Trust is a coveted emotion, often hard to gain and easy to lose. And psychology tells us that body language plays a significant part in conveying trustworthiness.

You might be wondering how you can embody trust, even before you utter a single word. The secret lies in understanding and mastering some key body language cues.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through 7 body language cues based on psychological research that can instantly make you seem more trustworthy.

These are simple, yet powerful gestures that can help you make a positive first impression, whether it’s on an important client meeting or a casual social gathering.

So, if you’re striving for stronger connections and communication, sit back and take notes.

Here’s how to let your body do the talking, in the most trustworthy way possible.

1) Open posture

Who hasn’t heard the phrase ‘Actions speak louder than words’? This couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to establishing trust.

One of the fundamental cues that make you seem instantly trustworthy is maintaining an open posture.

This involves keeping your arms uncrossed, shoulders relaxed, and chest open. It’s a non-verbal way of saying, “I have nothing to hide”.

Famed psychologist Albert Mehrabian once said, “The total impact of a message is about 7 percent verbal (words only) and 38 percent vocal (including tone of voice, inflection, and other sounds) and 55 percent nonverbal.”

Your body language, constituting the majority of that nonverbal communication, can significantly influence the perception of trustworthiness.

An open posture signifies confidence, honesty, and receptivity. It signals to others that you’re comfortable in your skin and open to interaction.

Just remember – authenticity is key. Your body language should align with your words and feelings for it to come off as genuine.

Keep it open, keep it real.

2) Genuine smile

There’s something incredibly comforting about a genuine smile. It’s like a universal language that communicates warmth, friendliness, and positivity.

In my own experience, I’ve found that nothing bridges the gap between strangers faster than a heartfelt smile.

In fact, Renowned psychologist Paul Ekman, known for his research on facial expressions, has said, “Smiles are probably the most underrated facial expressions, much more complicated than most people realize. There are dozens of smiles, each differing in appearance and in the message expressed.”

A genuine smile, often called the Duchenne smile (named after the French physician Guillaume Duchenne who studied the physiology of facial expressions), involves not just your mouth, but also your eyes – causing those familiar ‘crow’s feet’ wrinkles at the corners. It’s this type of smile that radiates sincerity and trustworthiness.

I remember heading into an important meeting feeling nervous. As I entered the room, I was met with warm, genuine smiles from everyone – instantly easing my anxiety. Their smiles made me feel welcomed and accepted.

So remember, your smile is a powerful tool – use it wisely to build trust and rapport.

3) Eye contact

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who avoided making eye contact with you? Didn’t it feel a bit off?

Maintaining good eye contact is a critical component of effective communication and trust-building. It shows that you’re fully present in the conversation and genuinely interested in what the other person has to say.

Psychologist and nonverbal communication expert Dr. Albert Mehrabian has stated, “Eye contact and facial expressions provide important social and emotional information.”

When we make eye contact, we’re not just acknowledging the other person’s presence; we’re also communicating respect and openness.

It says, “I see you, I’m listening to you, and I value this interaction.”

But here’s the raw truth – maintaining eye contact can be uncomfortable for many of us, especially in nerve-wracking situations.

It’s something I’ve grappled with personally. There have been instances where I’ve found myself looking away during critical discussions, only to realize later that it could have been perceived as insincere.

The key is practice. Start by consciously maintaining eye contact in your everyday interactions.

With time, it will become second nature to you.

Remember, it’s not about staring people down; it’s about connecting with them on a deeper level.

4) Mirroring

Mirroring, or subtly mimicking another person’s body language, is a powerful way to build rapport and establish trust.

It’s a non-verbal way of saying, “I’m like you, and I understand you.”

Just think about your interactions with your closest friends. You’ll often find yourselves laughing together, matching each other’s pace while walking, or even finishing each other’s sentences. That’s mirroring in action.

However, it’s important to note that mirroring should be subtle and natural. Overdoing it or forcing it can have the opposite effect and make you seem insincere.

Mirroring is all about making the other person feel understood and valued. And when done right, it can be a powerful tool in your trust-building arsenal.

5) Nods of affirmation

Have you ever noticed how much impact a simple nod can have during a conversation? It’s a tiny gesture, but it packs a huge punch when it comes to appearing trustworthy.

Nodding communicates agreement, understanding, and attentiveness. It’s a non-verbal way of saying, “I’m with you.”

Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist, once said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”

Nodding is one such transformative reaction that can enhance the quality of your interactions.

I can recall countless conversations where the other person’s nodding made me feel heard and understood.

It encouraged me to share more openly and honestly, knowing that they were genuinely engaged.

So remember, the next time you’re in a conversation, use your nods wisely. They’re a small but significant part of your body language toolkit that can help establish trust.

6) Embracing silence

This one might seem counterintuitive. After all, how can silence make you seem more trustworthy?

Well, according to famed psychologist Sigmund Freud, “Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise.” This includes being comfortable with silence.

Silence is often perceived as a sign of confidence and self-assuredness.

It shows that you’re not afraid of awkward pauses and don’t feel the need to fill every moment with chatter – a trait often associated with trustworthiness.

Moreover, silence gives the other person the space to share their thoughts and feelings.

It communicates respect, patience, and a genuine interest in what they have to say.

So, the next time you find yourself in a conversation, don’t be afraid of silence. Embrace it as a powerful tool for building trust.

7) Lean in

Ever notice how you instinctively lean in when you’re engrossed in a conversation? That’s because leaning in is a universal sign of interest and engagement.

Psychologist Amy Cuddy says, “Our bodies change our minds… and our minds can change our behavior, and our behavior can change our outcomes.”

So, if you lean in during a conversation, it can subtly convey your interest and make you come across as more trustworthy.

So, next time you’re having a meaningful conversation, remember to lean in – just a bit. It can make all the difference.

Wrapping up

At the heart of every interaction lies the desire to connect, to understand, and to be understood.

And while words play a significant role in this process, our bodies often speak volumes more than we realize.

Mastering these body language cues isn’t about tricking others into trusting you.

It’s about fostering genuine connections, building stronger relationships, and ultimately, understanding ourselves better.

Remember, the most trustworthy body language is that which aligns with your authentic self.

Practice these cues, but never let them overshadow your true personality.

After all, trust isn’t built in grand gestures but in a series of small, consistent actions.

And sometimes, those actions are as subtle as a nod, a genuine smile, or an open posture.

As you navigate your personal and professional relationships, let your body language speak – honestly, confidently, and trustworthily.