Are you conveying the body language gestures of a strong and confident person, or of a shy and timid field mouse? This look at body language gestures will take you from weak to confident body language in ten minutes.
So far our online course in body language has covered the basics of reading people and presented a great many body language gestures for all different parts of the body. Now it’s time to look at some constructive body language activities you can try today to begin to present yourself to your choosing, starting with this look at weak to confident body language.
Weak and Shy Body Language Gestures
How do you know when someone is feeling shy, unconfident, protective or weak, and how do you make sure you’re not giving that impression yourself? The following body language gestures are seen in people with low self esteem and depression, in social anxiety treatment centers and clinics. in most people they will only be used in moments of worry and stress, but if a person uses many of these gestures often or continuously it is a cause for concern.
Be sure to stop doing the following weak body language gestures:
- Picking nails
- Arm rubbing
- Putting hands in pockets
- Rubbing fingers or hands together (with a few exceptions)
- Fidgeting
- Touching legs
- Putting objects in mouth (sucking like a baby)
- Covering up throat, privates and chest
- Shoulder Shrugging
These are some of the most telling signs of under-confidence. Be sure to get rid of all self touching. It makes you look nervous. What’s more, performing these body language gestures will actually make you feel less confident. Remember, body and mind are one, if you use weak body language you will feel weak. It’s time to pick up strong and confident body language instead.
Strong and Confident Body Language Gestures
The following are some of the most powerful communicators of strength and confidence you can show. They are taught in a variety of different schools, from offline and online acting schools to international business schools to sales training. Be sure to include as many of these in your body language gestures repertoire as you comfortably can.
Showing the throat, chest and belly button: The chest, belly button, private parts and throat are the most vulnerable areas of the body, so when a person stands or sits with these areas on display they’re showing a great deal of confidence. This air of confidence also makes them more approachable because they’re sending the signal that they’re confident enough to talk to anybody about anything. And of course, this confident body language is very attractive.
Confident Body Language Gestures of the Hands
The hands are one of the most vital body language communicators, both for weak gestures and strong ones. Here are some of the best hand gestures to use to show confidence.
Thumb in pocket, Hand out: Putting your thumb in your pocket and hooking the rest of the hand outside of it is a strong sign of confidence, but it can also appear aggressive, so use it cautiously.
A-OK: The a-ok gesture, of course, is one of confident reassurance, but by increasing the definition of the gesture (i.e by making it more pronounced) it also shows a precision of thought.
Steeple with Hands Apart: To perform a steeple hand gesture, bring your hands together in the shape of a steeple, then bring your hands about a foot apart. Got it? Great. This gesture shows conviction and is a key gesture for getting people to agree with what you’re saying.
Steeple with Hands Together: The same gesture performed with your hands together produces the impression of being clear and confident in your thoughts, though too much use of this gesture will make you appear arrogant.
Handgun Gesture: Put your hands into the shape of a gun facing the ceiling (handgun gesture). This gesture is great for emphasising points of your speech but can also come across as aggressive so use it cautiously.
Confident Standing Body Language Gestures
Be sure to stand with your feet at hip width apart (guy’s can stand with feet a little further apart still). This shows dominance.
Try to achieve and maintain good posture, a fundamental element in achieving elegance and beauty both in men and women. Stand tall but relaxed, your body balanced correctly. If you need to work on your posture the best book on the subject is: Towards Perfect Posture
Be aware that any objects preventing full view of your body (like a table in the way) will make you look distant.
Confident Body Language Gestures of the Face
To show confidence in your face, smile occasionally but not too much, keep your gaze length in moderation (make sure your eyes arent darting about the place) and use facial expressions to punctuate your verbal speech. Be aware that using too little facial expressions will make you appear mechanical and lacking life, enthusiasm and playfulness, where using too much facial expression will make you appear theatrical, comical and childish. Aim for moderation.
Confidence in Speech
Confident speech is slow, low, smooth and with good but not posh diction.
Failing all else, there are three keys to achieving a confident image: good posture, slow and smooth movement and ventral fronting (which means to not cover up the chest, throat or privates with an arm or other object).
Start to make use of these confident body language pointers today and you will be amazed how big a boost it gives not just to your relationships but to the way you feel about yourself.