You enter the room. It may be a meeting to pitch an idea or a quiet cup of coffee with investors. People already know whoyou are before you say anything. Why? Your body alreadyintroduced you.
This isn’t just a theory. It’s all in your head. People can tellwhether they can trust you, if you’re grounded, and if you can handle the weight of leadership by how you stand, move, breathe, and look around.
What you say doesn’t make you a leader. It’s how you act.
The Hidden Power of Leadership Body Language on Wholenessly goes into further information about this samesubject. If this seems like anything you’ve read before, it’sworth reading.
What People Really Pay Attention To When You Talk
You can say the smartest thing in the room. But if you crossyour arms or speak in a flat tone, it won’t work. People won’tbe able to feel you. And when they don’t sense you, they turnoff.
According to research from Harvard in 2010, how we stand affects how others see us. Standing with your feet apart fortwo minutes makes you feel more confident. Slouching doesthe reverse. Columbia Business School found that peoplenaturally follow individuals who move with calm purposeand stay away from those who seem rushed or defensive.
To put it simply, your body comes before your PowerPoint.
Small Changes That Make a Difference
This is what you should pay attention to. No jargon, just real changes:
– Let your shoulders drop. A lot of individuals carry stress there without realizing it. It helps to take a long breath. Letgo and see what occurs to the room.
– Keep your hands still. Don’t hide them or fuss with them. Put them on the table. When people move quickly and in different directions, it looks like they’re panicking. Calmhands convey, “I can handle this.”
– Don’t stare, just look. Moving your eyes slightly is whatreally connects you with someone, not staring at them. Be there, not intense.
– Take charge of your space. Be open but not too spread outas you sit or stand. You’re not in charge; you’re just coming.
– Let your face hear. A nod or a warm look might makepeople feel comfortable. And individuals pay greaterattention when they feel comfortable.
Before you can talk about leadership, you have to be physically present.
There is usually a time in meetings when someone starts tospeak and everyone else stops. Not because they yelled. Buttheir energy made the place feel tranquil.
You have seen it. You probably have done it.
You can’t fake this quality. But it can be taught.
It appears that:
– How fast you talk. People can better understand what you say when you pause. Being quiet isn’t a sign of weakness; it’sa sign of strength.
–Not wearing masks. No polished act. Don’t try to copysomeone else’s “leader voice.” Talk from where you are.
– Putting your body and words together. People will trust your body more if your voice says “I believe in this” butyour posture suggests “I want to leave.”
A Story from Real Life
Monika Aman, the founder of Wholenessly, gave us a quietexample that stuck with us. She once helped a founder with a pitch that was technically perfect. She had practiced, got the numbers right, and knew the crowd.
But every time she talked, her foot hit the floor. She held on to the edge of the table with her hands. She was breathingshallowly. She wasn’t nervous because she wasn’t ready; shewas nervous because she didn’t think her body had the rightto be there.
The investors were nice and listened. But there wassomething missing.
Monika didn’t give her a script. She told her to take a deepbreath. To walk into the room like it was hers. To talk forthree phrases and then stop to see how it felt.
The founder did just that at the next meeting. She gotmoney. Not because the numbers changed, but because*she* did.
Confidence isn’t necessarily about doing well. Sometimes it’swhen you quit striving to do well.
No one wants you to be perfect.
You don’t have to change who you are.
This isn’t about being smooth. It’s all about making sense. People listen when your voice, words, and body language allexpress the same thing.
Statements don’t make you a leader. It begins with beingstill. It begins when you decide to come, not just in body butin spirit.
If this thought struck a chord, you may read additional usefulinformation in the original article.
FAQs
Should I practise in front of a mirror?
That helps some people. But recording yourself on video — even just on Zoom — can be more honest. Watch it back. Not to criticise, just to notice.
What if I’m nervous?
That’s part of it. Breathe. Feel your feet on the ground. Evenfive seconds of stillness can shift the mood.
Does this work online too?
Yes. Sit up. Show your hands. Let your face respond. A calmpresence still comes through the screen.
What should I avoid?
Don’t try to impress. Don’t copy someone else. The room iswatching for sincerity, not polish.
