Welcome to your weekly dose of job-hunting tips, builders!
In this issue, you’ll discover:
Overlooked Tips for Cracking Online Job Interviews
Top Job Opportunities at Morfyus
Networking Tip of the Week
News Highlights
Reading Picks
Ever felt like words alone aren’t enough to get your message across?
In high-stakes meetings or first-time encounters, the way you carry yourself can influence how others perceive you far more than what you say. From a firm handshake to steady eye contact, mastering body language can help you exude confidence, build trust, and make lasting impressions.
Here, we’ll explore how small, intentional changes to your non-verbal cues can strengthen your communication skills and boost your presence in any room.
Understanding Non-Verbal Communication
a. What is Non-Verbal Communication?
Non-verbal communication includes all the ways you convey information without words. From your posture and gestures to eye contact and facial expressions, every movement sends a message. Understanding this language allows you to better manage the impression you leave behind.
Non-verbal cues often happen automatically, but learning to control them can make a world of difference.
b. The Role it Plays in Meetings and Interviews
In professional settings like meetings and interviews, your non-verbal communication is just as important—if not more so—than your verbal responses. A firm handshake can project confidence, while slumped shoulders might communicate a lack of interest or nervousness. It’s these cues that decision-makers pick up on, often subconsciously, to determine whether you’re a good fit.
Positive non-verbal communication can set the tone for a successful interaction. For example, nodding during a conversation shows you’re engaged, while maintaining steady eye contact signals confidence and attentiveness.
These subtle gestures can make others feel more comfortable and improve the flow of conversation.
c. Why It Can Speak Louder Than Words
As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. In many cases, your non-verbal communication can override what you’re verbally expressing. For instance, you might say you’re excited about a project, but if your body language suggests disinterest (crossed arms, lack of eye contact), people will likely believe your body language over your words.
Non-verbal cues can communicate sincerity, enthusiasm, or even doubt. Being mindful of these signals allows you to better control the message you’re sending.
So what are some common “good non-verbal” cues you should look out for?
We will break it into, body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
1. Body Language: The Silent Story Your Movements Tell
a. The Power of Posture: Sitting Tall vs. Slouching
Your posture tells people how comfortable and prepared you feel.
Sitting or standing with your shoulders back, chin slightly up, and spine straight signals confidence, readiness, and focus. This posture shows you’re grounded and engaged, which is especially important when meeting someone for the first time.
In contrast, slouching or sinking into your seat can suggest a lack of energy or even disinterest, leaving a negative impression—whether intended or not.
Being mindful of your posture isn’t just about looking good; it also influences how you feel. Sitting upright with your feet planted on the floor and your hands resting calmly or gently folded helps you stay grounded and focused. This small adjustment not only keeps you centered during high-pressure moments like interviews or meetings but also projects competence and confidence to those around you.
b. Hand Gestures: How to Use (and Not Overuse) Them
Hand gestures are a great way to bring your words to life.
They emphasize key points and make your communication more dynamic and engaging. When used purposefully, open hand movements—like spreading your hands slightly or using a palm-up gesture—can make you appear approachable and trustworthy. However, excessive or erratic hand gestures can have the opposite effect, making you seem anxious or unprepared. It’s all about using your hands as an extension of your message rather than a distraction.
It’s also essential to avoid hiding or fidgeting with your hands. If you keep them stuffed in your pockets or clasped too tightly, it may signal nervousness or discomfort. Instead, rest your hands on the table or keep them relaxed in your lap when not gesturing. This small change can create a sense of calm and control, reinforcing a confident and professional image.
c. Eye Contact: Finding the Balance Between Engaging and Intense
Eye contact is one of the most powerful non-verbal tools, signaling presence and sincerity.
Maintaining steady eye contact communicates that you are listening attentively and fully engaged in the conversation. However, too much eye contact can feel intrusive or intimidating, especially in high-pressure settings like interviews. Striking the right balance is essential to making others feel comfortable while projecting confidence.
In interviews or meetings, aim to hold eye contact for 3-5 seconds at a time before briefly looking away to avoid coming across as too intense. If you’re speaking to multiple people, shift your gaze naturally between them to make everyone feel included. Remember, natural breaks—like nodding as someone speaks or glancing away briefly—are part of healthy, intentional eye contact. The goal is to connect, not to stare, ensuring the conversation feels comfortable for everyone involved.
2. Facial Expressions: How Your Face Reflects Your True Feelings
Your face can be one of the biggest giveaways of your emotions, whether you intend it or not. Even in professional settings, expressions like a smile or a raised eyebrow can convey more than words. Managing these cues helps you stay in control of how others perceive your mood, energy, and attitude, ensuring that your non-verbal signals align with the message you want to send.
a. Smiling with Confidence: When and How to Use It
A genuine smile can work wonders in interviews and meetings, projecting warmth, friendliness, and self-assurance. It puts others at ease and creates a more welcoming environment.
