Body Language In Meetings: The Signals You’re Sending (Without Realising)

Meetings aren’t just about what’s said.

They’re also about what’s shown.

Posture, eye contact, stillness - All of it quietly shapes how others perceive your confidence, credibility, and engagement. The good news? Body language is a skill. And like any skill, it can be nudged.

The body language that works for you

Open posture

Relaxed shoulders, arms uncrossed, sitting upright.

This reads as confident, approachable, and grounded.

Natural eye contact

Looking at the speaker (and briefly at others when you talk) signals attention and respect — not dominance.

Small reactions

A nod. A slight smile. Raised eyebrows at the right moment.

These cues show you’re listening, not just waiting for your turn.

Leaning in slightly

Especially during discussion or decisions.

It subtly communicates interest and involvement.

Stillness

Less movement = more authority.

Intentional hand gestures, then returning to stillness, reads as composed and confident.

The body language that quietly undermines you

Crossed arms or rigid posture

Often interpreted as defensive or disengaged — even if you’re just cold.

Over-fidgeting

Pen clicking, shifting, touching your face.

This can signal nerves or impatience, even when that’s not how you feel.

Checking your phone or laptop unnecessarily

Even a quick glance suggests the meeting isn’t a priority.

Poor eye contact

Looking down or away too often can read as uncertainty or lack of confidence.

Visible frustration

Eye rolls, sighs, smirks — even micro-expressions — don’t go unnoticed.

Quiet power moves (no dominance required)

• Pause before speaking

• Sit upright with feet grounded

• Hold eye contact at the end of your sentence

• Speak, gesture, then return to stillness

These behaviours signal calm authority, without needing to talk more or louder.

Body language is shaped by personality, culture, anxiety, neurodivergence, and power dynamics. One gesture doesn’t define you... Patterns do.

The most effective baseline?

Open. Calm. Intentional.

Because in meetings, how you show up often speaks before you do.