What are common nonverbal cues of insecurity or nervousness? (2024)

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Though facial expressions can be very important clues to project one’s mindset, they can also be misinterpreted or even missed outright. Different people absorb different emotions in many different ways. Therefore, one should never solely rely on facial expressions as a method of conveying thoughts or feelings. Rather, facial expressions should be seen as a supplementary form of expression instead of reliable communication.

Nonverbal cues are the most effective way to distinguish a persons intentions for agendas. As the old saying goes “actions speak louder than words.“ I feel that society plays a big part. That we are not good enough because of a certain standards that the society have put out. For instance, for how many years I’ve seen on TV and magazines that men should look good if they have abs or look like Abercrombie and Fitch model or with women that they should look thin to be pretty. So people learn on how to defend themselves by either isolating themselves or the opposite being out and bullypeople so that they feel worse than them. I truly believe that there’s no one that can help a person who has so many insecurities, but the person himself.

Posture can be an added value tool, but it solely depends on the decorum & ambience of the place where you are paced at, but i disagree gesture may not, as it's a form of expressive tool to ease out nervousness & convey something more effortlessly.

Moving your body smoothly and with purpose displays confidence and leadership. This takes practice to be fully aware of your posture and relaxing your body when you're nervous. These are body awareness skills that are tied to breath, psychology and emotional openness.

I agree with this some people may not want to speak up or they may stutter when they speak because they are nervous. I know in my experience I say "umm" and "like" a lot when I'm speaking in front of an audience or I catch myself speaking super fast so I can get done presenting quicker due to me being nervous.

As an individual who's voice fluctuates and takes a moment to even out, I say that if you choose to judge someone harshly based upon how their voice carries, whether it be with clarity or somewhat garbled at times, you may be missing out on getting to know a wonderful human being as a friend, a co-worker or a team member.

Voice and speech are much more than the vehicles for our words. They reveal- YOU! Are you seen as the embodiment of insecurity, tiptoeing around your thoughts and unsure of your stance. Or are you creating an aggression that was never intended. These vocal missteps, too soft or too loud, too fast or too slow, can transform you into a nervous wreck or an apathetic bore.The solution is not to fit into a cookie-cutter mold of vocal perfection. Instead, embrace "you," authentically. See your vocal variations as a picture you are painting for the audience. Speaking softly to emphasize thoughtfulness, not insecurity. Speaking loudly to show passion, not aggression. Fast speech could be enthusiasm, and slow speech, reflection.The key-make it YOU!

If you have an attractive voice, people tend to attribute other positive characteristics to you. Research highlights that those with attractive voices are believed to be warmer, more likable, and more honest. Those with confident voices are believed to be more dominant and are perceived to be higher achievers. Strengthening your voice can help you with your speech, but it can also help you in other parts of your life. A strong voice will help you in your job interviews, in meetings, and in interpersonal relationships.

Common nonverbal cues of insecurity or nervousness:Avoiding Eye Contact: Shifting gaze, looking down, or avoiding direct eye contact.Fidgeting: Restless movements, such as tapping fingers, shaking legs, or playing with objects.Tense Posture: Stiff or hunched posture, shoulders pulled in, and limited body movement.Nervous Habits: Biting nails, playing with hair, or pacing back and forth.Voice Changes: Speaking too quickly, stuttering, or having a shaky or soft voice.

Excessive Perspiration: Sweating, particularly in stressful situations.Microexpressions: Brief facial expressions that reveal anxiety, like a fleeting frown or lip bite.Lack of Gestures: Limited use of hand gestures or awkward, unnatural movements.Inconsistent Expressions: Contradictory nonverbal cues, such as smiling while anxious.Rigid Facial Muscles: Facial tension or stiffness, often around the mouth and forehead.Awareness of these cues can help you manage and overcome feelings of insecurity or nervousness, improving your communication and interactions with others.

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Going blank on stage This is another way in which nervousness can manifest. While there are many potential reasons for this, my personal experience with this has been when I don’t have enough sleep prior to my presentation, also when I’m anxious. Here are couple of things that have helped me. 1. Getting a good sleep prior to any public speaking engagement.2. Breathing exercises + a guided medication really helps in calming my nerves.3. Affirmations: This has really been helpful especially when doing it in front of the mirror. I would search up YouTube for appropriate motivation depending on the situation. 4. Practicing: Arriving the venue earlier to practice and get familiar with the stage also gives some bit of calm.

When judging candidates (or anyone) on their nonverbal cues, I think it's important to keep in mind DEI values. Some neurodivergent candidates might have a hard time keeping eye contact, portraying confidence in a societally accepted manner (like a strong handshake), or mirroring facial or body expressions appropriately-- all things that can come off as nervousness, but don't necessarily correlate to their emotions, attitudes, intentions, or confidence. We are in a modern age and I believe we should remind ourselves that not all people are the same. We should keep in mind that confidence can look different for different people, and action is really the only true indicator of one's value at work.