Your physical mannerisms have a lot to do with how people “see” you and what kind of perception they have about your trustworthiness. Even without speaking – your gestures make a difference in how you are perceived by others.
Here’s a list of 4 gestures that can help you to appear trustworthy… without you saying a word:
- Keep Your Hands Neutral
- Touching your hands makes you appear nervous
- Clasping your hands sends a signal of being closed off
- Keep Your Hands Away from Your Face
- Touching your face sends a signal that you are formulating an opinion
- Arms Should Stay Open and Relaxed
- Never cross your arms over your heart
- Doing so sends a message that you are not willing to communicate your true feelings
- It also sends a message that you won’t collaborate
- Lean In
- Leaning back sends a message that you are overly relaxed and not listening
- Leaning in sends a message that you are giving the speaker your full attention and that you care about what they have to say
People respond better to those who are viewed as trustworthy. People buy from who they “know, like and trust.” Be aware of your body language and don’t let a simple mistake such as crossing your arms or leaning back in a meeting send the wrong message about yourself, and your ability to care about your customers.
