15 Body Language Problems That Kill Your Chances Of Success (In Business And Life)

Did you know our bodies have a language of their own, and they often speak what is hidden in our minds? 

Body language is part of everyone, and most of us do it subconsciously. Sometimes it will be our worst enemy when it comes to job seeking and dating. How so? Well here are 15 body languages that we (unintentionally) use that give people a bad image of us. If you catch yourself doing this, try to stop it and look at the improvement in results!

Slouching

This is disrespectful. It shows that you are bored and don’t want to be there.

It is like telling the person you are talking to that you don’t want to listen to them.

If you want to project interest, power and confidence, sit up straight and have your arms slightly wider apart.

Maintaining good posture commands respect and promotes engagements from both ends of the conversation.

Big Gestures

It can show that you might be exaggerating the truth.

Instead, aim for small and controlled movements as it will show that you are confident and have leadership skills.

Movements like spreading your arms apart or showing the palm of your hands will communicate that you have nothing to hide.

Looking At The Time

This shows a lot of disrespect.

 Imagine going on a date or interviewing someone and they keep looking at the time, you will feel like they don’t want to be there and just want the time to go quickly.

Turning Your Body Away

Turning away or leaning away from your conversation shows that you are not interested, not comfortable and not engaged.

It may even show that you do not trust that person speaking.

If you want to show interest, try leaning in towards the person who is speaking and tilt your head slightly as you listen to them. This shows the speaker that they have your complete focus and attention.

Crossed Arms

Crossing your arms and legs shows that you are not open to what the other person is saying.

Even if you are smiling or engaging in a nice conversation, the other person may get a subconscious feeling that you are shutting them out.

You may have experienced this before where people cross their arms when they talk to you, and it feels like there is something “not right”, even if everything is going fine.

Even if folding your arms feels comfortable, resist the urge to do so if you want people to see you as open-minded and interested in what they have to say.

Inconsistency

Inconsistency between what you say and what your facial expressions will make people feel like something is not right.

For example, imagine a nervous smile while rejecting an idea during a presentation will not help get you get what you want, it will make others feel uncomfortable about working with you because they think you are up to something.

Too Much Nodding

This is a sign that you are anxious to get someone’s approval.

People may see your heavy nods as an attempt to show you agree and understand with something that you actually do not.

Fidgeting

Playing with your hair or something in your hands show that you are nervous, have too much energy, have low self-esteem and easily distracted.

People will see you as too worried about something else and not worried enough about your career or date.