Assertive Body Language

"Be more assertive in meetings." If you’ve ever received this feedback, you know how tough it is. Especially if you’re an introvert who doesn’t interrupt or feel it’s your place. I was coaching an exec dealing with this exact sticking point. I said, “You’ve gotten this feedback. Let’s talk about what you want to do with it.” A priority for me is to always look at my clients holistically (who are you BEYOND the walls/screens of work). Knowing she had a teenage daughter, I asked this leader to role-play a conversation with her daughter about cleaning her room. She started gently: “Sweetheart, I really would love for you to clean your room. It would make our lives more calm and peaceful...” (you get the picture). I had her pause and imagine it was the fifth time she asked. She began again, “Honey, I really wish you’d...” I stopped her, asked, “Is that true to who you are on weekends? Do you calmly ask for the fifth time or bring up a different character?” She laughed. “No, that’s totally not true.” So, I asked her to show me the real scenario. Suddenly, she’s chopping her hands through the air: “Young lady, I need you to get off the couch, up the stairs, and clean your room right. now. I do NOT want to see you back downstairs until your room is CLEAN.” Boom. Who was THAT? “That,” she said, “was my 'Mom' voice.” Aha. She had the ability to turn on a concise, direct conversation style... she just wasn't used to bringing it to work with her. And the style, it started with a firm movement of her hands. She wasn’t even aware of the hand motion. But that was the tool she needed to embody a more assertive self. Now, when this client needs to be precise and direct, she starts with that hand movement. It cues her body into an assertive character without overthinking every word. Key takeaway: Using body language as a cue can bypass the overactive brain, tapping into characters that already exist within you. One of your Authentic Selves. So, use your body. Practice in front of a camera. Notice what works and eliminate what doesn’t. Your body language can unlock new ways to express assertiveness and confidence. There is more to you than meets the eye. Figure out WHO in YOU you can tap into to become who you need to be. #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #Assertiveness #BodyLanguage #ProfessionalDevelopment #Authenticity

Your body speaks before you do. Is it saying what you want it to? I learned this the hard way during a board meeting. I had the numbers, the plan, the perfect pitch. But I was fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, and shrinking into my chair. In return, I received a lot more questions than usual. Another leader pulled me aside after and said something that changed how I show up: "You know your stuff, but your body is telling a different story." They were right. I was undermining my own message. Over the years, I've watched leaders who command rooms without saying a word. They don't have magic powers. They understand that 55% of communication happens through body language. Here's what I've learned works: 👉 Eye contact builds trust. Look at people when they speak to you. Really look at them, and make a connection. 👉 Your posture tells your story. Stand like you belong there. Sit like you own the chair. Keep your arms open. 👉 Space matters. Read the room. Respect cultural norms. Find that sweet spot where you're engaged but not invading. 👉 Listen with your whole body. Nod with purpose. Welcome silence. Show that you're not just waiting for your turn to talk. 👉 Your voice carries weight. Pace yourself. Vary your tone. Project confidence even when you don't feel it yet. 👉 Let your face match your words. Show authentic emotion. If you're excited about an idea, let it show. If you're concerned, don't hide behind a poker face. 👉 Gesture with intent. Open palms signal trust. Measured movements emphasize key points. Your hands can reinforce what your words are trying to build. The truth is, I still catch myself sliding back into old habits. Last week, I realized I was crossing my arms during a meeting. But now I notice more. I adjust. I show up differently. Body language isn't about being perfect. It's about being present and intentional with how you connect. 💭 What's one body language habit you want to change? ♻️ Share this post if you know someone who needs to hear this message. 📌 Follow me (Jennifer Turnage) for more insights on authentic leadership and communication.

