Body Language Secrets for Networking Success

Networking events can feel overwhelming. But your body language speaks volumes. It can make or break connections. In this post, we'll explore how to use body language to your advantage. We'll cover everything from handshakes to subtle cues that build rapport. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips will help you connect authentically.

Have you ever noticed how much more you do than just listen when you're in a conversation with someone? Chances are you're also tracking eye contact, watching the person's hands, and maybe picking up on a quirk or two. It's not surprising we do these things! Back in the 60s, a professor at UCLA performed an important study on body language that is still the crux of our understanding. Today, we're breaking down what everyone should know about body language, social cues, factional expressions and how managing your own body language is one of a few overlooked networking skills. That's right: your networking skills will improve just by reading this post!

Body Language by the Numbers

Let's look at the numbers behind why body language is so important at everything from a job interview to networking event.

• The 7-38-55 Rule. The study from UCLA referenced above found that people find it easier to understand a message when the body language, including eye contact and physical cues, accompanying it match the message. People rely on what the speaker's body is doing when they're speaking. Essentially, 7% of a message is communicated verbally, 38% through nonverbal communication and 55% through visual communication.
• What makes up that 38% of nonverbal behaviors? Nonverbal communication includes expressions, hand gestures, and eye contact. Interestingly, it also accounts for pitch and tone. For example, when someone's voice goes up in pitch at the end of a sentence, it's interpreted as asking a question or being unsure.
• Visual communication makes up 55% of our interpretation, but is often moot. Chances are when you're at a networking event, you're experiencing the words someone is saying and their body language, but not visual cues. These are graphics, colors and symbols and are the biggest way we gain insight into what is being said.

Improve Your Communication Skills by Aligning Body Language

The body doesn't lie. If you're speaking authentically, and feeling comfortable, your body language will communicate the verbal content you're sharing.

There are many things that can hinder your body language. Getting distracted by someone walking in, feeling anxious about the topic or even just being overwhelmed by the number of people at a networking event might change the social cues you're putting out. It’s important to choose your conference rooms carefully to ensure you feel comfortable and confident during your talk.

Paying attention to how you're feeling, what you're saying and your body language is easy to do with a little practice. The key is to remain present in what you're doing and check in with your body. 

Types of Body Language

Now that we understand how important body language is, let's look at the different types. There are five main types of nonverbal communication:

Oculesics (Eye Contact)

Eye contact is powerful. It shows interest and attention, but too much can be uncomfortable—think of how unnerving it can be when someone stares intensely without breaking their gaze! Avoiding eye contact, on the other hand, might mean someone is shy, uncomfortable, or hiding something. Rapid blinking can signal discomfort, while infrequent blinking might mean someone is controlling their emotions. Finding a comfortable balance is key for positive interactions.

Haptics (Touch)

Touch conveys intimacy and emotions. A firm handshake can project confidence in professional settings, while a pat on the back can offer support. Different types of touch—functional, social, friendly, loving, sexual—communicate various messages. In professional networking, stick to socially acceptable forms of touch, like handshakes, to avoid misinterpretations. Learn more about haptics.

Proxemics (Personal Space)

Personal space—that invisible bubble we all have—varies across cultures. The distance between people shows the level of intimacy. There are different levels of personal space: intimate, personal, social, and public. In North American culture, a comfortable social distance is typically four to twelve feet. Getting too close can feel intrusive, while staying too far away can seem aloof. Understanding proxemics helps you maintain appropriate distances in professional settings. This is especially important when meeting new people at networking events.

Kinesics (Movement)

Kinesics encompasses a wide range of physical behaviors we use to express or convey information, including facial expressions, posture, gestures, and even eye movements. A simple nod can show agreement, while crossed arms might suggest defensiveness. Being mindful of your own kinesics—and learning to interpret the kinesics of others—can significantly improve your communication skills. For a deeper understanding of kinesics, check out this resource.

