Which nonverbal cues should you cultivate to reinforce confident self-advocacy, and what pitfalls should you avoid?

• A. Maintain steady eye contact, open posture, relaxed facial expressions; avoid fidgeting, crossed arms, or defensive movements.
• B. Avoid eye contact to reduce pressure.
• C. Cross arms to signal confidence.
• D. Frequent fidgeting signals attentiveness.

Answer: (D)

Nonverbal signals that reinforce confident self-advocacy center on inviting collaboration and showing you’re prepared to engage. Steady eye contact communicates engagement and trust, indicating you’re present and paying attention. An open posture—shoulders relaxed, torso oriented toward the other person, arms uncrossed—signals receptivity, confidence, and readiness to interact. Relaxed facial expressions help your message come across as calm and assured rather than tense or reactive. Avoid fidgeting, crossed arms, or defensive movements, since these cues can distract from your message and suggest unease or defensiveness. Likewise, scarce or evasive eye contact can undermine trust, and excessive stiffness or negative facial expressions can make you seem unreceptive. Use light, purposeful gestures and a steady, calm voice to reinforce what you’re asking for and demonstrate you’re in control of the conversation.