David Allen reveals what your body language says about you

Updated | By Tamlyn Canham

We are decoding body language with author and leadership coach David Allen.

Body language expert David Allen/Supplied

People can tell a lot about you without you saying a single word. Your body language does all the talking for you.

David Allen decodes people for a living. The police reservist turned body language expert and leadership coach has mastered the art of non-verbal communication.

As a police reservist, Allen used the skill to tell when someone was lying, and he quickly learnt it was a valuable tool in both his personal and professional life.

It's a skill used by many professionals, including lawyers, detectives and psychologists.

In an interrogation room, your body language can help police tell whether you are telling the truth, but in the workplace, it can cost you a successful career.

Allen helps high-performing leaders and managers use body language to communicate effectively, address toxic interactions, identify stress, and prevent burnout for themselves and others.

"Understanding reactions to interactions allows individuals to adjust their communication approach for maximum effectiveness, ensuring better conflict resolution, enhanced teamwork, and improved professional relationships. These skills help in de-escalating conflict situations, building better relationships, resolving HR disputes, and increasing sales," he says on his website.

Good body language not only builds trust, but it also strengthens your authority in the workplace.

Allen, author of 'Decoding Body Language' and 'Leadership in the Trees', visited the East Coast Breakfast team on Tuesday, March 31, to share his expertise.

Here's a look at some of the simple ways you can improve your body language in the workplace.

It starts with a handshake

Most people don't put any thought into a handshake, and why should they? It is just a brief interaction after all. You grip hands, shake and release.

Body language experts like Allen understand the power of a 'simple' handshake. Aside from what you're wearing, it can instantly shape how people view you.

A weak handshake could indicate a lack of confidence or shyness, while a handshake that is too strong and too long could indicate you are trying too hard to impress.

Most industry experts say a professional handshake is firm but not overpowering, lasting between two and three seconds. You should also maintain eye contact during the handshake.

Build trust with a smile

One of the most powerful communication tools you possess is your smile. Not only can it instantly warm up a cold room, but it also makes you more approachable. Managers who say they have an open-door policy, but whose body language is always unapproachable, shouldn't expect a knock on their door anytime soon.

A genuine smile helps you connect with people and shows confidence. A forced or fake smile does the opposite. People will think you are untrustworthy and insincere, and you could actually make them feel uncomfortable.

Your mother was right about posture

When your mother told you to sit up straight as a child, she was doing more than just ensuring you don't become the next Hunchback of Notre Dame.

The health benefits are many, but studies have also shown that sitting up straight can make you feel more confident and appear more powerful. If you are trying to deliver a message to your team while slouched in your chair, they are unlikely to take what you are saying seriously.

Good posture is also important while standing, especially during public speaking.

Whether you are sitting, standing or even walking, maintain good posture at all times. Hold your head high with your shoulders slightly pulled back and relaxed.

Don't forget to shine your boots

You won't catch Allen in dirty or dull shoes, because he is a firm believer that taking time to care for the small details makes the bigger challenges feel manageable.

"You will be surprised how simply cleaning your boots can boost your confidence, enhance your self-worth, and foster pride in your work," he says in an Instagram post.

"This simple yet impactful action doesn’t go unnoticed - people will see the difference, and your value in their eyes will soar... If you neglect the care of your shoes, it may lead people to question your reliability and dedication."

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