However, the key is timing—smiling too much or at the wrong moments might come off as forced or insincere. Save your most natural smiles for when you introduce yourself, greet others, or respond to something positive in the conversation.
Smiling at the right moments also signals confidence. For example, a small smile when answering a tough question shows you’re comfortable under pressure. Avoid grinning throughout the entire conversation, though—aim for balanced, intentional smiles that convey warmth without diminishing your professionalism.
b. The Impact of Micro-Expressions: Can You Control Them?
Micro-expressions are those brief, involuntary facial movements that flash across your face when you feel a strong emotion—like surprise, frustration, or delight. Even though they last only a fraction of a second, others often notice them and interpret what you’re feeling in the moment. Since they happen so quickly, controlling micro-expressions can be tricky.
While it’s hard to eliminate them entirely, being more aware of your emotional triggers helps you respond intentionally. For instance, taking a breath before reacting can minimize unintentional signals like a raised eyebrow or smirk. Practice in front of a mirror or recording yourself can also help you recognize patterns in your facial expressions and learn to manage them better.
c. Avoid the “Resting Face”: Managing Unintentional Signals
We all have a default facial expression—often called a “resting face”—that we slip into when we’re not actively engaging. Sometimes, these neutral expressions can unintentionally signal boredom, irritation, or disinterest. In meetings or interviews, managing your resting face is crucial to ensuring you appear attentive and approachable.
A good way to manage unintentional signals is by softening your facial features when you’re not speaking. Slightly raising your eyebrows, relaxing your jaw, or keeping a gentle expression helps create a more open and engaged look.
If you tend to have a serious resting face, try nodding occasionally to show you’re following the conversation, even if you’re not actively participating. These subtle adjustments can make a big difference in how others perceive your mood and engagement.
3. Tone of Voice: How Your Vocal Cues Can Shift Perceptions
Your tone of voice is just as important as the words you choose. The way you speak—your pitch, pace, volume, and even pauses—can subtly influence how your message is received.
A well-controlled tone conveys confidence, professionalism, and emotional intelligence, while a rushed or flat delivery risks sending mixed signals. Mastering these vocal cues ensures your message lands as intended and leaves a positive impression.
a. Pitch, Pace, and Pause: Controlling the Flow of Your Speech
Your pitch—the high or low quality of your voice—can affect how listeners interpret your message. A steady, moderate pitch conveys calmness and authority, while too high a pitch may unintentionally signal nervousness. Equally important is pacing: speaking too quickly can overwhelm your listener, but slowing down just a bit allows your words to land with impact.
Adding intentional pauses between points gives your listener time to absorb what you’ve said and makes your speech sound thoughtful. Be mindful not to speak too slowly, though—finding the right rhythm keeps your audience engaged and attentive without feeling rushed or left waiting.
b. The Influence of Volume: Commanding Attention Without Being Overbearing
Volume is essential to maintaining presence, especially in meetings or interviews. Speaking too softly can make you seem hesitant or unsure, while speaking too loudly may come across as aggressive or dominating. The goal is to find a volume that is firm enough to command attention but soft enough to remain approachable and respectful.
Adjust your volume based on the setting—speak louder in larger rooms to ensure you're heard, but lower it slightly in smaller spaces to keep the conversation comfortable. This subtle control over your voice signals that you’re aware of the environment and able to adapt.
c. How Pauses Can Communicate Thoughtfulness (or Uncertainty)
Pauses are a powerful tool when used effectively. A well-timed pause before or after a key point shows that you’re thoughtful and intentional with your words. It gives you a moment to gather your thoughts and your audience a moment to reflect on what you’ve said.
However, too many pauses, or long and awkward silences, can convey hesitation or uncertainty. To avoid this, practice using short pauses intentionally—such as before answering a complex question or after making a key point. These brief pauses not only add weight to your words but also give the impression that you are calm and in control of the conversation.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and refining your body language can give you an edge in nearly any situation. Mastering these skills can enhance how others perceive you, making you appear more confident, approachable, and trustworthy.
As you start applying these techniques, remember that effective non-verbal communication is an ongoing practice—one that can positively transform your personal and professional interactions over time.
Want to explore more job opportunities? Then check out our Job Board on our website!
Networking 101: The Law of Consistency🤝
Consistency builds trust. When people see you show up regularly—whether in conversations, online interactions, or networking events—they feel confident in your reliability.
Think of it like going to the gym. Results come from showing up, not just for a day but consistently over time.
Here’s how you can apply the Law of Consistency to your networking efforts:
Follow Up Regularly: Keep in touch, even when there’s no immediate need.
Example: “Just wanted to check in—how did that project you mentioned go?”
Engage on Social Media: Comment, like, and share content from people in your network to stay visible.
Example: “Loved your recent post on productivity hacks! Super helpful.”
Attend Events Regularly: Be a familiar face in communities or industry meetups.
Example: “It’s great seeing you here again! I’ve been attending these events regularly too.”
💡Pro Tip: Networking isn’t a one-time event. By showing up consistently, you’re telling people they can count on you—and that’s how trust is built!
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