What do you think your body language communicates to others? When used properly, body language can be your key to greater success. Your body language can help you build positive business relationships, influence others, motivate others and help you communicate more effectively with others.   

An effective leader understands the power of using body language as another effective communication tool. Understanding how to communicate with more than words is critical to success. The following are some tips for using your body language to help you lead and communicate more effectively.

First, stand tall and take up space. Research shows that power, status and confidence are nonverbally displayed through use of height and space. Keep your posture by having a straight back, shoulders back and head held high.

Secondly, maintain good eye contact with people you are communicating with. One tip for making sure you are engaging in good eye contact is to look at someone in the eye long enough to see what color eyes they have. Strong eye contact is key to appearing friendly and confident. But it is also a tool that helps with making other people feel like you are present and intentionally listening to them.

Fourth, always smile. Smiles have a powerful effect on all of us. Smiling not only stimulates your own sense of well-being, it also tells those around you that you are approachable and trustworthy.

As a reminder, we are all leaders. One way to become a better leader is to spend some time learning about how to develop more effective body language. Often, we say more with our body than we do with our words.  Be mindful of what you are communicating.