Most of us are generally unaware of what we look like when interacting with others, so here are 3 of the top body language tips that will help you to put across the image you want to give. I remember going to a performance of a play a friend of mine was in; I loved the show and thought she was brilliant, however, when I saw her afterwards she wouldn’t believe me. She was certain I’d hated it. When I tried to reassure her I’d really enjoyed the play she said “Tell that to your face!” Apparently when I’m concentrating or absorbed in something, even if I’m enjoying the experience, my face looks like I’m angry or not having a good time at all.

Since then I’ve become aware of what expression I’m wearing. It’s just a case of getting into the habit. Luckily she’s a close friend and was honest with me, which meant that I was able to do something about it and change. But what if no-one had mentioned it to me? What if people had just thought I was miserable and therefore stopped inviting me to things? I’d have continued through life, oblivious to my social handicap.

I wish I'd had someone share body language tips with me years ago - I might have achieved very different results in certain situations in my life. Here are some body language tips to help you make sure you’re not making similar mistakes ;-)

Body Language Tips: Don’t Skimp on the Smiles As well as being a sign of friendliness and warmth, a smile signifies confidence. Of course, we’re not talking about grinning like the baddie in a pantomime, and we’re not talking about a false smile. It needs to be relaxed and genuine. There are ways to practice genuine smiles. A genuine smile comes from a feeling inside. Think of something you find funny, or someone you love, or your pet or baby – something that makes you feel like smiling automatically. Then remember that feeling for when you interact with someone. Bring that memory up in the moment if necessary, to kick-start a natural smile.

Body Language Tips: If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold it Against Me? One of the biggest body language crimes is standing that little bit too close to a person. Generally people have an invisible field around them, and with many people if you stand too close to them, you might just as well have licked their face. It’s really, really important. It’s an instinctive reaction to want to pull away from someone you’re not intimate with who is standing within a certain distance of you. Become aware of personal space, and if in doubt, stand back a bit and let them set the distance they’re comfortable with by moving towards you.

Body Language Tips: You’re Just Too Good to Be True, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You… Okay, we all know that eye contact is one of the most important body language tips. But it can be difficult for some of us to achieve eye contact, especially when interacting with certain people we find intimidating or in certain circumstances. This is a skill that is dramatically affected by self esteem and confidence, as well as habit. Once you start to become aware of eye contact, you’ll get an idea of whether you’re avoiding eye contact because you feel intimidated or shy, or if you’re just in the habit of letting your eyes wander and dart around.

The intimidation and shyness stuff needs work on your self esteem and confidence, once you start to improve those you’ll be much more comfortable making and keeping eye contact. If it’s a case of habit, as you become more aware of it you’ll be able to start practicing focusing on the person you’re speaking with and ignoring distractions. You’ll get a lot more out of looking a person in the eyes – you’ll find you understand more of what they’re saying, you create a stronger bond and connection with them, and in turn they will be more likely to be open to what you have to say.

Hopefully these body language tips will help you to not only be aware of how you’re coming across, but will also help you improve your communication skills by making it a little easier to put these things into practice.