BODY LANGUAGE

Your mom was right! One of the most memorable things she ever said: "Stand up straight." Why did she say that? Because she knew that good posture will take five or 10 pounds off you with no sweat.

So chest out, stomach in, posture straight, walk into that job interview, sales presentation or even for a casual walk with confidence -- and walk tall!

• Don't slouch (bend) you are standing or sitting, slouching (bending) can suggest that you are intimidated, and you lack confidence or that you're uninterested in what others have to say. leaning to one side or bouncing your foot says that you are nervous.
• Keep your head up. If you walk with your head down it lets other people be more important than you. Look at where you're going.
• Make eye contact. Don’t stare, but look the other person (persons) in the eye 40 to 60% of the time, otherwise you’ll be perceived as having something to hide. When you are in a meeting, it's okay to look laterally side to side, which appears intellectual or powerful, but don't look up or down. It makes you look as if you've lost your confidence
• Smile, but "over smiling" gives the impression of weakness. A good smile says you are confident, authoritative and friendly. A real smile lasts three or four seconds; anything longer appears frozen or phony.
• Hands. The first place nervous energy shows is in your hands. Don't jingle your fingers like this, don't play with your shirt ends or fiddle with your tie. Hands clasped in front of you, below your waist gives the impression of insecurity and looks like you don't know what to do with your hands. Just let them hang at your sides, naturally and casually. To put your hands by your side and do nothing with your hands is powerful body language. Don't hold one arm with the other, don't clasp your hands in front or in back, and don't stick your hands in your pockets (it makes your lower end look twice as wide.)
• People are most comfortable with people who are "like" themselves (in dress, mannerisms, thoughts, etc.). Mirror: Try to "mirror" the other person’s body position and mannerisms such as speech speed, (to a certain degree).
• Voice pitch. Keep your pitch low. There are more men on radio, because people respond better to lower pitched voices. Don't end a sentence with a high note, in the interrogative question tone. Instead phrase questions assertively; for example say "I'd like to know when I can meet with you," as opposed to "when can I meet with you?"