In high-stakes meetings, executives judge you before you say a word. Not by your slides or your product. But, by your presence. When you sit across from senior leaders,. They aren’t just listening to what you say. They’re evaluating how you show up. Because most of their careers have been spent doing one thing: Assessing people. In the first 60 seconds, they’re subconsciously asking: “Does this person have the confidence and authority to guide us?” And your body language answers that question immediately. Top performers understand this. They know executive influence isn’t just related to knowledge, it includes composure. Notice the signals great sellers send early in a meeting: - Sitting upright and grounded - Calm, steady eye contact - Speaking at a measured pace - Pausing before responding - Moving deliberately instead of nervously Now compare that with what buyers often see: - Leaning forward anxiously - Talking too fast - Filling every silence - Fidgeting with a pen - Racing through slides Those small signals change the entire perception of the meeting. Because anxious energy makes you look like a vendor chasing a deal. Calm presence makes you look like someone who belongs in the room. The best sales professionals do something counterintuitive. They slow the meeting down. They create space. They ask thoughtful questions. They make the room feel calm and focused. And when that happens, something powerful shifts. You stop looking like a salesperson. You start looking like a trusted advisor. In high-stakes meetings, body language isn’t a minor detail. It’s part of the strategy. What’s one small body-language habit that’s helped you command a room?

🌟 Harnessing the Power of Body Talk: A Transformative Leadership Lesson 🌟 As a public speaking coach, I often emphasize the subtle yet profound impact of body language in communication. Recently, I witnessed a remarkable transformation that truly encapsulates this principle. During a high-stakes meeting, I observed a promising young executive, Alex, who initially struggled with his presence. His ideas were innovative, yet his slouched posture and averted gaze didn't convey the confidence needed to captivate the senior management. Realizing the disconnect, we worked together to harness the power of assertive body language—straight posture, steady eye contact, and purposeful gestures. The change was not just physical but psychological. At the next meeting, Alex entered the room with a presence that was palpable. He stood tall, his eyes engaging his audience, his movements deliberate and confident. The room's dynamic shifted; people leaned in, they listened, engaged, and nodded. Alex's ideas were the same, but his delivery had transformed. He wasn’t just heard; he was felt. This moment was a testament to the empowering potential of body language. It's more than aesthetics; it’s about visibility and credibility. Alex's story is a powerful reminder that our bodies speak volumes before we even utter a word. In leadership, how we say something can be as impactful as what we say. Let’s remember, great leaders not only inspire with their words but also with their presence. What story is your body language telling?

After negotiating billions in contracts, I’ve discovered a game-changing secret to success: the right body language often speaks louder than any proposal or argument. Ready to take your influence to the next level? Mastering body language could be your game-changer. We’ve all seen plenty of advice on using verbal communication to influence others, but how often do we focus on the power of body language? Nonverbal communication plays a critical role in influencing effectively—it conveys confidence, builds trust, and strengthens your message. How the industry leaders execute it: 1. Establish Open and Confident Posture Stand or sit up straight with shoulders relaxed and chest slightly forward. Avoid crossing your arms or legs, which can appear defensive or closed-off. 2. Make Intentional Eye Contact Maintain steady eye contact to show interest and confidence. Avoid staring; instead, balance eye contact with natural breaks to avoid discomfort. 3. Use Gestures to Reinforce Your Words Use purposeful hand movements to emphasize key points (e.g., open palms to convey honesty). Avoid fidgeting, pointing, or overusing gestures, which can distract from your message. 4. Mirror Your Audience’s Body Language Subtly align your posture and gestures with the other person’s to create rapport. Avoid mimicking; instead, aim for natural alignment that signals connection and empathy. 5. Exude Calm and Confidence Slow your movements and avoid rapid or erratic gestures to project calm authority. Take controlled breaths to maintain composure, especially in high-stakes situations. 6. Align Facial Expressions with Your Message Smile genuinely to build warmth and trust, but ensure it aligns with the context. Use expressive eyebrows or subtle nods to show engagement and understanding. 7. Control Your Space Stand or sit firmly within your space to project presence and authority. Respect personal boundaries while subtly leaning in during conversations to show interest. 8. Pay Attention to Your Hands Keep hands visible; hiding them in pockets or behind your back can create mistrust. Use gestures like steepling (fingertips together) to convey confidence and thoughtfulness. 9. Watch Your Feet Placement Stand with feet shoulder-width apart for a grounded and confident stance. Avoid shifting weight excessively or pointing your feet toward the exit, which signals disengagement. 10. Adapt to Cultural Contexts Be mindful of cultural differences in body language and adjust accordingly. What may convey confidence in one culture might be perceived differently in another. Be mindful of your nonverbal cues and how they might be perceived. Record yourself or seek feedback to refine your body language for influential communication. Mastering these aspects of body language can enhance your ability to lead, persuade, and build meaningful connections. Nonverbal cues often speak louder than words—use them intentionally to leave a lasting impact!

