9 body language secrets of highly successful people

Ever been in a room full of successful people and wondered, “What’s their secret?”

Chances are, you’re not alone in this curiosity.

Well, it appears that one of the keys to their success may lie, not only in what they say, but more importantly, in how they say it. It’s all about body language!

Here are 9 body language cues that highly successful people frequently display. These subtle signals might just leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of nonverbal communication.

Let’s dive in!

1) Mastering the art of eye contact

Eye contact is one of the most powerful tools in non-verbal communication. It conveys confidence, respect, and interest. Successful people understand this and use it to their advantage.

They know that by maintaining eye contact, they can make the other person feel seen and heard, strengthening their connection.

But it’s a delicate balance. Too little eye contact can be interpreted as disinterest or lack of confidence, while too much can be seen as aggressive or creepy.

Highly successful people have mastered this balance. They use eye contact effectively, to engage, build rapport and establish trust.

So, the next time you’re in a conversation, remember it’s not just about the words you use. Your eyes can do a lot of talking too!

2) Commanding presence with posture

Let me share a personal story here.

Growing up, I was a bit of a sloucher. It wasn’t until I started my professional career that I realized how much of an impact this seemingly insignificant habit could have.

Posture matters. I can’t stress this enough.

Successful people understand the power of posture. They stand tall, with their shoulders back and head held high. This not only makes them appear confident and assertive, but it also affects how they feel internally.

Once I started consciously correcting my posture, I noticed a significant difference. Not only did people perceive me differently, but I also felt more confident and assertive.

I realized that good posture isn’t just about looking confident; it’s about feeling confident too. There’s a lot of truth to that.

If you need some convincing, take a look at this TED Talk by social psychologist Amy Cuddy.

For sure, the way you carry yourself physically can greatly influence your path to success. Stand tall and let your body language speak volumes about your confidence.

3) Utilizing the power of touch

Another body language secret of highly successful people is the strategic use of touch.

You might be thinking, “Touch? Really?”

Yes, it’s more powerful than you think! 

A brief, friendly touch, like a handshake or a pat on the back, can create a bond and foster trust. It’s a non-verbal way of saying, “I’m on your side” or “I appreciate you.”

Of course, it’s crucial to be mindful of personal boundaries and cultural differences. What’s considered friendly in one culture might be seen as intrusive in another.

However, when used appropriately, touch can be an incredibly powerful tool in building connections and rapport – something that successful people understand and utilize to their advantage.

A warm handshake or a friendly pat on the shoulder (once again, only if appropriate) can leave people feeling seen and welcomed. It might just be the key to building a strong and successful relationship.

4) The open palm gesture

Successful people also often utilize the open palm gesture when communicating, and for good reason.

According to Psychology Today, showing our palms is a way of exhibiting trust, openness, and sincerity. This gesture makes others feel more comfortable and receptive to what we’re saying.

Whether they’re giving a presentation or negotiating a deal, highly successful people often use this simple but powerful gesture to build trust and foster better communication.

In fact, if you watch great leaders speak, you’ll find they use the open palm gesture a lot!

5) Genuine smiles

One of the most beautiful and universal aspects of body language has to be the smile.

You just can’t go wrong with it. But a caveat — only if you smile the warm and genuine way, the Duchenne smile, where your smile reaches all the way to your eyes and make them crinkle.

Successful people understand the profound impact of a genuine smile. It’s not just about curving your lips upwards. A real smile engages the whole face, especially the eyes.

When someone smiles sincerely, it’s contagious. It creates an instant bond, lightens the mood, and often leaves a lasting impression.

So, don’t underestimate the power of a genuine smile. It can speak volumes about your intentions and character, and often, it’s the simplest way to success!

6) The art of mirroring

Another body language cue successful people often use is a subtle yet highly effective technique called mirroring.

This is where someone subtly mimics the body language, speech patterns or attitudes of the person they’re interacting with. It’s a subconscious way of saying, “I’m like you; we’re on the same wavelength.”

Mirroring can build rapport quickly, creating a sense of familiarity and trust. It sends a signal that you’re in sync with the other person, fostering better understanding and cooperation.

However, it’s essential to keep it natural and not go overboard, as excessive mirroring can come off as imitation, which might then lead to discomfort or distrust.

7) Effective use of space

Space isn’t something we normally see as a tool we can use to influence our interactions. But that’s exactly how successful people understand it.

Whether it’s a business meeting or a casual chat, they know how to use the physical space around them to their advantage. They don’t shy away from taking up space when they need to exhibit confidence and authority.

At the same time, they respect others’ personal space. They understand that being too close or invasive can make people feel uncomfortable and defensive.

The key is to strike a balance by using space effectively to demonstrate confidence without making others feel threatened or uneasy.

8) The power of the handshake

Did you know that in many cultures, the handshake can influence the outcome of a conversation or meeting?

That’s right, the handshake is more than just a polite gesture. It can seal the deal or ruin your career. 

How so? 

Well, as The Etiquette School of New York puts it:

“…in less than five seconds, a prospective employer, client or business associate can learn a lot about you – whether you’re trustworthy, confident and competent, and whether you follow through.”

That’s why successful people place a lot of importance in their handshake — firm, but not crushing…that’s the sweet spot. 

9) Mastering the art of listening

I’ve found that one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, aspects of body language is showing that you’re genuinely listening.

Early in my career, I was so focused on what I was going to say next that I often forgot to genuinely listen to what others were saying. I soon realized that this habit was preventing me from building meaningful connections.

Successful people understand the importance of active listening. They use their body language to show they’re engaged – nodding in agreement, maintaining eye contact, and leaning in slightly.

Active listening is a skill that takes effort to develop, but it’s worth it. It has helped me in so many ways, but mainly in getting me out of my own head and focused on what other people have to say. 

Which results in better communication, stronger connections, and ultimately, more success!

Authenticity is key

That said, I want to leave you with this — the most crucial aspect of body language is authenticity.

You could master all the techniques, but if you’re not genuine, people will pick up on it. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation for any successful relationship.

Successful people understand this. They are true to themselves, and their body language reflects that.

The bottom line is, when you’re real and honest in your desire to connect, your body language will naturally show that. You don’t need to be mindful of how you angle your hands or how many seconds you’ve been maintaining eye contact and all that.

Just be genuine, and it will shine through. That’s the most powerful communication tool you have!