Non-verbal communication or body language is a vital part of the message we send to others.  We communicate up to 55 per cent of the meaning of a message through body language such as our facial expressions, gestures and posture.  Consider the following communication tips:

•  Body language has to be consistent and congruent with the verbal message for the message to be believable and, to build trust and rapport.
• Good posture takes off 10 years and 10 pounds and creates an instant impression of confidence and competence.
• To appear confident, hold your head high, chin level high, shoulders back and down, abdominal muscles tucked in and stand up tall and proud.
• Even if you don’t feel confident, people will respond to you as if you are if you exhibit confident body language. 
• Don’t use placating gestures such as the shrug, which says to others; “I don’t know and I don’t care.”
• Don’t use blaming gestures.  Finger pointing is the classic blaming gesture.  Confident people do not blame they look for solutions to problems. 
• Act calm cool, and collected.  Avoid nervous gestures like switching from one foot to the other, jiggling your leg, twisting your hair, fidgeting, biting your lip, clicking a pen, picking at your nails or clothing.
• Steeple your hands.  Pressing fingers together while keeping your palms separate, each finger touching the fingers of the opposite hand is a very confident gesture associated with confident people.
• Use your smile.  Smile at everyone you see and everywhere you go.  Smiling is reciprocal and most people will smile back.  Smiling is disarming, puts people at ease and since it makes both the giver and receiver feel good, do it as often as you can. 

Louise, The Etiquette Lady