Do you feel awkward in social situations and wonder how to improve your communication skills?

You are not alone.

Social anxiety, the fear of being negatively judged or rejected in social situations, impacts approximately 15 million American adults. 

Even more people struggle to overcome shyness.

Moreover, many people feel worried or tense when they have to interact with unfamiliar people.

The first impression is created within the first 10 seconds of seeing someone.

The way we communicate with others starts at the moment they see us, well before we even say “Hi”.

Therefore, the first step to improve our communication skills is to pay attention to our body language.

Body Language

Body language is non-verbal communication of our feelings and intentions.

Before we are able to say one word, others will notice our appearance, posture, and facial  expression.

Moreover, 80% of the first impression will depend on how we look and move.

According to research we experience emotional reactions even before our brain has had time to  register what’s causing that reaction.

Therefore, if we want to improve our communication skills we need to present ourselves the way we want to be perceived.

Communicate Confidence

Our body language will determine not only what others think about us but also how we feel about ourselves.

Wouldn’t it be nice to always feel confident and optimistic about ourselves and when communicating with others?

A good way to improve your communication skills is to become aware of how to position your body to look confident.

Leil Lowndes, in her book How to Talk to Anyone shares how to look like a big winner wherever you go.

“When a big jolt of happiness hits your heart and you feel like a winner, your head jerks up automatically and you throw your shoulders back.

A smile frames your lips and softens your eyes. This is the look that winners have constantly.”

In addition to your posture, having positive expectations about your social interactions will facilitate good communication skills.

When you are at a party and barely know anyone, imagine you are talking to your best friend. Expecting positive interactions with others helps to create them.

Let’s take a look at how to position our body to encourage positive communication skills. 

Body Language to Improve Your Communication Skills

1 – Straight and Open Posture

Stand upright with your shoulders back and relaxed.

Mirror the body language from the other person to show you are interested in what the other person is saying.

Keep your legs slightly separated instead of crossed as this indicates that you are receptive and relaxed.

Slightly lean toward the other person to show that you are listening and paying attention.

Powerful poses can improve confidence in children and grown ups.

On the other hand, participants in low-power poses experienced reduction in testosterone, increases in cortisol and reduced feelings of power and risk avoidance.

Therefore, if you want to feel in control and more confident adopt expansive postures.

Studies show that open postures make us feel in control of our body, mind, and positive feelings.

2 – Friendly Face

Look at the person in the eye when he or she is talking.

Keep eye contact as this shows interest in the conversation. Continue looking at the person when you are talking.

Mirror the facial expression of the other person to demonstrate that you are engaged in the conversation.

Take a deep breath before speaking. Keep your voice low. Speak slowly and clearly.

Remember to nod and smile to show the other person that you are listening.

3 – Engaged Arms and Hands

Instead of crossing your arms, keep them relaxed at your side to show you are interested and open to communicate with the other person.

When you speak, use your hands to gesture so that you engage the other person not only auditorily but also visually.

Gesturing with your hands also helps you to think clearer.

In addition, give a firm handshake to set the tone for the rest of the conversation.

Do not fidget or touch your face as this signals your are feeling uncomfortable.

Summary 

Now you know how to improve your communication skills by focusing on your body language.

• Keep your back straight

• Open your arms and hands

• Smile

• Look at the other person in the eye

This information will also help you to understand how the other person is feeling by paying attention to his or her posture and face.

Look at yourself in the mirror while you practice positive body language and you will feel immediately more confident.

The more you practice, the sooner it will become a habit.

In addition, your posture will help you to feel more confident when communicating with others.

Here are more tips on how to build self-confidence.

What social situations are the most stressful for you? Let me know in the comments below.

Do you feel there should be more to life than your exhausting daily routine?

In Turn Your Happiness On you will find out how to appreciate every moment and create a life full of joy.