What are the best ways to use body language to create a positive and welcoming environment?

Another way to use body language to create a positive and welcoming environment is to maintain eye contact with the person or people you are talking to. Eye contact shows that you are interested, attentive, and respectful. It also helps you establish a connection and convey your emotions and intentions. To maintain eye contact, look at the person's eyes for about 60-70% of the time, and glance away occasionally to avoid staring or making them uncomfortable. we are all human, and don’t need to hide our emotions, however, feeling positive is impacting every day performances. It has to be from your heart as positive vibes are contagious.

When communicating whether in-person or even virtually I always move my hands. Remember, 80% of communication is nonverbal. When communicating with your body it emphasizes the words you use. For example, I created 4 courses for a company and to ensure that learners weren't bored I constantly was moving my hands. After recording those courses, I even notice that videos I watch when people don't move their arms or hands I get bored.

Mirroring happens natural when we are building rapport with others. You should try to use it mainly as an indicator to see if you are connecting with the other person. Using mirroring as a tool to build rapport can end up damaging it if it's done in an exaggerated or insincere manner, if the timing or intensity is off, if there is cultural or individual differences, or if you overemphasis certain cues or misread them. Try to rely more on paying attention to the other person's verbal and nonverbal cues, actively listen, and demonstrate genuine interest in them.

Creating a positive and welcoming environment through body language is an art! Here is what I do: Firstly, I start with a warm smile because it's universally inviting. Maintaining good eye contact shows you're engaged and trustworthy. Secondly, nodding in agreement shows active listening, making others feel valued. Maintain appropriate personal space, respecting boundaries. Last but not the least, using gestures can be powerful. Use them to emphasize points or show enthusiasm, but avoid excessive movement, which can be distracting.

Strong handshake, stand or sit straight, no fidgeting or shuffling, maintain positive posture by leaning in slightly, no crossing of arms , maintain eye contact, nod when in agreement, dress according to occassion, no strong perfumes, well groomed hair and clothes are other important pointers

Besides body language, make sure you know how to use your words. For example, when to pause, when to emphasize in specific words. Take time to annunciate. In this way you aren't monotone and can showcase your personality.

In my experience, many of these examples are fantastic, but when you and/or the folks you're working with (perhaps both, like in my case) aren't neuro typical, some may be difficult or uncomfortable for one or both parties. I've found that, as a neuro divergent person working with ND clients, being 100% my authentic self has built the strongest connections, as it eases tension there may be upon meeting. Being able to verbalize and find humor in my awkwardness, brings both ease and understanding into the space, replacing any reservations, questions, or judgement. If I'm able to laugh about now awkward I am, I'm taking some pressure off of that client to uphold societal norms.

Beware of cultural differences - in a multi-cultural environment, different uses of body language, personal space, eye contact and touch are not universal. Being aware of the culture and meaning or norms of a culture will ensure you do not offend or put someone off in your interactions within them. Adapt, whenever necessary.