The key to coming off poised and confident is all in your posture. To stand confidently, keep your legs aligned with your shoulders and your feet approximately four to six inches apart. Distribute your weight equally on both legs, keep your shoulders back — but not way back — and turn your body towards others. This is an assertive posture.

Watch your hands
An important part of mastering body language is knowing what your hands are saying. If someone is closing their palm and pointing with their index finger, then they’re trying to display dominance, though it doesn’t always work out. Pointing can seem aggressive, but many people do it without understanding how intimidating it may be to others. Placing your hands on your hips is a posture many people use, but this can actually give off an air of arrogance or impatience. If you tend to play with your hair, tap your nails on tables, or jiggle coins in your pocket when you’re in front of a group, try to resist it.

Avoid crossing your legs
Crossed legs are usually a sign of resistance and low receptivity, and are a bad sign in a negotiation. Psychologically, crossed legs signal that a person is mentally, emotionally, and physically closed off.

Face value
Know what your standard face looks like. This is the face that most people see when you’re looking at them, listening to them, or just not talking in general. Some people’s standard faces can be very stern and not communicate what they’re feeling on the inside. Pay attention to the comments your friends and colleagues make when you’re listening to them. Do they think you’re upset because you’ve furrowed your brow in concentration? If this is the case, try to relax your muscles or smile more often when meeting new people.