Paralanguage (Tone of Voice)

While not strictly body language, paralanguage plays a crucial role in how we interpret communication. It includes pitch, tone, and pauses in speech. When someone's voice goes up in pitch at the end of a sentence, it's often interpreted as a question or shows uncertainty. A confident tone of voice can project authority, while a hesitant tone might suggest a lack of conviction. Mastering paralanguage can make your communication more effective and engaging. This article offers helpful insights into paralanguage in customer service, easily applied to networking situations. Consider how your tone of voice might impact the way others perceive you when you're making a first impression.

To Boost Your Confidence, Assume a Power Pose

Fakin' it 'til you make it: we've all done this! If you find that you walk into a situation where you're feeling less than confident, simply changing your stance can shift your perspective.

By controlling your posture, stance and position, you can make a positive impression by coming across as confident. As people look to you as the expert or an authority you're likely to feel more comfortable and communicate your message better.

The trick is understanding power poses, and the key to understanding them is thinking about space, and the space you're giving yourself.

Having space at the table, both literally and figuratively, is vital for a speaker. If you are hunched, crossing your arms or doing something else to minimize the space you're taking up, it will communicate, nonverbally, that you are diminished in your position. No matter how much you know what you're talking about and how well you speak about it, those listening will be focused on the 38% of your communication that is telegraphing, "I'm not feeling confident!" Sadly, this can be interpreted as, "I don't know what I'm talking about."

Taking up appropriate space, by moving into a power pose, positions you as a person worth listening to.

To assume a power pose, open your stance, lean toward your audience and tilt your chin up slightly.

Do not use this posture to assert power or during an argument, it's likely to raise the stake (and hackles) of others. Power, in this case, is about feeling your best and confident in what you're discussing.

Angling Your Body is an Important Social cue

When making new professional connections, it's important to engage fully. In addition to locking eyes, angle your body toward the person to whom you're listening.

Everyone who is taking the risk to speak at a networking event, wants to be heard. A simple way to build relationships and deepen connection is to use nonverbal cues to show you're listening. Always turn toward the person who is speaking, even slightly by angling your hips or pointing your feet at them.

Especially when speaking to someone in a lower position or who is new to the group, this deferential move shows you're there to listen and learn from everyone.

This is also a great way to discover if you're making someone uncomfortable or boring them. Look at the feet of people you're speaking with. If they're pointing toward you, keep going. If they're pointing away it may be time to wrap it up!

Understanding Posture and its Impact

Believe it or not, your mom was right: posture matters. Good posture—sitting or standing up straight—projects confidence and attentiveness, according to experts. Slouching can signal boredom or disinterest, which can be detrimental during networking events where first impressions are key. Projecting enthusiasm and engagement starts with your posture.

Open vs. Closed Postures

Beyond just standing tall, the way you hold yourself impacts how others perceive you. Crossed arms and legs (a closed posture) often suggest defensiveness or discomfort, creating a barrier between you and the person you're talking to. An open posture—keeping your arms and legs uncrossed—signals friendliness and approachability. When networking, an open posture encourages conversation and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how others perceive you and how approachable you appear.

The Impact of Posture on Confidence

Good posture doesn't just look confident, it can make you feel more confident. Studies show a strong link between body language and our internal state. Standing tall with an open posture reinforces confidence within yourself. This can be especially helpful in networking situations where nerves might creep in. By adopting a confident posture, you can ease your mind and engage more authentically. Power poses, which involve taking up space and expanding your posture, can boost confidence before a networking event or important meeting. Try it—you might be surprised at the positive impact on your confidence levels.

Practice Your Hand Gestures

Many of us love talking with our hands. Some of us can't even control it.

We're here to tell you that if you're a wild gesticulator, it's time to get it under control.

While great for storytelling, when building professional connections, you don't want to distract from your point. Instead of using your arms, stick to containing movement to your hands.

Studies have found that wild arm movements can distract from your points. Gestures are a valuable form of nonverbal cue, but they should be used only as necessary.

A Note on Pointing

Work has gone global, so it's important to factor into your body language how others might interpret it. In many cultures throughout the world, it is considered rude to point to someone, especially with the index finger. Make a habit of not pointing in a professional setting to avoid alienating someone unintentionally.

