7 Body Language Habits That Make You Look Really Unprofessional

Have you ever left a conversation feeling uneasy about it, but you couldn’t determine exactly what made you feel that way? If so, chances are your instincts detected a mismatch between body language signals and verbal communication by the other person. 

Your body communicates through its own distinct language. When stress arises or language fails to convey thoughts, your posture, gestures, and expressions reveal underlying truths. In my experience, there are seven body language habits that can make you look really unprofessional. 

1. Poor posture undermines authority. 

Most people find themselves slouching after their workday has ended. But here’s what happens: Rounding your shoulders forward and curving your spine causes your body to physically reduce its own size. When someone straightens their posture during a meeting, I’ve noticed that it causes everyone to start paying attention. The goal is not about achieving perfection but rather about demonstrating to others that you are worthy of attention. Your back will thank you, too. 

2. Crossed arms create barriers. 

Pay attention to your arm movements when you feel awkward during social interactions. Crossing your arms builds a physical barrier that sends a stronger “stay away” message than spoken words ever could. The simple body language habit has caused countless workplace relationships to fail because it sends the wrong message. Your approachability increases significantly when you keep your arms loose against your body or when you use them to gesture as you speak—amplifying your points in the process. 

3. Nervous habits betray insecurity. 

Everyone gets nervous, but you don’t have to broadcast that fact with your body language. Repetitive actions such as clicking pens and twirling hair along with constant phone checks clearly broadcast that you’re feeling anxious. In addition, job seekers who possess exceptional credentials often damage their own chances through their persistent nervous movements. Instead of enforced motionlessness, however, practice deliberate movement. By directing nervous energy toward intentional gestures, you can convert any inner tension you feel into a commanding presence. 

4. Intense eye contact becomes intimidation. 

Effective eye contact establishes trust. Yet it must be balanced, because excessive staring can make people uneasy. Everyone knows the uneasy sensation when someone refuses to take their eyes off them. Effective communicators maintain eye contact that demonstrates interest while avoiding making a person feel scrutinized. Effective body language is about conversation, not interrogation. 

5. Excessive nodding signals desperation. 

While you likely use head nods to demonstrate attentive listening, when you nod too quickly, that makes it seem that you’re desperate instead of signaling agreement. I’ve noticed that negotiators who nod excessively tend to be dismissed while their opinions become negotiable. A thoughtful, measured nod carries weight. The movement demonstrates your genuine consideration of someone’s words rather than just seeking their approval. 

6. Time-checking conveys disrespect. 

When you keep looking at your watch or phone during a conversation, the other person can’t help but wonder why. Are you not interested in what they have to say? Do you think you have better things to do with your time? Respected leaders maintain full engagement with the people interacting with them. When you’re fully there, people notice and remember. 

7. Misaligned verbal and nonverbal cues create distrust. 

People’s trust in you will quickly move onto shaky ground when your spoken words fail to align with your body language. The human brain is structured to identify contradictions between words and body signals, which explains why we pick up on insincerity even without knowing why. People trust you when your facial expressions and body posture match your tone and message. 

Body language awareness will help you look more professional to others because it can ensure you consistently send people the right messages. When your body language matches your spoken messages, you send an authentic signal that people feel deeply. The authentic connection stands out distinctly in a business environment that is increasingly chaotic and uncertain. 

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