No matter what words come out of a person's mouth, visual movement cues (commonly as body language) provide a dead giveaway to the real thoughts and motives of the speaker. Conversely, if someone appears to be listening, body language can also be used to detect what that person thinks of what is being presented to him or her. While words can deceive -- many people don't mean what they say or say what they mean -- body language is subconscious. Since it's more spontaneous and less controlled, it shows our true feelings and attitudes. Studies have shown that up to 80% of our verbal message really comes from our body language. Still, most people discount the importance of nonverbal communication because their education and training placed more emphasis on spoken words. The following are examples of visual cues provided by body language:

	Eye contact is one of the most important aspects of dealing with others, especially people we've just met. Maintaining good eye contact shows respect and interest in what they have to say. Maintain eye contact about 60% of the time in order to look interested, but not aggressive. This amount of contact will give the speaker a feeling of comfort and genuine warmth in your company, any more eye contact than this and you can be too intense, any less and you give off a signal that you are lacking interest in them or their conversation. (There are wide cultural differences, so be careful in other countries and with different cultures.)
	Posture is the next thing to master. Get your posture right and you'll automatically start looking and feeling better. Sit or stand erect if you want to be seen as alert and enthusiastic. When you slump in your chair or lean on the wall, you look tired and lazy. No one wants to do business with someone with these unprofessional qualities.
	Head position is something we often don't think about. When you want to feel confident and self assured keep your head level both horizontally and vertically. You can also use this straight head position when you want to be authoritative and what you're saying to be taken seriously. Conversely, when you want to be friendly and in the listening, receptive mode, tilt your head just a little to one side. Adding a slight nod of your head is another way to affirm that you are listening.
	Facial expression is another form of non-verbal communication. A smile sends a positive message and is almost always appropriate. Smiling adds warmth and an aura of confidence. If people often come to you and say, "Smile!" or, "What's wrong with you today?", your nonverbal communication may be leaving a negative impression. Even if you are having a tough day, you want to create a neutral or positive look that expresses openness and contentment. Mouth movements, such as biting your lips or twisting them to one side, can indicate nervousness or boredom. Others will be more receptive if you remember to check your expression.

While we may have only the best intentions in our words, we often unwittingly give off distinctly different signals with our body language. When we send mixed messages, credibility can crumble. Knowing how to present yourself with confidence and class and maintain a compelling presence - without saying a word - will help you exude a positive first impression and later build and maintain important relationships.

The expression a woman wears on her face is far more important than the clothes she wears on her back.  ~ Dale Carnegie A smile speaks a thousand words. Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory.  ~ Arthur Ashe