Body Language for a Great First Impression

When it comes to making a great first impression, there are some easy things you can do.

Smile! But Don't ask Others to

A smile is universal and communicates a welcoming, open space. Some people naturally smile while for others their face is more neutral or even negative.

Ask people around you what your face looks like most of the time (we know, this is a weird question). Partners, family, roommates... There are people who see you all the time and can tell you if you're smiley or scowly. Whatever your natural face is, it's okay.

But when it comes to networking skills, you'll want to practice putting on a smile before entering a room.

Whatever you do, do not ask or tell other attendees to smile at a networking event. This is one of the quickest ways, no matter what your body language is communicating, to get someone to walk away. Worry about your body language and what it communicates, not others.

Master Your Handshake

We're going to get weird again, but practice your handshake!

Handshakes don't come naturally to most of us, so it's important to get a sense of how you're doing. The great thing is you'll learn quickly how you're doing and how to improve.

A firm, but not painful, handshake is key. Firmness is more about trust. No one wants to shake a floppy hand! On a similar note, no one wants to shake a clammy or wet hand, so pay attention to how your hands are feeling.

Handshakes are a time when you should definitely pay attention to social cues. Some people do not like to shake hands for various reasons. In some cases, you'll get a networking event invite that even says, "It's cold and flu season so we're skipping the handshakes!"

If someone reaches out, go ahead and give it a go. But if you hold out yours and it's not immediately taken, pull it back and don't react.

Maintain the Right Amount of Eye Contact

An important part of body language is not only doing certain things, but also knowing how much to do them, and for how long.

This is a great example of social cues that can be overdone.

The trick is knowing how much to make and the duration.

Experts agree on a 50/70 rule. 50% of the time that you're speaking, you should maintain contact. When you're listening, you should maintain eye contact 70% of the time.

This does not, of course, mean that you should maintain this contact in one block. Instead make contact for 4-5 seconds at a time.

Mirroring is an Easy way to Communicate Agreement

Active listening is more than just nodding and saying "yes" or "hmmm." These verbal cues can be distracting to the speaker and others.

Instead, try mirroring.

Mirroring is mimicking gestures of a speaker. If someone is nodding as they say something, a similar, gentle nod shows that you're not simply listening but agreeing with them.

One thing to avoid when it comes to mirroring, is head shaking. No matter what they are saying, shaking your head will appear to the speaker, and others, as if you're disagreeing.

Leaning

When mirroring a speaker you're listening to, it's also a great bit of body language to lean toward them.

Leaning toward someone shows that you're engaged and interested and that you want to hear their perspective. It is a slightly deferential posture that makes speakers more comfortable, especially if they are anxious about the interaction.

Facial Expressions

Facial expressions can help others interpret social cues. These can also be some of the hardest parts of body language to control because we can't see our own faces.

Just like you'll want to practice a firm handshake, ask for feedback on your face and facial expressions. This writer, for example, always smiles when reading. It's a natural reflex completely out of her control. She has to be aware of this when asked to read something upsetting, shocking, or anything but happy.

She's learned to lead her head down when handed anything to read and to also place a hand against her lower face. This looks like concentration and covers the reflexive smile.

Find out what your face does when, and take time to pay attention to it then. Someone in your life is going to be happy to tell you what unique facial expressions you make and when

Decoding Facial Cues

Mouth and Lip Movements

Facial expressions are essential for communication, often conveying emotions and intentions that words miss. A genuine smile can instantly make you seem more approachable and trustworthy. Think about how a warm smile from someone at a networking event can draw you in. On the other hand, pursed lips might signal disapproval or skepticism, potentially creating distance. Being mindful of your own mouth and lip movements, and learning to interpret those of others, can significantly impact your networking interactions. Subtle cues like a slight upturn of the lips can indicate interest, while a downturn might suggest discomfort. Paying attention to these micro-expressions offers valuable insights into how your message is landing.

