What do you do if your professional presence lacks assertive body language?

1 Mirror Practice

Mirroring successful leaders can be an effective way to improve your body language. Find a leader you admire and observe their posture, gestures, and facial expressions. Practice these in front of a mirror, paying attention to the feelings they evoke. This exercise can help you internalize assertive behaviors, making them more natural when interacting with your team. Remember, the goal is not to mimic but to find aspects of their body language that resonate with your personal style.

2 Power Poses

Adopting power poses can significantly impact your presence. These are open, expansive postures that occupy space and project confidence. Before important meetings or conversations, take a few moments to stand in a power pose. This could be with hands on hips or arms raised in a 'V' shape. This practice can boost your confidence and signal to others that you are assertive and in control. Over time, these poses can become a natural part of your repertoire.

3 Vocal Warm-ups

Your voice is an integral part of your body language. To convey assertiveness, practice vocal exercises to enhance projection and clarity. Warm up your voice before important interactions by doing tongue twisters or humming. Speak from your diaphragm rather than your throat to ensure your voice carries authority. A strong, clear voice will complement your physical presence and reinforce your assertiveness.

4 Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact is essential for assertive communication. It shows you're engaged and confident. Practice making eye contact for about 60-70% of the conversation, as too much can be intimidating while too little can seem evasive. You can practice with friends or in front of a mirror to get comfortable with this level of eye contact. Remember to blink naturally and use nods to show understanding, further enhancing your assertive presence.

5 Gestures and Movement

Incorporating deliberate gestures and purposeful movement can reinforce the assertiveness of your message. Use hand gestures to emphasize points and keep your movements controlled and fluid. Avoid fidgeting or unnecessary pacing, as these can signal nervousness. Practicing in a safe environment, such as role-playing with a colleague or coach, can help you refine these aspects of your body language until they feel authentic and effective.