Insights from Joe Navarro FBI Special Agent)
Body language shapes how others perceive you and can strongly influence relationships, trust, and authority. Understanding subtle cues can help you navigate
interactions effectively.

What To Do: Positive Body Language for Success

1. Show Comfort:
   • • Cross one leg in front of the other or engage in casual “shoe play” to exude ease.
     • Lean slightly toward others and face them directly (ventral fronting) in conversations.
2. Use Gestures and Space Confidently:
   • • Spread arms out or use space effectively to appear self-assured.
     • Try hand steepling (fingers together but tips spread) for a confidence boost.
     • Keep thumbs visible, such as sticking out of your pocket, to subtly indicate dominance.
3. Create Positive Impressions:
   • • Tilt your head to expose the neck as a gesture of trust.
     • Smile genuinely—engage the muscles around your mouth and eyes.
     • Maintain good posture with your chin and nose up.
4. Build Rapport:
   • • Lightly touch between the elbow and shoulder while speaking.
     • Ensure palms are relaxed and visible when meeting someone for the first time.
     • Use hand gestures to emphasize points and make your message persuasive.
5. Match Your Appearance to Your Intentions:
   • • Wear attire that aligns with the impression you want to leave.
     • Engage in subtle preening (adjusting your appearance) to look polished.

What To Avoid: Negative Body Language Pitfalls

1. Defensive Postures:
   • • Avoid crossing your arms or using objects like clothing as barriers.
     • Don’t hide your hands or withdraw them from view—it signals weakness.
2. Signs of Discomfort:
   • • Don’t lean away or turn slightly (ventral denial).
     • Refrain from sudden foot movements, clenched fists, or stiff neck postures.
3. Unconscious Indicators of Stress:
   • • Tilt your head to expose the neck as a gesture of trust.
     • Smile genuinely—engage the muscles around your mouth and eyes.
4. . Negative Facial Expressions:
   1. • Fake smiles (without eye crinkles) and pouting lips indicate dissatisfaction.
      • Avoid sneering or disappearing lips—it conveys disrespect or anxiety.

Key Observations to Watch For

1. Feet and Legs:
   • • Foot direction matters—toward you signals interest, away signals discomfort.
     • Foot or leg hopping can reflect nervous energy or excitement.
2. Arms and Hands:
   • • Restricted arm movement or arm freezing (especially in children) can indicate distress.
     • Tattoos or grooming choices on arms can reflect personality traits.
3. Facial Cues:
   • • Pupil dilation indicates heightened emotions, while eye-blocking gestures suggest discomfort.
     • Rapid blinking may signal difficulty processing information or stress.
4. Breathing Patterns:
   • • Deep, heaving breaths often accompany stress or preparation for confrontation.
5. Micro-Expressions:
   1. • Half shoulder shrugs often accompany lies, while symmetrical shoulder raises suggest honesty.

Techniques To Project Authority

1. Adopt Dominance Postures:
   • • Stand with hands behind your back and chin up for authority.
     • Spread arms confidently across surfaces or furniture.
2. Be Aware of Context:
   1. • Avoid exaggerated dominance (e.g., overbearing handshakes) as it can backfire.
      • Keep movements deliberate to avoid looking anxious.

Why Body Language Matters

• Honest vs. Restrictive:Open, expressive gestures build trust, while restrictive behaviors can signal deception.
• Physical Presence: Occupying space and maintaining calm confidence sets a positive tone in interactions.
• Emotional Clues: Negative emotions (e.g., fear, anxiety) often appear more genuine than forced positivity, offering valuable insights.

Mastering body language empowers you to express yourself effectively and read others with precision, enhancing personal and professional connections.