Nonverbal
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
Change your body language to influence how others perceive you.
3 people, independently
Appear engaged in group conversations by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and using small affirming sounds or statements like 'yup', 'no way!', or 'sounds cool'.
It lessens the effect of appearing disengaged.
2 people, independently
- Maintain eye contact, speak confidently, smile, and have good posture.1
Smile frequently to create a good vibe and ease social situations.
It is a powerful tool that makes everything easier.
one person who lived it
Use exaggerated body language and eye contact to capture attention, particularly for visual learners.
One retail worker found this combination effective for engaging customers.
- Based on one person's experience in retail.
one person who lived it
3 more on this
Observe body language for skittish hand or eye movements to determine if the other person is uncomfortable with silence.
Body language is described as the only real giveaway in these situations.
one person who lived it
Let smiles arise naturally rather than plastering on a constant grin to show happiness.
Forced smiles appear inauthentic and people can tell the difference.
one person who lived it
Avoid staring or forcing a wide-eyed look; instead, make eye contact and glance away periodically.
Staring violates unwritten social rules and appears unnatural.
one person who lived it