5 Ways to Improve your Networking Body Language

Your words are saying one thing. But is your body language saying something else? 

If so, you’re in the right place. When it comes to networking. It’s not only about having a good pitch.

Your body language is just as important. And can speak louder than your words. So pay attention to your nonverbal communication. 

Here are some ways to improve your body language while networking.

And why it’s so important. 

Why is body language important when networking?

Your body language is important when networking because it can say more than your words. 

Good body language can help you appear more confident, approachable, and knowledgeable. 

How to Improve your Networking Body Language

1. Maintain good eye contact 

Eye contact is a powerful way to create connections with people.

When you look people in the eye, you communicate confidence. 

You’re able to stay focused. And it shows that you care about the conversation. 

Practice good eye contact if you want people to remember what you said.  

A study of people on a video call found that eye contact increased retention of what was said on the call.

You also wanna avoid wandering eyes when networking. Stay focused on the person in front of you by maintaining eye contact.

2. Fix your body posture 

Body posture refers to how you carry yourself while sitting or standing. 

Here’s how to exude confidence with your body posture while networking. 

When sitting, don’t slouch. Relax your shoulders. And make sure that your back is supported. 

Stand up straight with your chest out and chin slightly up. Let your arms fall naturally by your sides. Don’t overthink it. 

Open arms make you look approachable. So whatever you do, don’t cross your arms. 

Don’t play with things like your hair. And keep your hands out of your pockets. These habits make you look nervous, so try to avoid them. 

3. Practice smiling at others 

Your smile is one of your best accessories while networking. And can make you irresistible. 

Studies suggest that smiling can make you more attractive. 

But does smiling come naturally to you? If not, here’s what you can do. 

Fake it till you make it! Let me explain. 

There’s evidence that forcing a smile can still improve your mood. 

Your mood is enhanced and stress is reduced by putting a smile on your face. Even for a short while. 

Think of it as tricking your brain into happiness. 

So before your next networking event, practice smiling in the mirror.

4. Beware of your resting face

Resting B Face, also known as RBF, is totally a real thing. 

It’s an unintentional look on a person’s face that makes them seem upset when they’re actually relaxed. 

What does your resting face look like? If you’re not sure, ask an honest friend for feedback. 

Beware of the vibes you send out. And your resting face is a part of that. 

5. Give people personal space

It’s important to understand the unspoken rules of personal space when networking. 

Every culture has its own norms about how much space to give people.

For example, in the US people tend to stand farther apart and touch less when interacting with people they don’t know.

Whereas people in Argentina, in general, require less personal space. 

Do your homework and be sensitive to cultural differences.

Networking Body Language 

Now that you know some ways to improve your networking body language. It’s time to get out there and put these into action. 

Our Networking Tracker can help you get started with upgrading your network.

You can download it for free along with other helpful career guides in our Free Career Center.

You’ve got this okay? Happy networking!

Over to You  

On a scale from 1 -10 (10 being the highest), how would you rate your body language? 

Let us know in the comments on social @netwerkmovement.

Share this with someone looking to expand their network!