How to Command Respect through Body Language:PART 6

Win, hands down...

Hand gestures are great for getting attention or making a point, but be sure that you're not creating a distraction. You want attention to be on your eyes and face while speaking, not on what your hands are doing. Command respect and control the interest of the conversation by keeping your hands in check.

What to do:

1. Open, face-up palms signal honesty and straightforwardness.

2. Gesturing with your arms can help you make a point, but don't do so much that it's distracting.

3. When you stroke your chin, it shows you’re trying to make a decision. Be sure that you want others to know that's what you're doing.

4. Making a steeple out of your hands makes a good impression, as it demonstrates confidence.

5. Shake hands firmly: not too tight or too limp. You don’t want to crush the other person’s hands or come across as unsure of yourself.

6. If the situation calls for paperwork, be sure to keep your papers in order with easy access to avoid looking disorganized.

7. Make sure your palms are clean and dry. Sweaty palms indicate nervousness and are a turn off for most people.

8. If you’re trying to convince someone of your sincerity, touch your open palm to your heart.

9. Rolling up your sleeves signals a casual, get-down-to-work attitude. Roll them up or down according to the situation.

10. Removing your tie, top button, or jacket to indicate you’re getting comfortable in your surroundings.

What not to do:

1. Don’t clench your fists. You'll come off as aggressive.

2. Never point at someone, be it the person talking to you or anyone else in the room. It’s rude.

3. Don’t play or fidget with your mobile phone when someone’s talking to you. It shows avoidance and a lack of interest.

4. Don’t wring your hands: it signals despair.

5. Don’t scratch your head. You'll come across as being unsure of yourself.

6. Don’t touch your nose, play with your hair, or rub your eyes when you’re being asked for an honest answer. They’re all signs that say you’re lying.

7. Don’t tap your fingers on a table or arms of a chair; you'll seem anxious.

8. Don’t run your fingers through your hair. It shows frustration.

9. Don’t doodle on the notepad in front of you, as this indicates boredom.

10. Closing an open mouth with your hands shows you’re shocked at what’s been said or what you’ve seen.

11. Never bite your nails. It will make you seem nervous.

12. Don’t fidget with objects lying on the table in front of you.

13. Don’t chew on a pencil or pen when talking to someone. It's unattractive and distracting.

14. Don’t sit with your palms on your cheeks. It shows you’re deep in thought about something else.

15. Don’t clench the arms of your chair or your handbag too tightly. You'll portray yourself as nervous.

16. Don’t rub your hands together: it shows you're too eager.

17. Avoid a two-handed handshake. It’s usually connected to politicians who are not very sincere.

18. Do not wipe your palms on your clothing. Use a handkerchief instead.

19. If you pull at your ear, you may indicate that you're lying.

20. Don’t shake your fists at someone, as it is extremely aggressive.

21. Clenched fists raised in the air will indicate that you’re overjoyed or thrilled. Avoid doing this when situations call for restraint.