Many people worry that they have to be extroverted to use body language. But this is far from the truth! Introverts can master body language and nonverbal behavior to strengthen their interactions and gain confidence.
Here are a few tips for introverts:
1. Body Language And Emotions
Body language is not just about how you appear on the outside. It is also about how you feel. Researcher Amy Cuddy from Harvard Business School found that standing in power poses for five minutes can increase your testosterone, the power hormone and lower your cortisol, the stress hormone. So changing your body to be more powerful not only helps other people see you as powerful and confident, but also makes you feel more powerful and confident.
2. Take Up Space
One of the basic concepts of Power Posing is to take up more space in your environment. This helps you claim territory and assert your confidence. So instead of crossing your legs or tucking in your shoulders and head, try being expansive. Keep your head high, your shoulders loose, sit larger in your chair and walk with long strides.
3. Don’t Cross Your Arms
Defeated or low power poses lower your testosterone levels and increase your stress hormone cortisol. So avoid crossing your arms and tightly crossing your legs. Keep your trunk wide open to people around you. Remember, this shows you are approachable to others and keeps you in a more open-minded attitude.
4. Don’t Check Your Phone When You Are Nervous
Introverts tend to check their phone when they are nervous, but this puts you right into defeated body language. So try to avoid checking your phone when you want to feel confident and again try to relax and be expansive. I know someone who carries a newspaper around with him because that is an easier way to take up space.
5. Use the Triple Nod
The triple nod is the non-verbal equivalent of the ellipses. It is a nonverbal cue for someone to keep talking. If you are introverted and aren’t great at making conversations, you want to encourage the person you are speaking with to keep talking. Once they are done speaking and pause, nod three times in quick succession and they will often continue. If not, you can pick up where the conversation left off, but this is a great way of showing engagement and lengthening a discussion.
Simply being aware and wanting more open body language can help you engage people and have better connections.