Whether it’s playing with your hair or slouching in your chair, we all have nonverbal habits that make us look bored, aggressive or untrustworthy. And chances are, we don’t even realize we’re doing it! Business Insider has identified the eight most annoying body language mistakes that can warp the meaning of what you want to say — but are the hardest to break. What does your posture reveal about you? We communicate one human emotion through our posture. Click to find out what it is!
The eight worst body language mistakes:
1. Fidgeting
Fidgeting — playing with your fingers, shaking your leg–demonstrates nervousness and a lack of power.
2. Playing with your hair
This is not only distracting for those watching you, but also it can damage your hair.
3. Crossing your arms
Although you probably do this because you don’t know what to do with your hands, this looks like a defensive pose and can make you look untrustworthy.
4. Shuffling instead of walking
Shuffling makes you look like you’ve given up and just don’t care. Instead, walk with confidence — and coordination.
5. Forgetting to smile
When you don’t smile, you look grim or aloof. When you do smile, you look confident, open, warm and energetic.
6. Appearing distracted
You will come across as rude and uncaring when you don’t pay attention to someone who is talking to you.
7. Slouching
When you slouch, you not only look unconfident, but also you can really hurt your back. Mom was right: Stand up and sit up straight.
8. Nonexistent or aggressive eye contact
Not looking someone in the eye indicates either disgust or a lack of confidence, while an intense stare communicates aggression.
