Body Language
Big Impact
Matters
Your body sends small non-verbal cues that can make people feel dismissed or unsafe. When your body matches your care, it builds trust and space for honesty.
Leaning Back in Chair
Communicates: Disengagement or distance
Instead: Sit upright or lean in gently
Avoiding Eye Contact
Communicates: Detachment, discomfort
Instead: Use natural eye contact to show presence
Eye Rolling
Communicates: Frustration, judgment
Instead: Keep your face neutral and open
Device Checking
Communicates: Distraction, disinterest
Instead: Silence and set aside all devices
Crossed Arms
Communicates: Defensiveness, closed-off energy
Instead: Keep your arms open and relaxed
Turning Away
Communicates: Disinterest, dismissal
Instead: Face the speaker with an open posture
Sighing
Communicates: Frustration, impatience, or emotional withdrawal
Instead: Take a quiet breath and pause; let silence hold the space
Fidgeting
Communicates: Distraction, nervousness
Instead: Stay still and show calm interest
Glancing Around the Room
Communicates: Disinterest, lack of focus
Instead: Keep your eyes gently oriented toward the speaker
Clenched Jaw or Tense Shoulders
Communicates: Frustration, tension
Instead: Relax your jaw and drop your shoulders to signal openness
Face Touching
Communicates: Stress, fatigue, or disengagement
Instead: Keep your hands relaxed and away from your face
Foot Tapping
Communicates: Restlessness, impatience
Instead: Ground your feet and slow your breathing