Ten subtle body language signals of people who get more respect:

My name is Alex, and I specialise in being awkward.

I was certainly awkward in my teens and twenties. I am still often awkward.

But I’ve also learned a ton about what makes for powerful non-verbal communication.

I’m a human behaviour nerd (because I was shy and needed to improve at it).

I learned that body language both reflects and signals self-respect. This — in turn — influences the degree of respect someone else has for you.

Here’s how:

Speak slower.

I can often speak quickly, and I need to be conscious to slow it down.

When I do slow down, I think more clearly and tend to communicate more effectively.

Talking fast can signal insecurity.

Take care aesthetically.

Low-status people will denigrate the need to look good.

They say it’s ‘shallow.’

But it’s the opposite.

If you don’t have time to put on a clean shirt and trim your nasty nails, how can you possibly give a moment for others?