Eye contact

Too much or too little eye contact can be a problem. Looking away can indicate a lack of interest. Looking down implies submissiveness or a lack of confidence, while too much eye contact may be seen as aggressive.

Solution: During conversations, try to maintain eye contact about 80 per cent of the time. It's okay to glance away occasionally, but if you constantly look elsewhere, others will think you are distracted or uninterested. If you're uncomfortable looking into other people's eyes, look instead at the bridge of their nose.

Facial expressions

If your face shows confusion, worry or doubt, it can easily undermine the confidence of others. If you're asked a question and you are unsure of the answer, try not to show it. Keep calm and ask for a moment to think about your response.

Solution: Keep your facial expression open and inviting. Smile - not only will it light up your own face, it will light up others' and go a long way to generating a positive connection.

Arms

Crossing your arms over the chest, belly or lower abdomen suggests resistance and is considered protective or defensive behaviour.

Solution: Stand relaxed, two feet squarely on the floor with arms at sides, palms open. When seated, don't cross your arms across your chest.

Hands

Placing your hands under a table, in your pockets or behind your back can be interpreted to mean that you are concealing or hiding something.

Solution: If you're sitting, place your hands on the table and hold them loosely at rest. Otherwise, hold them in your lap, palms up to indicate openness, or loosely at your sides.

Moving and gesturing

Moderation works best. Moving or speaking too slowly may make you appear sluggish; too fast and you may be perceived as erratic or impulsive. Jerky, quick or expansive gestures, especially with your arms, may be associated with erratic thinking.

Solution: Think of your words as music, then move your hands naturally with the rhythm of your voice to avoid erratic movements. Strike a balance to control your movements, without appearing stiff and rehearsed.

Fidgeting

Touching your face, nose and mouth, or your hair, is a typical sign of nervousness and insecurity. People also tend to touch their face while lying. Jiggling your foot or tapping your fingers are usually seen as signs of nervousness, impatience or boredom.

Solution: Keep your hands away from your face and hair, especially when you're speaking. Closely monitor your movements and work to keep your hands at your sides and your feet still.

Posture

Nothing says low self-esteem louder than slouched shoulders, a protruding stomach and a downcast head.

Solution: How you stand is an immediate sign of how you feel. Constantly take note of your posture; to project confidence, stand with your feet comfortably spaced apart and keep your shoulders back and head up.