As stated in last month's article, 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 additional tips on communication through body language:

	Use gestures. Using gestures can enhance what you are saying and make it more interesting. Outgoing and confident people are more likely to use gestures. Not gesturing also speaks of you. It is important to learn to use your hands, as it is considered a sign of honesty. Hands should always be kept visible. Do not place your hands in your pockets, as people may view you as hiding something or not open for conversation. It should be noted that while it is important to gesture and use your hands, other than the gesture of the handshake, you should rarely touch a person in a business setting. People have different acceptances for physical touch and a good rule of thumb is just to avoid it.
	Rid yourself of distracting mannerisms.  Although often seen as harmless little habits, these unconscious movements make a big impression on those watching you. They are usually physical manifestations of nervousness or boredom and make you appear less confident or interested in the situation. Common mannerisms of this kind include: playing with your writing utensil, hair or jewelry, fidgeting in your seat or with your clothing, drumming your fingers on the table, picking your nails, swinging or bouncing your leg, swaying back and forth, and reacting to every noise or distraction that occurs in the room. Because these actions are often habitual, it may be helpful to ask a close friend or colleague to assist you in recognizing and distinguishing these behaviors.
	Be cool, calm and collective. If you watch successful people, they tend to move in a controlled, purposeful manner. They walk tall and send off an aura of self-confidence. Rarely, if ever, do they rush around or appear to be nervous, timid, anxious, or unaware of their surroundings. Focus is vital in controlling your actions even under pressure. If you can convey calmness and poise in the midst of a situation, you will have a greater impact on people.

Although you should not rely too heavily on body language alone, there is no denying that it can provide valuable information. How you carry and project yourself will have more influence on people you first meet then what you actually have to say verbally. It is vitally important to those in sales (we are all selling our ideas at some point), customer service, and those seeking career advancement. Purposely using positive body language is an important component in the art of self-presentation. 

"What you are speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson "Watch out for the man whose stomach doesn't move when he laughs." ~ Chinese proverb Lions don't need to roar to get attention.