#RealDeal: How Can I Fix My Awkward Body Language?

Talk Nerdy To Me’s @StaffWriter:

Most people don’t think about their body language until it’s too late. They realize they’ve been sending the wrong signals only after someone has already called them out on it. And by then, the damage is done. Your credibility is shot, your relationships are strained, and you may even have lost a job opportunity.

That’s why, in this article, we’ll go over some of the most common awkward body language habits and how you can fix them.

Awkward Handshakes

One of the most common—and most important—forms of body language is the handshake. A firm, confident handshake conveys authority and respect, while a weak or limp one communicates insecurity and lack of confidence.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to shake hands properly, resulting in awkward, cringe-worthy interactions.

If you find yourself shaking someone’s hand and feeling like you’re about to snap their fingers off, that’s a sign that you’re gripping too hard. Relax your grip and try to match the other person’s level of firmness.

On the other hand, if your handshake feels more like a dead fish being passed around, then you need to increase the pressure. Again, aim for somewhere in the middle—not too soft, but not bone-crushing either.

Another common mistake is to keep shaking even after the initial contact has been made. Remember, the shake should only last for a few seconds.

Finally, don’t be afraid to make eye contact while shaking hands. It shows that you’re engaged and confident.

Awkward Eye Contact

Eye contact is an important form of body language. It conveys trust, interest, and respect. But as with any other element of body language, it can go wrong if done incorrectly.

For example, many people make one or both of the following mistakes:

• Looking down—This communicates shyness or insecurity and makes you look unprofessional. Try to always maintain direct eye contact when speaking with someone (but never stare them down!).
• Looking away too soon—If you break eye contact immediately upon starting to speak, it gives the impression that you’re not confident in what you’re saying and aren’t truly listening.

Finally, there is one more important aspect of eye contact worth mentioning: blinking.

Some people have a tendency to blink too much or too quickly when they become nervous or talk with someone they find attractive. This can be very distracting and make it appear as though you’re having trouble keeping your eyes open. Try to keep your rate and duration of blinking within normal limits at all times.

Awkward Posture

Your posture is another key component of body language, yet many people don’t even notice their own poor posture until someone points it out to them—usually after they’ve been leaning against a wall for too long or slouching in their chair.

Good posture, on the other hand, is something that you should aim for at all times. It conveys confidence and shows that you’re comfortable in your own skin.

There are a few simple rules to follow when it comes to posture:

• Stand up straight—This may seem like obvious advice, but you’d be surprised how many people walk around with hunched shoulders and rounded backs. Try to keep your back straight and your shoulders pulled back.
• Sit up straight—When sitting down, always sit up straight in your chair. Don’t slouch. Not only does this look bad, but it can also lead to health problems such as back pain.
• Keep your head up—This is especially important when walking around. Many people have a tendency to look down at the ground when they walk, but this makes you look unconfident and can even cause neck pain. Instead, keep your head up and focus on where you’re going.

Awkward Gestures

Gestures are an important form of nonverbal communication, yet many people don’t realize how much their gestures reveal about them.

For example, someone who frequently touches their face or hair while talking is likely to be nervous or insecure. Someone who crosses their arms or legs while talking is likely to be closed off or uninterested. And someone who talks with their hands is likely to be outgoing and enthusiastic.

Of course, not all gestures are bad.

In fact, many gestures can be used to convey positive messages. For example, smiling and nodding while someone is talking shows that you’re interested and engaged in the conversation.

The important thing to remember is to be aware of your own gestures and to make sure that they are conveying the message that you want to send.

Awkward Facial Expressions

Your facial expressions are another important form of nonverbal communication. They can convey a wide range of emotions, from happiness and excitement to anger and frustration.

Many people are not aware of their own facial expressions, but they can have a big impact on the way that others perceive you.

For example, if you often have an angry or frustrated look on your face, people may think that you’re always angry or that you don’t like them. If you have a sad or depressed look on your face, people may think that you’re unhappy or that something is wrong.

The best way to avoid making awkward facial expressions is to be aware of your own facial expressions and to make a conscious effort to keep them neutral when talking to others.

Awkward Body Language in Photos

Body language doesn’t just apply to real-life interactions—it can also apply to your online interactions.

In fact, many people are more likely to pay attention to your body language in photos than they are in real life. This is especially true if you’re using a dating app or posting on social media.

So, what kind of awkward body language should you avoid? Here are some examples:

Frequently crossing your arms and legs—This makes it look as though you’re closed off or disengaged from the conversation.

Leaning back too far—This can convey arrogance or superiority and can make others feel uncomfortable.

Looking down at the ground—This might display insecurity, unhappiness, and even sadness. Instead, keep your head up and take pride in your appearance.

Smiling with your mouth only—This can make you look fake and insincere. Instead, try to smile with your whole face by crinkling up your eyes.

These are just a few examples of awkward body language in photos. The important thing is to be aware of how you’re presenting yourself online and to take steps to correct any issues that you have.

Conclusion

There are several different types of awkward body language that can negatively impact your interactions. These include bad posture, gestures, and facial expressions. To fix these issues and improve your body language, simply try to be more aware of the way that you present yourself to correct any awkward or negative body language that you may be displaying.