Correct body language

Make eye contact

Eye contact is the most obvious way you communicate. When you look at the other person, you show interest. When you fail to make eye contact , you give the impression that the other person is of no importance.

Your mouth 

Mouth movements , such as pursuing your lips or twisting them to one side , can indicate that you are thinking about what you are hearing or that you are holding something back.

Don't cross your arms 

How receptive you are is suggested by where you place your arms. Arms crossed or folded over your chest say that you have shut other people out and have no interest in them or what they are saying. This position can also say " I don't agree with you"

Smile

A smile send a positive message and is appropriate in all but a life and death situation. Smiling adds warmth and aura of confidence . Others will be more receptive if you remember to check your expression.

Position your head

Keeping your head straight will make you appear self assured and authoritative. People will take you seriously. Till your head to one side if you want to come across as friendly and open. An occasional nod of the head shows that you are attentive.

Your posture

Posture is always important. Sit or stand correct if you want to be seen as alert and enthusiastic. When you slump in your chair or lean against the wall , you look tired. 

Your hands 

Too much hand movement will distract the person from what you are saying. On the other hand , keeping your hands fixed at your side will make you look nervous and robotic. So what is the solution ? Use your hands to emphasise what you are speaking and not the other way round. Control your hands by paying attention to where they are. If you are elocuting on stage , keep your hands relaxed at your sides.While debating or delivering a speech, place your hands lightly on the lectern.

Your legs

Shuffling in one place or swaying is a sign of nervousness. While speaking , the ideal position is to keep your legs about a foot apart in line with your shoulders. Rest comfortably on the balls of your feet. While sitting , the ideal position is with the feet flat on the floor or cross at the ankles. It is considered lady like for a girl to keep her knees together. The most offensive position is resting one leg or ankle on top of your other knee. Some people call this the " Figure four". It is sign of arrogance and " I don't care".

Keep a distance 

Standing too close or in "someone's face" will mark you as pushy. Again , positioning yourself too far away will make you seem standoffish. You need to find a comfortable distance , ideally about an arms distance away. Most importantly , do what makes the other person feel comfortable. If the person with whom you are speaking keeps backing away from you, stop. Either that person needs space or you need a breath mint.

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