Body language tricks to power up your career

What's something that doesn't take much time to master, but can make a big difference in your career? Body language. Becoming a pro at how you present yourself to the outside world can change how people treat and perceive you. After all, non-verbal communication makes up to 93% of your communication. Your body language can impact first impressions before you've even talked to a person. Here are three key aspects of body language that you need to be aware of:

Eye contact

Different situations call for different levels of eye contact. In an interview, look straight at the person talking to you, but glance away now and then. This way the interviewer will know that they have your full attention and you are interested in hearing what they have to say.

When you're nervous, refrain from looking at the ground or to the side for an extended period of time. This is a tell-tale sign of nervousness. Instead, take a deep breath and listen to what they are saying or asking—you'll forget about your nerves right away.

Smiling

The way a person smiles can reveal a lot about him or her. If you want to look amiable and sincere, make sure to smile with your eyes. This should raise the cheeks and form crow's feet around the eyes. Avoid smiling with your mouth shut because this rarely comes off as genuine and can end up as a sinister-slash-sarcastic grin instead.

Body orientation

When people feel nervous or shy, they tend to crumple up inwards. They might tuck their feet under their chair or rest their arms limply in their laps. Needless to say, this isn't exactly the definition of confidence. In professional settings especially, it's important to appear confident and ready. Claim your space by planting your feet firmly on the ground when seated, lean back and let your arms relax. Don't huddle up and slouch.

While you want to give off a relaxed air, don't get too laid back. Closed arms, for example, can mean that you are blocking other people off or guarding yourself. You'll come off as detached and defensive. Open and relaxed arms show that you are confident and inviting. 

Body language is all about context, but having a general understanding of it will help you to see patterns within yourself and those around you. The most important thing is to get comfortable in your surroundings—even though the workplace is a formal environment, you're interacting with people just like yourself.

The writer is the Sub-Editor of the career publication of The Daily Star. She is also a senior at the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka.