The most exclusive members of Hollywood’s A-List are arguably the most photographed and filmed people in the whole world. Their market value is indisputably tied to their image – body language and proper posture are absolutely essential to their success. What kind of image would film heroes like Christian Bale and Ben Affleck have if they were only photographed hanging out in the corner for hours on end? High-ranking senior executives also spend plenty of time in the spotlight.
We’ll show you how to convey self-confidence, and what body language tricks you can learn from Hollywood’s biggest superstars.
A Red Carpet-Worthy Entrance
The red carpet is the ideal place to study the body language of stars. Try to pay especially close attention to those who are most comfortable playing strong roles, and how their body language matches.
Think of stars like Chris Hemsworth, Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt. For women, consider Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lawrence and Charlize Theron as perfect role models.
Eye Contact and Facial Expressions
A star in the spotlight, surrounded by camera flashes, staring at his shoes? It’s positively unthinkable. Steady eye contact is everything, when it comes to conveying a confident impression. However, bear in mind: prolonged staring is definitely a faux pas, and can be interpreted as strange, or even threatening.
But you can’t go wrong with a friendly, easy-going facial expression, marked with a casual smile. The last part is especially important for men. A forced smile can convey weakness, or even embarrassment.
Open Body Language
Male stars let their arms hang comfortably by their sides, and allow their hands to slightly graze their thighs. And for women, hands are normally placed on the hips. This pose symbolizes dominance and simultaneously gives the impression of a slender figure.
In this way, women can demonstrate more control in a group of men. But don’t exaggerate! Don’t sashay through your company’s office like Wonder Woman!
These Power Poses – including the classic “Victory Pose,” with outstretched arms overhead, or leaning on a conference table with both hands firmly planted – don’t only affect those around you.
They also influence your own thoughts, and provide you with more self confidence, as proven by a study from Harvard University.
Chin Up, Stand Up Straight
With a raised chin, and straight shoulders, pulled back slightly – this is how stars are able to avoid slouching. Maintaining a comfortable posture, with focus on your stomach and glutes, will help to prevent an arched back, too.
Keep your legs shoulder-length apart, and you’ll look natural; not over-the-top. Finally, keep most of your weight on the balls of your feet, and not on your heels, for a better balance.
Even as you’re keeping all of this in mind – stay loose! While a good posture can definitely help you in the office, this is a workplace, not the morning salute for the US Marines!
Position Yourself Towards Your Speaking Partner
In conversations with important members of the media, celebrities turn their entire bodies to face journalists. When someone turns their body or head away from a speaker, it sends a message: “I have better things to do.” This is not a mistake to make with your employees – or other relevant business partners.
Rubbing Shoulders
When Hollywood stars meet their fans – or US politicians greet their supporters – the classic greeting is a handshake, with a simultaneous touch on their upper arm. This gives the impression of intimacy and closeness. At the same time, by entering into the “personal space” of a stranger, it gives the feeling of power, and indicates a higher rank than the subject.
The Icing On The Cake: Physical Fitness and Its Effect on Posture
In Hollywood, the primary goal of fitness training is to achieve a perfect physique, through which a positive effect on self confidence and charisma are also achieved. When one feels comfortable, they exude confidence, and show that they’re at ease with themselves. And besides that, powerful core muscles provide a straight and comfortable posture and an impression of security.
The more you prepare yourself in this area, the easier it will be to implement these tips and tricks in your everyday life. Tatjana Strobel, body language expert, insists that secure body language is the key to making a powerful first impression: “Stay authentic, and try to establish your own inner self-confidence.”
