Keep an open stance towards the other person
As AmericanExpress.com states, you should always maintain an open stance towards the person you are talking to. Do not sit sideways to them, nor turn your back on them. Sit or stand straight, facing the other person, showing them they have your full attention.
Show a smile
The most universal and effective of all tools when communicating with either a group or an individual is a smile. It shows you have good intentions, that you enjoy talking to the audience or the other person and that you are open to debate.
Do not fold your arms
Folded arms or clasped hands: these are gestures that build a barrier between you and the other person. You should generally avoid having anything between you and your counterpart, including crossed arms, especially if you want to have any influence on the other person.
Use mirrored gestures and expressions
People generally tend to place more trust in someone who is similar to themselves, comes from the same background and has the same opinions and behaviour. Likewise with gestures: to create mutual trust, it is a good trick to copy the gestures of the person you are talking to.
Remember to keep eye contact
Maintaining eye contact is of course essential in successful communication. Your eyes should not wander around the room, nor should you look at your phone or watch. That said, you should not overdo it: this tip does not mean staring intensely at the other person as that could make them feel really uncomfortable.
Keep a straight posture
As a manager, you must emit confidence, certainty and authority. Only then will your workers trust you and listen properly to what you are saying. You can come across as an authority also by sitting or standing straight, shoulders back, chin up and no slouching.
-mm-