Eye Expressions

Eye contact is a powerful nonverbal cue. Maintaining appropriate eye contact shows engagement and respect, fostering connection. But the key is "appropriate." Too much eye contact can feel intense and even aggressive, while too little can come across as disinterest or a lack of confidence. Strive for a balance that feels natural and comfortable. Notice how others use eye contact, too. Are they holding your gaze steadily, or glancing away frequently? Their eye movements can hint at their level of comfort and engagement in the conversation. Combined with other facial cues, eye expressions can help you actively listen and respond more effectively.

The Importance of Context in Interpreting Expressions

While understanding individual facial expressions is important, remember the bigger picture. A furrowed brow, for instance, could indicate confusion or deep thought, depending on the situation. Someone might be smiling politely while actually feeling uncomfortable. Observe the entire scene, including the environment and the other people involved. Is the conversation lighthearted or serious? Are there other factors that might be influencing someone's expressions? Considering context can prevent misinterpretations and help you accurately assess the emotional landscape of a networking interaction. By combining your understanding of individual facial cues with a sensitivity to context, you can significantly improve your ability to connect with others and build strong professional relationships. For smoother networking, consider a digital business card like Popl to share your contact information effortlessly.

Having Difficulty Reading Social Cues?

Something important to keep in mind is that body language and social cues vary. For example, if you are an American engaging with someone from Asia, you may find it difficult to read the specific ways in which their body language differs from yours.

Paying attention is important, but also remember that many things influence body language and, especially when dealing with people from another culture, they may interact very differently.

Listen to tone, assess things intrinsic to humans (like the position of their feet) instead of how long they lock eyes, and you'll be fine!

Common Misinterpretations of Body Language

Body language is complex. We rely on it to understand each other, but misinterpretations happen. These misunderstandings can damage relationships and create confusion, especially when networking. Sometimes, we unintentionally send the wrong signals, and other times, we misinterpret the signals others send.

Cultural Differences in Body Language

Interpreting body language accurately requires understanding context, and cultural differences play a significant role. What might be a friendly gesture in one culture could be considered rude or disrespectful in another. Direct eye contact, for example, can be seen as respectful attentiveness or a confrontational challenge depending on cultural norms. Similarly, comfortable personal space varies widely between cultures. While some expressions like happiness or sadness seem universal, many nonverbal cues are culture-specific. Being mindful of these differences is crucial for effective communication in diverse professional settings. Remembering these differences is key to making a good impression when using tools like Popl's digital business cards, which facilitate interactions across various cultures.

The Impact of Technology on Nonverbal Communication

Technology has changed how we communicate, impacting our use of body language. Think about how often we use emojis to convey emotions in texts and emails. These digital symbols compensate for the lack of visual cues online. However, this reliance on technology can also lead to misinterpretations. Nonverbal cues can contradict verbal messages, creating confusion and mistrust. A quickly typed "okay," for instance, might be interpreted as curt, even if the sender meant it neutrally. In face-to-face interactions, body language clarifies intent, but digital communication makes misinterpretations easier. This is why clear and concise language is important in our digital communications, especially when using professional networking tools like the Popl app, where nonverbal cues are limited.

3 Tips to Get Better at Networking Using Body Language

Understanding how people use their bodies, often unknowingly, to express comfort, whether they're interested and their level agreement will improve your networking skills.

1. Keep an eye on people's feet. It's probably time to cede the floor to someone else or perhaps tone down your approach if you notice people's feet start to turn away.
2. Enter with a smile. Approaching people, entering a room, and generally keeping a smile on your face makes you easier to approach at networking events and in other professional situations.
3. Learn your quirks. Find out what things your body language communicates that people notice and adjust and be aware accordingly.

Body Language in Different Settings

Body language isn’t one-size-fits-all. How we communicate with our bodies changes depending on the situation. Let’s explore how body language plays out in different settings, from professional networking events to social gatherings and even romantic relationships. Understanding these nuances can help you connect with others more effectively.

Professional Contexts

In business, body language can be just as important as your words. It influences how others see your competence, confidence, and credibility. Mastering professional body language can give you an advantage.

