Use Body Language to Build Your Brand

Any good speaking coach will tell you that your success relies not only on what you say, but how you look when you’re saying it. Your audience picks up on visual cues to assess whether they like you, and whether they trust what you’re telling them. Those cues also impact your personal brand.

Consider these statistics* about the information we communicate:

More than half of personal communication is your body language. With that in mind, here are 7 great ways to improve your body language and establish your personal brand.

1.	Present a good first impression Bring a positive attitude, stay loose, and express sincere interest with your face, eyes, and smile.
2.	Shake hands with confidence Stand, square your body, shake firmly, maintain eye contact, and be sure you speak before releasing.
3.	Avoid misreading others’ body language Don’t focus on, make assumptions about, or apply too much importance to a single gesture.
4.	Inspire confidence Claim your space, sit up tall, use confident gestures, and align those gestures with your words.
5.	Make yourself likeable Face others directly and give them your full attention. Nod, lean in, and never look at your devices.
6.	Consider your tone Speak calmly. Vary your tone, volume, and pace. And remember that pauses can be powerful.
7.	Give others their space Keep a respectful distance, but move closer as you build trust. And be mindful of gender and culture.

We hope you find these tips useful in communicating your personal brand at your next meeting or networking event.

* Statistics based on Albert Mehrabian’s 7-38-66 Rule of Personal Communication.