Confident Body Language

We all want to appear confident and sure of ourselves.

We may take courses in speaking more effectively, writing better or even mastering a new skill.

However, many of us forget the importance of body language. We may not realize how much our body actions affect how others perceive us. This includes the way we move, walk, speak, place our arms and focus our eyes.

Confident body language is an important factor in this equation. It is very important in any social situation, not just work-related. In fact, research shows that as much as 55% of communication is purely visual!

Importance of Body Language

Let’s create a scenario which will illustrate the importance of confident body language.

Envision the following:

I’m in the process of interviewing for an important advertising position. I have my coffee in one hand and a long list of questions in the other. I’m determined to find the perfect employee before lunch rolls around.

A few minutes later, I receive a phone call to meet my first candidate of the day. I hope this person will be so outstanding that I won’t have to interview anyone else. I tell my secretary to usher in the first person.

In walks a young man with hunched over shoulders and his hands stuffed firmly in his pockets. I wait a few moments and finally extend my hand. At this point, he offers a very weak, sweaty handshake.

He sits down nervously without so much as a glance in my direction. All of my questions are answered apprehensively and he fidgets during the entire process.

At the end of the interview, he looks like he’s ready to bolt out of the chair and make a run for the hills! He mumbles a quick thank you and leaves.

My heart sinks. I realize it’s going to be a really long day…

After this disappointing interview, I feel less encouraged about meeting my second candidate.

A few minutes later, I meet a man who appears similar in age as my first candidate.

However, this individual walks in with his shoulders back, his hands at his sides and a big smile. He offers me a firm handshake and looks me directly in the eye when introducing himself.

All of my questions are answered thoughtfully and confidently. He even asks me some intelligent questions that make me feel like he should be interviewing me!

At the end of the process, he offers me another firm handshake, looks me right in the eye and warmly thanks me for my time.

As he walks out, I decide not to rip all of my hair out after all.

After reading the two scenarios, let me ask you something.

Which person would you hire?

I think the answer is obvious.

If you picked the first guy, you need more help than I can possibly provide!

The next time you are speaking with someone, remember the importance of confident body language. Keep your back straight, offer a firm handshake and look the other person directly in the eye.

Most importantly, remember Ralph Waldo Emerson’s advice:

"What you do speaks louder than what you say."

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