on mute). There are so many other good tips I could share. No one ever taught me how important body language is when selling remotely. But in a competitive market, I want to stand out. Not just with what I say, but how I show up on screen. Little things like hand placement, facial expressions, and posture can shape how I’m perceived and how well I connect. Do you have any go-to nonverbal cues you use on video calls? Sorry if this post made you suddenly hyper-aware of your hands and body on calls! I know that’s exactly what happened to me when I first learned about all this!

After negotiating billions in contracts, I’ve discovered a game-changing secret to success: the right body language often speaks louder than any proposal or argument. Ready to take your influence to the next level? Mastering body language could be your game-changer. We’ve all seen plenty of advice on using verbal communication to influence others, but how often do we focus on the power of body language? Nonverbal communication plays a critical role in influencing effectively—it conveys confidence, builds trust, and strengthens your message. How the industry leaders execute it: 1. Establish Open and Confident Posture Stand or sit up straight with shoulders relaxed and chest slightly forward. Avoid crossing your arms or legs, which can appear defensive or closed-off. 2. Make Intentional Eye Contact Maintain steady eye contact to show interest and confidence. Avoid staring; instead, balance eye contact with natural breaks to avoid discomfort. 3. Use Gestures to Reinforce Your Words Use purposeful hand movements to emphasize key points (e.g., open palms to convey honesty). Avoid fidgeting, pointing, or overusing gestures, which can distract from your message. 4. Mirror Your Audience’s Body Language Subtly align your posture and gestures with the other person’s to create rapport. Avoid mimicking; instead, aim for natural alignment that signals connection and empathy. 5. Exude Calm and Confidence Slow your movements and avoid rapid or erratic gestures to project calm authority. Take controlled breaths to maintain composure, especially in high-stakes situations. 6. Align Facial Expressions with Your Message Smile genuinely to build warmth and trust, but ensure it aligns with the context. Use expressive eyebrows or subtle nods to show engagement and understanding. 7. Control Your Space Stand or sit firmly within your space to project presence and authority. Respect personal boundaries while subtly leaning in during conversations to show interest. 8. Pay Attention to Your Hands Keep hands visible; hiding them in pockets or behind your back can create mistrust. Use gestures like steepling (fingertips together) to convey confidence and thoughtfulness. 9. Watch Your Feet Placement Stand with feet shoulder-width apart for a grounded and confident stance. Avoid shifting weight excessively or pointing your feet toward the exit, which signals disengagement. 10. Adapt to Cultural Contexts Be mindful of cultural differences in body language and adjust accordingly. What may convey confidence in one culture might be perceived differently in another. Be mindful of your nonverbal cues and how they might be perceived. Record yourself or seek feedback to refine your body language for influential communication. Mastering these aspects of body language can enhance your ability to lead, persuade, and build meaningful connections. Nonverbal cues often speak louder than words—use them intentionally to leave a lasting impact!

The other day I posted a longer version of this on my website, but here’s the short version. You can tell when a leader walks into the room. It’s not the title. It’s how they carry themselves. Words matter—but presence speaks louder. A glance across the room. A pause before a handshake. The stillness before speaking. These quiet signals shape how people feel around you. Say “I’m listening” while checking your phone? Nobody believes you. But stay calm and present in a tough moment, and the whole team steadies. I once worked with a leader who never raised his voice. But when he slowly set down his pen, the room went silent. That was enough. Nonverbal cues aren’t tricks. They only work if they’re real. That’s why alignment matters. Match your words to your presence. Lead from who you are, not from someone else’s playbook. People don’t remember every word. But they’ll remember how you made them feel.

Great leaders are "extraspective."    This is a word I use to describe the ability to see yourself in real time the way others see you.    It’s rare, but with practice, it’s a trainable skill.    Here’s why it matters:    Most leaders assume they’re being clear, but people can’t hear what you think. If your team isn’t aligned, the problem might not be strategy—it might be how you show up.    This is when being extraspective counts most.    Here are 3 ways to flex your extraspective muscle: 1️⃣ Become aware of your nonverbal communication.    55% of communication is nonverbal. Your tone, body language, and expressions set the energy in the room before you say a word.  Get this right, and your team feels it. Get it wrong, and they feel that too. 2️⃣ Align your words with your convictions.    People have finely tuned phony filters—if you don’t believe what you’re saying, neither will they.  Extraspective leaders match their words to what they actually believe, creating trust and alignment. 3️⃣ Read the room and adjust.    Are they engaged? Confused? Checked out?     Pick up on cues and adjust in real-time to ensure clarity and connection. Leaders, remember this: You are emotionally contagious.     Your team absorbs your energy, your confidence, and your clarity—or lack of it. Learn how to see yourself through their eyes, and lead accordingly.    Would you consider yourself an extraspective leader? Drop a comment below👇    #Leadership #Communication #Team

You will continue to s*ck at leadership until you change this… …or at least that’s what I had to do. Ten years ago, when I was 33, I thought I was a great leader. I was not. I would run from meeting to meeting, half listening, half working on the thousand other priorities that demanded my attention. This mistake? I confused being physically present (or virtually on Zoom) with emotional presence. ...and it cost me. Team members felt left out and unheard and ultimately became frustrated. It hit me when I received a text message from a manager, “I know you’re busy, but could I just get 10 minutes of your time to make sure we’re on the same page.” …about the exact topic we had just had a meeting about. Presence is a superpower. Teams need more than your attendance. They need your focus. Your energy. Your understanding. Being emotionally present means looking people in the eye, listening to their concerns, and showing up with empathy and clarity. I used to think that because I showed up, I was doing enough. But really, I was checking a box and getting through my day. The minute I started genuinely being there, everything changed. Here are 5 simple hacks to be present for your team: 1️⃣ Check in Emotionally - Before the meeting, take a moment to assess your emotional state. If you're feeling stressed or distracted, acknowledge it internally to set it aside and be fully present for the team. 2️⃣ Engage in Eye Contact - Eye contact signals your team that you are engaged and care about what they say. It also helps to foster connection and make conversations more personal. 3️⃣ Reflect Back Key Points—Paraphrase what your team members say to ensure understanding. This not only shows that you are listening but also helps clarify and solidify key points in discussions. 4️⃣ Eliminate Distractions—Put away your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and silence notifications. Give your team your undivided attention and show them that their time and input matter. 5️⃣ Active Listening - Focus entirely on what’s being said without interrupting. Show that you’re engaged by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and asking clarifying questions. Once I became more present, productivity increased, trust deepened, and the team started solving problems without me. ❌ If you’re still ‘multitasking’ during meetings, it’s time to change. Lead with presence, not just proximity. This is the way. - Hanley p.s. if you enjoyed this post, repost and follow Ryan Hanley for ideas on how leaders Finish Big. #leadership #mindset