10 negative body language signals to avoid in your next meeting  

You prepped long and hard for the meeting, but it didn’t play out as you imagined. You felt off. You weren’t plugged in with the group. Your body language may have been to blame.

Feeling connected builds trust, sparks collaboration, and boosts your ability to influence. Yet, we often undermine our potential for connection without even realizing it. From the subtle to the glaringly obvious, negative nonverbal cues can inadvertently sever ties with colleagues. Learning to spot and sidestep these 10 body language traps lets you take control of your presence, dial up your confidence, and create an impact in meetings.

1. Sideline sitting

Opting for a chair along the wall rather than at the table might seem inconsequential, but it sends a clear message: “I don’t want to engage fully.” If you aim to be heard and valued as an active participant, physically positioning yourself at the table is crucial. It signals availability and a willingness to invest in the conversation.

2. The cold shoulder

Non-inclusive body language can be alienating, such as turning away from speakers, burying your gaze in your phone, or staring blankly at the table. On the other hand, body language such as turning your torso toward the speaker, leaning in slightly, and giving an occasional affirming nod along with eye contact express engagement and foster a collaborative team atmosphere. Your physical cues say “I’m with you.”

3. Chin lifts

There’s a movie trope that identifies “the cool dude” just by his greeting. He’s the guy that lifts his chin and says, “S’up?” The challenge with this high-status gesture is that it also inadvertently appears dismissive, creating a psychological height difference that implies superiority. To foster a sense of equality and openness, maintain a level gaze. Imagine your nose, like an airplane’s, doesn’t head for the clouds or descend to the ground when greeting someone.

4. Dancing below deck

Fidgeting or tapping feet below the table, even while maintaining a calm upper body, can distract others. It can shake the table or send little judders through people’s chairs. Also, not matching your “above the table” with the “below the table” demeanor undermines your credibility. Your colleagues pick up on the misaligned body language and are more likely to give weight to the shakes than the calm. Strive for stillness to maintain an atmosphere of respect and project congruity.

5. Approval avalanche

While nodding signifies agreement and approval, excessive nodding can backfire. It can encourage people to talk longer, possibly prolonging discussions unnecessarily. It can also portray you as overly eager to please or impatient and arrogant, just waiting for your chance to interrupt. Balance is key; show agreement when appropriate and practice active listening without overshadowing the conversation.

6. The rebellious teen

Slouching makes you look disinterested and small. Others can also read your posture as lacking confidence, which significantly undermines your perceived contributions to the group. To remind yourself to sit up straight, lengthen your spine by imagining it’s a rubber band gently pulled from each end, from the crown of your head and through your tailbone. Sitting up, you’ll feel more energetic, look vigorous, and expand your presence.

7. The blame game

Pointing your index finger at someone is considered rude in many cultures because it’s associated with an intent to blame. It can also read as aggressive and threatening. While pointing doesn’t always mean these things, it’s best to avoid it so your action isn’t misconstrued. Instead, try gesturing toward the person with an open, face-up palm that suggests a more inviting presence.

8. Eye assault

Staring for too long can be perceived as aggressive or uncomfortable. It’s crucial to break eye contact periodically, syncing these breaks with natural pauses in the conversation. For instance, when the speaker takes a breath, breathe with them, glance away, and then glance back to maintain a balance between attentiveness and respect for personal space.

9. The blank screen

A Resting Bored Face (RBF) is a great place to project our insecurities. Even if you intend your expression to be neutral, it can alienate the speaker and other participants. Consciously thinking positive thoughts like “I want to be here” or “This is interesting” or giving a slight smile can naturally transform your expression to make it more inviting and less anxiety-producing.

10. Phoning it in

Nothing screams disengaged more than someone scrolling through their phone as you speak. Research shows that the mere presence of a smartphone in the room—even tucked away in a bag or pocket—hinders cognitive ability and impedes relationship building. If you want to avoid brain drain, enhance collective focus, and foster an environment of meaningful interactions and collaboration, consider leaving your phone out of the room.

Harnessing the full power of body language means actively cultivating positive gestures. When you consciously choose how to show up, it transforms meetings from mere discussions into powerful platforms for connection. To have more sway in these opportunities, make sure your body language marks you as a welcoming teammate.