Your Body Speaks Louder Than Words

When meeting someone for the first time, what do you notice most—what they say, how they look, or how they act? According to research by Professor Albert Mehrabian from UCLA, only 7% of communication is verbal. The other 93%? It’s non-verbal: tone of voice, facial expressions, posture, and gestures.

In a world still adjusting to the aftershocks of Covid-19, where remote work, online meetings, and social distancing changed how we interact, reading body language has become more essential than ever—whether on-screen or in person.

So how can we appear more confident, charismatic, and approachable—without saying a word?

Let’s explore some key body language tips and essential vocabulary to help you make a lasting first impression.

🧠 Vocabulary Builder

Crossed arms – Folding your arms across your chest.
🗣️ Example: "He sat through the meeting with crossed arms—he didn’t look convinced."
🧠 Idiom connection: Can be seen as “putting up a wall.”

Eye contact – Looking into someone’s eyes while speaking.
🗣️ Example: "Good eye contact shows you're interested and honest."
👀 Tip: Avoiding eye contact can be read as “having something to hide.”

Posture – The way you hold your body while sitting or standing.
🗣️ Example: "Straight posture shows confidence; slouching looks lazy or insecure."

Fidget – Small, restless movements (tapping fingers, shaking leg).
🗣️ Example: "She kept fidgeting during the interview, which showed her nerves."
🧠 Idiom: “Like a cat on a hot tin roof” – very nervous or restless.

Lean (against something) – To lightly rest on a surface.
🗣️ Example: "He leaned casually against the doorway, looking relaxed but alert."

Peer – To look closely or carefully.
🗣️ Example: "She peered through the blinds to see who was outside."

Shake hands (with someone) – A common greeting gesture.
🗣️ Example: "He offered a firm handshake, which made a great impression."

To put/set someone at ease – To make someone feel relaxed.
🗣️ Example: "Her warm smile put everyone at ease immediately."

Approachable – Friendly and open to conversation.
🗣️ Example: "The manager was so approachable, everyone felt comfortable asking questions."

Confident – Feeling secure in yourself and your actions.
🗣️ Example: "He spoke confidently, with no hesitation."

Trustworthy – Reliable and honest.
🗣️ Example: "You can always count on her—she’s very trustworthy."

Unapproachable – Someone who seems distant or cold.
🗣️ Example: "He didn’t smile and kept his arms crossed—very unapproachable."

Unconfident – Lacking self-belief or assurance.
🗣️ Example: "Her quiet voice and downward gaze made her seem unconfident."

Untrustworthy – Not reliable; likely to lie or betray trust.
🗣️ Example: "He lied once too often—now everyone sees him as untrustworthy."

Expansive gestures – Large, open hand or body movements.
🗣️ Example: "Her expansive gestures made her presentation more engaging."

Press lips – To close your lips tightly together.
🗣️ Example: "He pressed his lips together, clearly annoyed but trying not to argue."

Hang your head – To look down out of shame or embarrassment.
🗣️ Example: "He hung his head after making a mistake in front of the class."

Miffed – Slightly annoyed or offended.
🗣️ Example: "She was a little miffed that no one told her about the meeting."

Flip side – The negative or opposite aspect of something.
🗣️ Example: "Remote work gives flexibility, but the flip side is isolation."

✨ 7 Body Language Habits to Watch

1. Be in the Moment
Stay focused. Don’t look at your phone or scan the room. Good eye contact and presence show you're engaged.

2. Give Your Full Attention
In a group setting, don’t split your focus. Active listening builds trust and makes others feel important.

3. Lean with Confidence
A subtle lean shows interest, but don't invade personal space. Respect physical and cultural boundaries.

4. Use Your Hands Wisely
Keep your hands visible—don’t hide them in pockets or behind your back. Controlled gestures help your message land better.

5. Stand Tall
Your posture affects how others see you—and how you feel. Standing tall helps you breathe better and appear more secure.

6. Don’t Over-Apologize
If you make a small mistake, smile and carry on. Don’t hang your head or overexplain—it shows maturity and resilience.

7. The Eyebrow Flash
A quick eyebrow raise is a subtle, universal signal of friendliness. Pay attention to these micro-expressions in others too!

📘 Reading Comprehension Questions

• According to Prof. Mehrabian, what percentage of communication is non-verbal?

• What can eye contact signal during a conversation?

• How might someone interpret crossed arms?

• Why is it better not to put your hands in your pockets while talking?

• What do expansive gestures typically convey?

💬 Discussion Questions

• How do you behave when you meet someone for the first time?

• Have you ever judged someone just by their body language?

• In your country, are there any body gestures that foreigners might misinterpret?

• Is body language easy to control, or does it happen automatically?

• Do you agree that confident listening can be just as powerful as speaking well?

🧭 Good vs. Bad First Impressions

✅ Do this when meeting someone:

• Smile and hold eye contact

• Use open gestures

• Offer a firm, respectful handshake

• Maintain good posture

• Show attentiveness

❌ Avoid this:

• Constantly looking around

• Fidgeting or touching your face

• Hiding your hands or slouching

• Folding your arms

• Speaking without showing engagement

💡 Final Thought

If you want to leave a lasting impression, remember: what you do often speaks louder than what you say. In today’s post-Covid world where online and in-person meetings blend together, being aware of your body language is more important than ever. So stand tall, make eye contact, and let your actions speak with confidence.

💌 Stay Inspired, Stay Ahead!
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