Practical Body Language for Business

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here

Are you watching? I’ve been watching the show for a client to analyse key moments during some of the shows.

This year’s show highlights so far have included the much-discussed “Wagatha Christie” saga.

Coleen Rooney’s reactions to its mention are particularly telling, though it’s essential to remember the context of heavy editing in the program.https://adriannecarter.com/2020/12/how-jose-mourinho-earned-harry-kanes-trust-and-provoked-dele-alli-its-all-in-the-winning-body-language/

Each time the topic arises, Coleen exhibits visible discomfort, often engaging in self-soothing gestures like touching her face.

She’s also expressed her unease, explaining that she never anticipated the situation would escalate to the extent it did, becoming a media frenzy and ultimately going to court, when she made her now-famous Instagram post exposing Rebekah Vardy as the source of leaked private information.

Lessons for you:

  1. Businesses can learn from how public figures handle unexpected crises. Coleen’s discomfort highlights the importance of preparation and controlling one’s narrative when a situation spirals beyond initial expectations.
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  2. Coleen’s self-soothing gestures reveal how emotions like discomfort or regret can inadvertently be conveyed, even if unspoken. For professionals in leadership, sales, or client facing, understanding and managing body language is crucial to maintaining credibility and authority during challenging discussions.
  3. The “Wagatha Christie” narrative became so engaging because of its drama and relatability. Leaders can take inspiration from this, using storytelling techniques to create compelling narratives around their brand or campaigns.

What do you think?

 

Body Language on Video Calls

We’re all continuing to rely heavily on video calls for communication, and it’s essential to make them as effective and engaging as possible.

One great way to strengthen relationships online is to pay close attention to your body language, it speaks volumes, even through a screen.

Here are some of the tips I gave on a webinar this week and they’ll help you make a strong impression during video calls too:

  1. Keep Your Camera On. Always have your camera on! It builds connection and shows that you’re fully present and engaged.
    People are more likely to trust and connect with someone when they can see their face and read their expressions.
  2. Maintain Eye Contact. Look directly into the camera lens when speaking, it mimics eye contact and helps build rapport. Avoid staring at yourself or other parts of the screen for long periods, as it can appear distracted.
  3. Sit Up Straight. Good posture not only makes you look confident but also impacts how you feel. Sitting upright conveys energy and professionalism, whereas slouching can give the impression of disengagement.
  4. Smile Warmly. A genuine smile can instantly make you appear approachable and friendly. It sets a positive tone for the conversation and encourages others to relax and engage.
  5. Minimise Fidgeting. Avoid habits like touching your face, clicking a pen, or tapping your desk. These can be distracting and make you seem nervous or unfocused.
  6. Use Nods and Small Verbal Cues. Nodding occasionally or saying things like “I see” or “That makes sense” lets others know you’re actively listening and encourages them to continue speaking.
  7. Pay Attention to Lighting and Framing. Make sure your face is well-lit and your camera is at eye level. A poorly lit or awkwardly angled setup can detract from your presence.

By focusing on these small yet impactful body language adjustments, you’ll not only come across as confident and engaged but also build stronger connections in your video interactions.

Have You?

im a celeb november face whisper 2

I’m currently working on a new book with the working title Power: Beyond Words. This project dives deeper into how our internal state influences and manifests in our body language.

The book explores key topics, including Body Language, Emotions, Mindset, Energy, and Focus. Alongside the book, I’m also developing a workshop and training session to complement its themes, offering a hands-on approach to applying these insights in real life.

Last week, I had the pleasure of being a guest on a high-profile podcast, where I discussed some of these ideas. Both the book and the training will launch early next year to coincide with the podcast release, exciting times ahead!

 

Manifest – Cambridge’s Word of the Year

Do you know what manifest really means?

It’s a word I use often, but in my world, it’s not about simply saying affirmations and wishing for something great to happen and not taking action.

For me, manifesting is much more practical. It’s about:

  • Focusing on what I want (not dwelling on what I don’t want).
  • Clearing negative thoughts and emotions using the Letting Go process.
  • Taking inspired action to make it happen.

 

I’ve designed an entire workshop around this concept, helping teams sharpen their focus and create outcomes from a practical, actionable perspective.

If this sounds intriguing, I’d love to run a taster session for your team.