THE 3-SECOND RULE THAT CHANGES HOW PEOPLE SEE YOU Why some managers get ignored while others command rooms After studying 500+ executive interactions, I discovered people decide your authority level in 3 seconds based on micro-behaviors. THE SCIENCE: Your amygdala (survival brain) instantly categorizes everyone as: 1. Threat 2. Equal 3. Authority This happens BEFORE you speak. THE EXECUTIVE PRESENCE FORMULA: 🎯 FIRST SECOND: Physical Space Take up 20% more space Shoulders back, chest open Hands visible (hidden = threat) Stand/sit asymmetrically (symmetry = subordinate) 💭 SECOND SECOND: Cognitive Pause 2-beat pause before speaking Slow blink (confidence signal) Slight head tilt (processing, not reactive) Breathe from diaphragm (authority breath) 🗣️ THIRD SECOND: Vocal Authority Drop voice tone 2 notes Speak 20% slower than feels natural End statements DOWN (up = question = subordinate) Volume authoritatively loud on stage Volume slightly lower in meetings (makes people lean in) THE PRACTICE PROTOCOL: Morning Mirror Drill (2 min): - Stand in power stance - Make eye contact with yourself - Say "I belong in every room I enter" - Drop voice until it feels too low - That's your authority voice Before Every Meeting: - Bathroom power pose (2 min) - 4-7-8 breathing (calm authority) - Visualize owning the room - Enter 30 seconds after you arrive REAL EXAMPLE: Sarah, Director of Marketing, always interrupted in meetings. Applied the protocol: Week 1: Felt ridiculous Week 2: People started listening Week 4: VP asked her opinion first Week 8: "You've really developed presence" Month 6: Exective Director promotion You already have everything needed for executive presence. You just need to give your body permission to show it. Try this tomorrow. Watch what changes. #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipDevelopment #Neuroscience #BodyLanguage

Watch what you’re really saying. Body language conveys just as much as words. So be intentional. Make sure your non-verbal cues align with your message. Because how you say it is just as important as what you say. Here’s how to be more effective:   7 Ways to Command Your Presence with Communication 1) Eye Contact Problem: Looking away signals doubt or disinterest. Solution: Hold steady (not staring) eye contact. Why: Eye contact builds trust, shows confidence and makes people feel seen. 2) Voice Control Problem: Speaking too softly, too fast, or monotone loses your audience. Solution: Slow down, project and add vocal variety. Why: A strong, modulated voice captures attention and conveys authority. 3) Body Language Problem: Crossed arms, fidgeting, or slouching weakens your presence. Solution: Stand tall, use open gestures, and be intentional with movement. Why: Non-verbal cues speak louder than words and signal confidence. 4) Clarity Over Complexity Problem: Long-winded explanations confuse and lose people. Solution: Use simple, direct language and clear examples. Why: Clarity ensures your message sticks and drives action. 5) Active Listening Problem: Talking more than you listen can make others disengage. Solution: Pause, reflect and respond thoughtfully. Why: Listening shows respect and helps you tailor your message effectively. 6) Storytelling Problem: Data alone rarely inspires or persuades. Solution: Wrap key points in stories that connect emotionally. Why: Stories are memorable and move people to act. 7) Presence in Silence Problem: Filling every gap with words signals nervousness. Solution: Embrace pauses; let your words breathe. Why: Silence adds weight to your message and commands attention. Commanding presence isn’t about talking more, it’s about communicating better.   Which of these seven do you use to command your presence?

