How Tone and Posture Affect Communication

I finished a sales call last week where my jaw was so tight it felt like I could crack walnuts. The unfortunate part is the prospect felt it before I even spoke. Let me tell you why (geek out with me for a sec): Neuroscience shows your first half second of speech carries vocal stress markers. It's these tiny shifts in breath and pitch that trip the listener’s internal alarm system before their logical brain even boots up. Once it pings, their mirror neurons match your tension. Trust is completely eroded 🤯 The real villain here is your autonomic nervous system. When your vagus nerve senses threat, blood leaves your “thinking brain,” and you start selling from survival. Aka you stop selling from curiosity or confidence. The result: - Pinched tone - Shallow breath - Fast talking & disconnection Here's the reset I use whenever I feel my jaw clench: 1. Feet flat and "feel gravity" - it signals “no threat” to your body. 2. Exhale longer than you inhale. Calms the vagus nerve, slows heart rate. 3. Roll shoulders back, unlock knees. Open posture = open airway = open ❤️4. Speak on your 3rd breath, gives your voice time come into calm resonance Try this before your next call. Your voice will drop half a tone. Pace will slow. Prospects feel the shift before they even know why. 👋 I’m Alex. ⚔️ Former tech sales leader turned founder. 💪 I’m building a sales community for people who want to awaken 📌 Learn more about how you can get involved here - alluviance.co

Your body speaks before you do. Is it saying what you want it to? I learned this the hard way during a board meeting. I had the numbers, the plan, the perfect pitch. But I was fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, and shrinking into my chair. In return, I received a lot more questions than usual. Another leader pulled me aside after and said something that changed how I show up: "You know your stuff, but your body is telling a different story." They were right. I was undermining my own message. Over the years, I've watched leaders who command rooms without saying a word. They don't have magic powers. They understand that 55% of communication happens through body language. Here's what I've learned works: 👉 Eye contact builds trust. Look at people when they speak to you. Really look at them, and make a connection. 👉 Your posture tells your story. Stand like you belong there. Sit like you own the chair. Keep your arms open. 👉 Space matters. Read the room. Respect cultural norms. Find that sweet spot where you're engaged but not invading. 👉 Listen with your whole body. Nod with purpose. Welcome silence. Show that you're not just waiting for your turn to talk. 👉 Your voice carries weight. Pace yourself. Vary your tone. Project confidence even when you don't feel it yet. 👉 Let your face match your words. Show authentic emotion. If you're excited about an idea, let it show. If you're concerned, don't hide behind a poker face. 👉 Gesture with intent. Open palms signal trust. Measured movements emphasize key points. Your hands can reinforce what your words are trying to build. The truth is, I still catch myself sliding back into old habits. Last week, I realized I was crossing my arms during a meeting. But now I notice more. I adjust. I show up differently. Body language isn't about being perfect. It's about being present and intentional with how you connect. 💭 What's one body language habit you want to change? ♻️ Share this post if you know someone who needs to hear this message. 📌 Follow me (Jennifer Turnage) for more insights on authentic leadership and communication.

When our twins were little, we instituted a strict "no eye rolling" policy. We had zero tolerance for it. And I'm happy to say that they're now 24 years old and they've never rolled their eyes to our faces. (Behind our backs? I'm sure there was plenty. But I'd rather not know.) Why were we so insistent about this? Because eye rolling isn’t just a gesture. It's a message. It says, “You’re ridiculous,” “I don’t respect you,” or “What you’re saying doesn’t matter.” It’s dismissive, disrespectful, and damaging. And while it might be common for kids to do to their parents, I’ve seen it in boardrooms, Zoom meetings, and leadership teams, where it does far more harm. How you say something (tone, body language, facial expression) often has more impact than what you say. You could be delivering a valid piece of feedback or a thoughtful suggestion, but if it comes with a sigh, an eye roll, or a sarcastic tone, trust takes a hit. It's more than just eye-rolling. Constant phone checking or glancing at your watch says “This conversation isn’t worth my full attention.” Avoiding eye contact can signal discomfort, lack of confidence, or dishonesty, especially in tough conversations. And heavy sighing or dramatic exhaling communicates exasperation or impatience, making people feel like a burden. People don’t just remember your message. They remember how you made them feel while delivering it. If you’re trying to lead with integrity, influence, and inclusivity, your words need to align with your non-verbals. Otherwise, you’re likely eroding the very trust you're trying to build. #influence #inclusion #communicationskills

Have you ever wondered why some leaders inspire trust and confidence effortlessly while others struggle to connect, even when they have the right words? The answer lies in understanding how we communicate—beyond just words. As aspiring leaders, we often focus on what we say, but how we say it and the nonverbal cues we project can make or break our message. This is where the 7-38-55 Rule comes into play: 7% of communication is the words we choose. 38% is our tone of voice—showing warmth, conviction, or empathy. 55% is nonverbal—our body language, facial expressions, and overall presence. When leading a team, it’s not enough to craft the perfect speech or email. Your tone must convey your intent, and your body language should align with your message. For instance, saying "I value your input" means little if your tone sounds disinterested or your posture appears closed off. Here’s the takeaway: Leadership isn't just about being articulate; it's about being authentic, empathetic, and aligned. Next time you step into a leadership moment, ask yourself: Are my words clear? Does my tone reflect my passion and care? Does my body language show confidence and openness? People may forget your words, but they'll remember how you made them feel. What’s your experience with these subtle yet powerful aspects of communication? #LeadershipTips #CommunicationSkills #7_38_55Rule #EffectiveLeadership #NonverbalCommunication #InspiringLeaders #EmpathyInLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #ToneMatters #BodyLanguageSpeaks #LeadWithImpact #LeadershipMindset #LeadershipJourney

What you say isn’t closing deals. Only 7% of communication comes from words. Ever walk away from a call feeling unsure? Not because of what was said, but how it was said? I definitely have. That’s the power of non-verbal communication. It’s not a hard and fast rule… But here’s a shocking stat about communication: 55% comes from body language (facial expressions, gestures, posture) 38% comes from tone of voice 7% comes from the words themselves This is why how you say something matters more than what you say. You can have a great pitch, but: If your tone doesn’t carry conviction and authority… If your body language doesn’t show confidence… It won’t land. Next time a call feels off: Don’t just listen to the recording... Watch the video. (painful, I know) Most nonverbals are subconscious. I catch myself all the time. Start paying attention to the subtle stuff: Your tone, your face, your posture... They may be saying more than your words ever could. Awareness is the first step to improvement. What have you caught yourself doing subconsciously when you watched a recording back?