10 Body Language Tips

A list of 10 body language tips is important to read since many experts conclude that body language accounts for most of human communication. Body language includes actions, such as hand gestures, posture, vocal tone and facial expressions. For some people, their body language contradicts their actions. That is, they say one thing, but the way they say it leads you to think otherwise.

1. Maintain good posture. Stand erect and avoid slouching as you walk. Keep your head held high. Practice your posture by standing against a wall or by walking with a book on top of your head.
2. Maintain good eye contact. Maintaining eye contact during a conversation helps you keep the other person's attention. Avoid shifting your eyes around.
3. Avoid nervous habits. Common nervous habits include fidgeting, using verbal fillers (such as "like" and "you know") and nail biting. Avoid such behavior since they harm your image and project poor body language.
4. Speak in a clear and audible tone. Speaking too softly or speaking in a broken tone signals a lack of confidence. Speaking too loudly, on the other hand, may intimidate other people, so find a balance.
5. Monitor your breathing. Breathing too heavily or too rapidly will signal to others that you are nervous. Slow your breathing by taking a few deep breaths.
6. Keep your body language consistent with your message. For example, if you want to communicate something serious, maintain a serious facial expression. Do not send mixed messages.
7. Maintain an open posture so that others will find you approachable and friendly. Avoid crossing your arms since doing this may illustrate that you want to remain distant from them. Unless you want to remain distant from others, keep an open stance.
8. Smile. Smiling at other people is one of the best ways to connect with them and get them to like you. Try to make eye contact as you smile.
9. Express yourself with your hands. Use your hands to emphasize or clarify your speaking points. However, avoid overdoing it.
10. Don't stand too close to other people. Although you don't want to stand too far apart from people, you also don't want to stand too close since doing so may make them uncomfortable. Try standing two to three feet away.