Body language: 4 tips for a positive attitude

Do you have a job interview? Conduct an important meeting? And you're worried you won't be up to it? Put it out of your mind! Because, if you didn't already know, your body betrays you! It sends your audience messages reflecting yourmental state. So, if you're anxious and lack confidence, it's bound to show in your body language.

Even communication scientist Paul Watzlawick said it:"You can't not communicate"... and that's even when you're silent! So, if you want to make a success of your speaking or convey a positive image of yourself, Alphea Conseil delivers 4 golden tips.

Follow the guide!

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Tip #1: Total control of your body

Have you been up all night just thinking about presenting your project to a very important prospect? Do you lack self-confidence and doubt you're the right man (or woman) for the job? First of all, stop brooding. If you work for a company, it's because others have believed in you, in your skills. So you're perfectly legitimate and can do the job. Similarly, if you're going to a job interview, rest assured too. If you had nothing to do here, you wouldn't be meeting the big boss today at 3pm! Here too, your CV has "spoken" for you.

So, when you meet the project team or your recruiter, enter the room with your back straight and lift your chest slightly. If you walk in with your shoulders slumped and your head down, you'll look like you're putting up with all the misery in the world. That's not the best effect. But be careful not to overdo it. An overly bulging chest could create the opposite effect and give the impression that you're arrogant. It's always a question of measure.

Watch out for your arm, too. If you're standing during your presentation, avoid holding your hands behind your back. This position, known as the "shotgun stance" locks in your body language and makes you look rigid or squashed. Be careful, too, with your hands on your hips. Here, you run the risk of appearing insolent, presumptuous, defying your audience.

You'll need to be careful with your hands on your hips.

Finally, if your interview is a face-to-face one, we can't say it enough: rehearse your handshake! This greeting ritual is very important, as the impression you'll leave on your interviewer is played out mainly in the first few seconds of your visit. So, banish limp handshakes. At least once, we've all known someone who's handed you a limp rag? And, let's be honest, quite a few of us have found it unpleasant... So adopt a frank, confident smile and offer your interviewer a brief, firm handshake... without hurting their feelings, of course! If necessary, practice. It's the ABC of successful contact.

Tip #2: Total control of your look

When you lack confidence,looking your audience or a person straight in the eye isn't easy. For some, it's an ordeal in itself. Yet avoiding eye contact is highly deleterious to the relationship that's being established. It may mean that the person has something to hide, lacks self-confidence, or is simply indifferent to the exchange. In all cases, communication fails and the people in front of you lose interest in what you're saying.

Inversely, avoid prolonged stares (longer than 5 seconds) because if they're insistent, they can be perceived as too intrusive.

Finally, if you're talking to a group of people, also seek eye contact with members other than the one leading the conversation. Everyone should feel considered in the exchange. This is to avoid frustration.

Tip #4: Total control of the objects around you

We may not think about it right away, but the objects around us can really interfere with a date. Starting with yourlaptop. It's common to use it during meetings. But be careful not to hide "behind it". This could be mistaken for restraint or shyness. The same goes for a cup of coffee, a bag... In fact, the other person might think you're not comfortable in his company or that you even want to hide from him.

Partly derived from the previous tip, also avoid playing (ladies) with your jewelry. If you have a tendency to play with your ring, a bracelet... you could be letting the person in front of you think you're feeling insecure or stressed.

At the same time, don't play with your jewelry.

Finally - but need we remind you? - don't handle your cell phone, which must remain on airplane mode throughout the meeting. There's no better way to express your boredom and desire to end the conversation. It's a very disrespectful gesture indeed, and one that you'll be sure to point out to anyone who comes up to you.

It's a good way to show your boredom and your desire to end the conversation.

Do you want to stack the odds in your favor to land your dream job? Do you want to give yourself a100% positive image from the very first seconds? Alphea Conseil can advise you intelligently. If necessary, we'll put you in touch with a coach or specialized trainer from our network.