7 body language mistakes that make you seem less confident in professional settings

“Confidence is key,” they often say. We’ve heard this maxim countless times, particularly when it comes to succeeding in the professional world.

But here’s the kicker.

While we typically associate confidence with verbal communication and actions, your body language plays an equally significant role. The way you stand, your facial expressions, and even the gestures you make can speak volumes about your confidence levels – sometimes louder than words.

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Unintentionally, many of us are prone to certain body language mistakes that might be projecting a less confident image of ourselves in professional settings. And no, I’m not just talking about slouching or avoiding eye contact.

If you’re thinking, “How can I appear more confident?” then keep reading.

We’re about to delve into seven body language mistakes that could be making you seem less confident at work. Once you’re aware of these subtle faux pas, you’ll be well on your way to presenting a more assertive and sure-footed version of yourself.

Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how your body says it!

1) Fidgeting excessively

You might not even realize it, but fidgeting can be a big giveaway of nervousness or lack of confidence.

Think about it.

Tapping your foot, twirling your hair, or incessantly clicking that pen – these seemingly innocent actions can scream ‘anxiety’ to the person you’re interacting with. In professional settings, it can make you come across as uncertain or unprepared.

So what’s the solution?

Try to be mindful of your actions. If you catch yourself starting to fidget, take a moment to breathe and relax your body. It might take some practice, but trust me, it’s worth it. Your calm and composed demeanor will radiate confidence, making a more positive impression on those around you.

2) Crossing your arms

Here’s something I’ve learned from personal experience.

There was this one time during a crucial business meeting. I was presenting my ideas, confident about my pitch. But all throughout, I had my arms crossed over my chest.

Later, a colleague pointed out that my crossed arms gave off a vibe of being closed-off or defensive. It was a shocker! I had no idea.

Crossing your arms is a natural stance for many of us when we’re deep in thought or even just comfortable. But in a professional context, it can be perceived as setting up a barrier, making you seem less approachable or even resistant to feedback.

The takeaway?

Keep your arms relaxed and to your sides whenever possible. It promotes an image of openness and confidence, inviting others to engage with you more positively. Trust me, I’ve been there and done that, and the change in people’s reactions is noticeable!

3) Avoiding eye contact

Let’s get real for a moment.

Eye contact can be challenging for some of us. Too little, and you’re seen as disinterested or insecure. Too much, and you might come off as aggressive or creepy. It’s like walking a tightrope, isn’t it?

Here’s the thing.

In professional settings, eye contact is crucial. It shows that you’re engaged in the conversation and confident in your thoughts and ideas.

But when your gaze is constantly shifting, darting around the room or fixating on your shoes, it conveys uncertainty. It’s as if you’re trying to hide something, even if that’s far from the truth.

So, what’s a comfortable balance?

Try maintaining eye contact for about 60% to 70% of the conversation. It’s enough to show sincerity and confidence without making the other person uncomfortable. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to break gaze occasionally. Just ensure that your attention returns to the person you’re interacting with.

Navigating this eye contact tightrope might take some practice, but once mastered, it can significantly boost your perceived confidence levels.

4) Poor posture

Ever noticed how you automatically feel more confident when you stand tall?

That’s because our posture has a direct impact on how we feel about ourselves. And guess what? It affects how others perceive us too.

Slouching or hunching over gives off an impression of low self-esteem and lack of confidence. It can make you seem less assertive, even submissive, not exactly the image you want to project in a professional setting.

On the other hand, standing or sitting straight, with your shoulders back and head held high, radiates confidence. It shows that you’re comfortable in your skin and ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

Next time you find yourself slouching, remember – straighten up! Your confidence will thank you for it.

5) Lack of facial expression

This might surprise you, but our faces are like open books. They reveal our thoughts and emotions to the world around us.

Ever heard of ‘resting face’? It’s when your face falls into a neutral – sometimes perceived as unapproachable or even hostile – expression when you’re relaxed or not showing any emotion.

In professional settings, this could be misinterpreted as a lack of interest, boredom, or even disdain. That’s definitely not the message you want to be sending when you’re trying to appear confident and engaged.

To counter this, aim for a relaxed and open facial expression. A genuine smile goes a long way in making you seem confident, approachable, and engaged.

Your facial expressions can speak volumes, even when you’re silent. So, let your face express your enthusiasm and confidence. It’s more powerful than you think!

6) Failing to mirror

We’re all human, and it’s in our nature to connect with those around us. One way we do this is through mirroring – subtly matching another person’s body language, gestures, or speech patterns. It’s a psychological phenomenon that helps build rapport and understanding.

Now, you might be wondering what this has to do with appearing confident.

Well, in a professional setting, failing to mirror can create a sense of distance or disconnection. It can make you seem less confident in your ability to connect and engage with others.

But here’s the good news.

You can practice mirroring without it feeling forced or insincere. Start by observing the other person’s body language and subtly reflecting it. If they lean in, you lean in. If they use certain words or phrases often, try sprinkling them into your conversation as well.

Remember, it’s about creating a sense of understanding and connection. It shows that you’re not only confident in yourself but also in your ability to relate to others. And that’s a powerful thing!

7) Invading personal space

Here’s the golden rule of body language – respect personal space.

Everyone has an invisible bubble around them, a comfort zone, if you will. Invade that, and you risk making the person feel uncomfortable or threatened, undermining your perceived confidence.

In professional settings, it’s crucial to maintain an appropriate distance when interacting with others. Too close, and you might come off as overbearing or intimidating. Too far, and you might seem disinterested or aloof.

Striking the right balance shows that you’re confident in your ability to understand and respect others’ boundaries. It conveys a sense of self-assuredness that can significantly enhance your professional image.

Keep this in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of confident body language.

Embracing your confident self

If you’ve been nodding along as you read through these body language mistakes, don’t worry. We’ve all been there.

But remember, this doesn’t have to be your narrative.

Awareness is the first step towards change. Now that you’re aware of these body language pitfalls, you’re already on your way to becoming a more confident version of yourself in professional settings.

Start by observing your body language in different scenarios. Do you cross your arms when you’re nervous? Do you avoid eye contact during difficult conversations? Once you identify these patterns, you can actively work on changing them.

Small changes can make a big difference.

Every time you choose to stand tall over slouching, maintain eye contact over looking away, or respect personal space over invading it, you’re taking a step towards projecting more confidence.

It won’t happen overnight. It’s a journey of self-improvement that requires patience and consistency. But with every conscious effort, you’ll notice a positive shift in how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself.

In the end, it’s not just about appearing confident to others—it’s about feeling genuinely confident within yourself. And that’s the most empowering feeling of all.

So, keep going and embrace the journey to your confident self!