Your body speaks before you say a single word. In fact, it might be the loudest voice in the room. You’ve probably heard the “7%-38%-55% rule”: 🧠 7% of communication is words 🎤 38% is tone of voice 🧍♂️ 55% is body language But here’s the twist: that rule is misunderstood. Albert Mehrabian’s study only applies when your verbal and non-verbal cues conflict — especially when expressing emotions. Think: someone says “I’m fine”… but sounds irritated and folds their arms. We believe the body, not the words. In leadership communication, this matters enormously. Because if you say, “I’m confident we’ll hit our goals” — but your face looks tense, your posture unsure — your team won’t buy it. To be truly persuasive and trustworthy, your body language must match your message. Here are 7 practical ways to elevate your non-verbal communication: 1️⃣ Mirror Their Movements ↳ It creates instant rapport and shows empathy. 2️⃣ Move with Intention ↳ Avoid nervous fidgeting or pacing — be grounded. 3️⃣ Keep Gestures Open ↳ Uncrossed arms and visible hands signal trust. 4️⃣ Be Conscious of Your Face ↳ Your face reflects your thoughts before your words do. 5️⃣ Hold Eye Contact ↳ It shows presence, confidence, and honesty. 6️⃣ Command Your Space ↳ Sit or stand tall — posture is power. 7️⃣ Smile Authentically ↳ A genuine smile is your fastest path to connection. Non-verbal mastery isn’t about being robotic, it’s about being aligned. Because when your words, tone, and body all say the same thing? People don’t just listen, they believe. ♻️ Repost to help others become better leaders.  📌 Follow me, Oliver Aust, for daily strategies to speak like a CEO.

Every discussion & every meeting is a “stage”. If you’re wanting to build connection, influence and/or make an impact - non verbal cues take the lead. People see you before they hear you. And your body language speaks before you do. Many of us burn so much energy worrying about “what we say” or “how we sound” especially when #impostersyndrome is in the drivers seat. But non-verbal communication is one of the most powerful performance tools you have: Non-verbal cues generally account for 60–90% of the emotional impact and perceived credibility of a message. This includes: • facial expression • posture • gestures • eye contact • tone • pace • energy Many global studies cite that first impressions are made in a fraction of a second. Vanessa Van Edwards’ work highlights that when body language and words conflict, people trust the non-verbal cues first. Evy Poumpouras, with decades of elite training, reinforces that your presence, emotional regulation and physical cues communicate your strength long before you speak. Your body is constantly broadcasting a message. The question is: Is it aligned with the #confidence you want to project? As you step into meetings, presentations and conversations this week, be intentional about your non-verbal cues (below are 4️⃣ tips) to help set the tone: But first a little reminder …. You’re not an imposter, you’re capable, competent, successful and you’ve earned the right to be exactly where you are! So being present is key - you have so much to offer. Back to the tips👇🏽 1️⃣Stand or sit tall. Ground your feet. Open your shoulders. Your posture signals authority and readiness. 2️⃣Use your eyes with intention. Steady, but not staring - eye contact builds trust in seconds. 3️⃣Let your hands support your message. Visible, calm, purposeful hands communicate honesty, openness and confidence. 4️⃣Match your energy to your words. When your tone, face and body align, your message lands as authentic and credible. When they don’t, people feel the disconnect. Focusing on and shifting your body language first - interrupts negative or self sabotaging patterns and signals to your brain that you are safe, capable and grounded. True confidence doesn’t start when you speak. It starts the moment you walk onto the “stage” (discussion, meeting, or room) Acknowledging /Internalizing these positive body shifts also helps intercept that pesky “Imposter” story. What body-language tip /habit are you choosing to strengthen this week 1️⃣-4️⃣? Please share below 👇🏽 OR What tip would you add? 👇🏽 📸 by the incredible Jade Warne #impostersyndromeexpert #conqueryourimposter™️

Your body speaks… even when you’re silent. I’ve seen brilliant professionals lose their audience not because they lacked knowledge, but their body language whispered, “I’m not confident.” Here’s the truth: People decide if they trust you…BEFORE you even say a word. Research shows up to 93% of communication is non-verbal. So while you’re stressing over your slides or the perfect opening line, your body is already sending messages. Messages like: ❌ Slouching → “I’m unsure.” ❌ Fidgeting → “I’m anxious.” ❌ Weak eye contact → “I don’t believe in what I’m saying.” I know this because I’ve lived it. Years ago, my voice trembled in boardrooms, even when my words were right. My body language was screaming insecurity. But here’s the good news… Body language is a skill you can learn. ✅ You can stand taller. ✅ You can pause instead of fidgeting. ✅ You can look people in the eye and truly connect. Because strong communication isn’t just about what you say. It’s how you carry yourself while saying it. #publicspeakingcoach #leadershipskills #bodylanguagetips #communicationcoach #confidentspeaker #executivepresence #leadershiptrainer #softskillsdevelopment #amivedi #speakwithamee #confidencetips #linkedinforcreators #linkedinnewindia