Body language works like a truth detector: it reveals what you carefully hide behind smiles and confident phrases.
Take, for example, the gesture of "rubbing the neck." It seems harmless, but according to psychologists, it is a subconscious attempt to "cover" a vulnerable area - as if you are defending yourself from a blow.
And the hands clasped on the stomach? This is not just a position for comfort.
In 2024, researchers from the University of California found that people who use closed gestures during negotiations receive 40% less approval for their ideas, even if their proposals are objectively stronger.
Consider an experiment in the Journal of Experimental Psychology (2023), where participants sat with their backs straight and their palms on the table. Their negotiating success increased not only because of lower cortisol. It turns out that open postures subconsciously evoke associations with honesty in the other person.
“When your palms are on the table, it’s a signal: ‘I have nothing to hide,’” the study’s authors explain.
But what if you're nervous? Try the "mirror method": discreetly copy the poses of a confident interlocutor.
For example, if he is sitting back in his chair, do the same. This will not only relieve tension, but also create a “kinship” effect on a non-verbal level.
Here's a story from Andrey, a manager from Prague: "At the presentation, I noticed that I was constantly touching my chin. Colleagues later said that I looked hesitant. Now, before speaking, I put my hands on the table - as advised in the article."
This life hack works because keeping your hands in one position reduces the number of “treacherous” gestures.
Another example is swinging your leg. Many people think it’s just a habit, but neuroscientists associate such movements with the brain’s attempt to “burn off” excess adrenaline. If you can’t stop, replace the swinging with deliberately pressing your feet into the floor. This will create the illusion of stability and help shift your focus.
But what if you have already “caught” yourself making uncertain gestures? Don’t panic.
Instead of suddenly changing your posture, do it gradually. For example, if you have your arms crossed, slowly lower them while nodding in agreement. This will make it seem like you are considering the information rather than trying to defend yourself.
Your gestures are not enemies, but indicators. By learning to read them, you will turn uncertainty into a tool.
Start small: today – control the position of your hands, tomorrow – experiment with your gait. In a month, you will notice how people will start to react to you differently – even without a single word.
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya