Watch your (body) language!

Sometimes not saying anything says a great deal. Your body language while at work can communicate a wide range of things in the office and can play a major role in your professional success. So before you make your next move, consider these four tips for bettering your body language and asserting yourself in the workplace.

Own your space

When interacting with others present yourself in a manner that demands their attention. Stand with your head high and shoulders back and let your audience know you are sure of yourself. Stake out your territory and demonstrate your confidence by owning the space around you.

Maintain eye contact

Don’t be a shrinking violet. By maintaining strong eye contact, you are showing your colleague you’re engaged in the conversation and that you expect them to be attentive as well. But it’s important to ensure that as you’re looking them in the eye, you’re not doing it in a way that’s awkward or “creepy.”

Keep smiling

There are certain personality traits that others gravitate toward and positivity is one of them. When you interact with someone who’s pleasant and smiling, the experience is far more rewarding. So while engaging with coworkers always put on a happy face, even if the conservation topic isn’t particularly enjoyable.

Stop fidgeting

Just as standing tall and owning your space convey your confidence as you’re addressing coworkers, so does how you present yourself while others are speaking. Keep calm and hold still. Even if you are nervous, keep steady and actually listen to what they are saying as opposed to simply planning your rebuttal in your head.