3 Things Your Body Says—Before You Even Open Your Mouth

Nonverbal Communication Tricks That Could Be Costing You Respect

Whether you’re pitching a client, arguing with your partner, or just walking into a room, your nonverbal communication is already talking. And trust me—it’s louder than your voice.

Let’s break down 3 things your body says, and what to do about them if you want to stop sounding stupid—before you even speak.

1. Your Belly Button Knows Who You Like

(Focus + Engagement)

Here's the weirdest communication hack you’ve never heard:

Where your belly button is pointed reveals your true attention.

If you’re in a group setting, people will unconsciously rotate their torsos toward the person they respect—or fear—the most. That’s the real center of focus, not where their eyes go.

Try this:

Next time you’re in a convo, turn your full body—hips included—toward the person you want to engage. It tells them: “You have my full attention.”

It also lets you quietly read the room in any social or professional setting.

2. Your Hands Might Be Screaming “Back Off”

(Comfort + Threat Perception)

Hands in your front pockets? Makes you look nervous.

Hands in your back pockets? Looks careless—or worse, threatening.

Especially if you’re a bigger-bodied person (tall, broad, muscular), people react more sensitively to your body language. The wrong gesture can feel like a social red flag, even if you’re trying to be chill.

Fix it fast:

Keep your hands visible and neutral—lightly clasped, relaxed by your side, or engaged in the conversation.

3. Silence Doesn’t Equal Listening

(Intent + Miscommunication)

Taking notes during a convo? Smart.

But if you don’t say anything, your body language might look like you’re zoning out.

You’ve got to pre-frame your silence.

Try this:

I’m jotting this down so I don’t miss anything.”

That one line turns an “are-you-even-listening?” moment into a show of engaged professionalism.

Pro tip: Narrate the nonverbal. It builds trust—fast.

Bottom Line: Your Body is Always Talking

You don’t need to “fix” your personality. But you do need to become fluent in your body’s language. From posture to micro-movements, your physical presence shapes the way people interpret your message.

So if you want to be clear, confident, and actually heard?

Start with what your body is saying.

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Artie Shaw, Jr., PMP

A Confidence and Communications Coach that loves practical applications of knowledge, Artie seeks to aid anyone that’s needs help saying what’s actually on their mind they way they want to say it.

http://www.artieshawjr.com
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3 Signs You’re Not Really Listening (And How to Fix It)

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