I have a pet peeve. Well, a few. But one of them is when I’m talking to someone and he or she won’t make consistent eye contact with me.
This isn’t because I’m conceited and want all eyes on me at all times (this isn’t Keeping Up With the Kardashians, ya know). It’s because, as soon as it happens, I feel as if he or she isn’t really listening to me, so I usually stop talking. Things get awkward.
I’m not the only one who feels this way, nor is this the only etiquette blunder that turns people off. The way you conduct yourself when speaking with someone is just as important (if not more) than the words coming out of your mouth. And it’s just as crucial when you are listening to an individual, too.
In this video, we’ll show you some of the most common body language mistakes people make—and how to fix them quickly (it isn’t hard!).
Transcript
Crossed arms make you look unconfident or mean. Relax your arms to look friendlier.
Bad eye contact makes you look bored. Keep eye contact to show interest.
Fidgeting makes you look bored or anxious. Gesture lightly with your hands instead.
Leaning away makes you look disinterested. Face forward to look engaged.
A mean expression makes you seem unapproachable or unlikable. Start and end conversations with a smile.
A bad handshake makes a negative impression. Keep it brief, firm, and friendly.