The Importance of a Confident Handshake

A firm handshake is a classic sign of confidence. As mentioned earlier, a solid handshake, without being too strong, shows trust and assurance. A weak grip can signal a lack of confidence. Practice with a friend to find the right balance.

Projecting Authority and Credibility

Your posture speaks volumes before you even say a word. Standing tall with your shoulders back and head held high projects authority and credibility. This power pose not only changes how others see you but can also increase your own confidence. Maintain an open posture—avoiding crossed arms or hunched shoulders—to appear approachable.

Social Situations

Social gatherings require different body language than professional settings. The focus shifts to building rapport, showing empathy, and making genuine connections. Small cues can significantly impact how you’re perceived.

Building Rapport Through Mirroring

Mirroring, subtly mimicking the gestures and posture of the person you’re talking to, can create connection and trust. As discussed above, a gentle nod or a similar hand gesture shows you’re engaged and empathetic. Avoid overt mirroring, which can seem insincere.

Reading Social Cues Effectively

Social situations are full of nonverbal cues. Paying attention to these cues helps you understand conversations and respond appropriately. Keep in mind that cultural differences significantly affect body language, so be mindful and avoid assumptions based on your own cultural norms. For more insights, check out this article on networking skills.

Romantic Relationships

Body language is crucial in romantic relationships, often communicating more than words. Understanding these nonverbal cues can deepen intimacy and strengthen your bond.

Understanding Nonverbal Cues of Attraction

From a quick glance to a lingering touch, nonverbal cues can reveal a lot about romantic interest. Facial expressions are powerful indicators of attraction. Dilated pupils, a genuine smile, and blushing are a few signs to notice. Context is key, so consider the whole situation.

The Role of Touch in Intimacy

Physical touch is fundamental in romantic relationships. A gentle handhold, a warm embrace, or a playful nudge can convey affection, comfort, and intimacy. Different types of touch have different meanings, so pay attention to the nuances of physical contact in your relationship. For further reading, explore this Wikipedia article on body language.

Key Takeaways

Your body language will make a great first impression if you incorporate it subtly, align it with what you're saying, and use a blend of physical cues to engage with others.

Related Articles

• The Right Body Language for Professional Networking Success
• How to Land a Job or Gig Through Networking Events
• How to Network | An Introduction to Networking
• 5 Body Language Tips for More Workplace Confidence
• How to Improve Your Professional Communication Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my body language at networking events? Start by being mindful of your posture. Stand tall, keep your shoulders relaxed, and avoid crossing your arms. Offer a firm handshake, smile genuinely, and make appropriate eye contact. When listening, angle your body toward the speaker and subtly mirror their positive body language to build rapport. Finally, be aware of your hand gestures – keep them contained and avoid excessive or distracting movements.

I get nervous at networking events. How can body language help with my nerves? Believe it or not, adjusting your body language can actually impact how you feel. Before entering the event, try a power pose – stand tall, open your stance, and place your hands on your hips. This can boost your confidence. During the event, focus on maintaining an open posture and making eye contact. These small changes can make you appear and feel more confident and at ease.

What are some common body language mistakes to avoid? Avoid closed-off postures like crossing your arms, which can make you seem unapproachable. Don't fidget or play with your phone, as this signals disinterest. Be mindful of excessive hand gestures, which can be distracting. Also, avoid asking people to smile, as this can be perceived negatively. Finally, be aware of cultural differences in body language to avoid misinterpretations.

How can I tell if someone is interested in what I'm saying? Look for cues like angled bodies and feet pointing towards you. A genuine smile, consistent (but not staring) eye contact, and subtle mirroring of your body language are also good indicators of interest. If you notice feet turning away, fidgeting, or a lack of eye contact, it might be a sign to wrap up or change the subject.

What's the best way to practice improving my body language? The key is to practice being mindful. Start by observing your own body language in everyday conversations. Ask trusted friends or family for feedback on your posture, hand gestures, and facial expressions. You can also practice power poses and controlled hand movements in front of a mirror. The more you practice, the more natural and effective your body language will become.