In the fast-paced world of business leadership, words frequently take front stage. But beneath the surface, a silent symphony plays out — one that can make or break a leader’s impact. Whether you’re aware of it or not, your posture, gestures, and facial expressions are out there campaigning for (or against) your leadership presence. This is the realm of body language, a powerful tool that shapes leadership presence in ways we might not even realize.

So, what exactly is body language? In a nutshell, it’s the silent orchestra of movements and expressions that tell the world how you really feel. Crossed arms? You’re probably defensive or cold. A firm handshake? Confident and in control. Fidgeting during a meeting? Either you’re nervous or you’ve had too much coffee.

Why does body language matter so much in leadership? Simply put, our non-verbal cues often speak louder than our words. An often quoted study by Albert Mehrabian found that only 7% of communication is verbal; the rest is split between tone (38%) and body language (55%). If words are the melody, body language is the bassline. Ignore it, and your message falls flat. These silent signals can significantly impact how we’re perceived as leaders, influencing trust, engagement, and connection.

So why do so many leaders overlook body language? Perhaps because it’s subtle, hard to measure, and, let’s be honest, easier to write off as “fluff.” Leaders tend to focus on strategies, metrics, and bottom lines — all important, sure. But neglecting nonverbal communication is like driving a car without checking the mirrors. You might get away with it for a while, but eventually, you’ll crash.

The good news? Leaders can cultivate better body language. Start with these tips:

1. Be mindful of your posture. Stand tall with your shoulders back. As Winston Churchill famously said, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Your posture reflects your attitude.
2. Maintain eye contact. There’s a fine line between engaging and creepy. Aim for the sweet spot where people feel seen, not interrogated. As Dale Carnegie noted, “A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language,” and eye contact amplifies that connection.
3. Use purposeful gestures. Avoid wild flailing or nervous fidgeting. Instead, use open and deliberate movements that underscore your points. Remember Maya Angelou’s wisdom: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Your gestures help convey those feelings.

Let’s look at some leaders who are masters of the nonverbal game:

• Barack Obama: Watch any Obama speech, and you’ll notice his calm and confident demeanour, open hand gestures, and warm smile. As he once said, “If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.” His body language mirrors this steady optimism.
• Indra Nooyi: The former CEO of PepsiCo exemplifies grace and authority through her composed posture, steady eye contact, and warm yet assertive gestures. Known for her genuine engagement, she often said, “Leadership is hard to define, and good leadership even harder. But if you can get people to follow you to the ends of the earth, you are a great leader.” Her non-verbal cues reflect her ability to connect and inspire.
• Mary Barra: As the CEO of General Motors, Barra’s grounded demeanour and open gestures radiate confidence and approachability. She’s known for saying, “Do every job you’re in like you’re going to do it for the rest of your life.” Her body language reinforces her commitment and passion for excellence.

In the end, remember that leadership presence isn’t just about what you bring to the table. It’s also about how you stand at that table, shake hands, and, yes, even nod thoughtfully. By understanding and honing your non-verbal communication, you can create a leadership presence that resonates deeply with others. So, stand tall, smile wide, and let your body do some of the talking. After all, actions speak louder than words — and in this case, they’re fluent.

If all else fails, in the words of Amy Cuddy, 

“Don’t fake it till you make it. Fake it till you become.”

For clarity, get in touch with us about our listening skills workshops, EQ leadership skills and building trust workshops in Singapore.