Try these movements while facing a partner…

• Stand facing your partner with your feet slightly apart – shoulder width or less
• Arms uncrossed and hanging relaxed at your side
• Hands are open
• Establish eye contact
• All of your facial muscles are relaxed with maybe a hit of a smile. No smirking, though!
• Lean forward just a very little bit. Minus 10 points if you fall on top of the other person!

This is open body language that tells the other person you are interested and engaged in what they are saying.

Now let’s try some closed body language…

What do you think closed body language looks like?

Strike a pose!

How many of these did you incorporate?

• Body turned away
• Arms crossed
• Hands clenched
• Avoid eye contact
• Eyebrows furrowed, looking angry, bored, agitated, or just plain uninterested
• Fidget – shift from foot to foot, making excessive movements like you are ready to flee

Did you come up with any movements that weren’t on the list?

The closed body language says, “I am uncomfortable, agitated, or uninterested.”

If you are trying to make a first impression, which should you use? Hint – It is not the second one.

Try this same exercise sitting down.

Open body language would include leaning a little forward while sitting straight in the seat or sitting forward toward the edge of your seat. Closed body language would include slouching, leaning to the side, or leaning back.

Actually, if you are meeting someone for the first time, stand while you are doing your introductions and use your open body language.