1. Hide hands

Hands should not be hidden in pockets, under the table or in the hair. Hiding your hands is not only seen as disrespectful to the interviewer, but also suggests that you have something to hide. Therefore, the motto for presentations or job interviews is: Show your hands. Use this important means of communication to support your words effectively. It is also taboo to hook your thumb and cross your arms in front of your body.

2. Handshake

There is hardly a worse signal to start a conversation than a weak handshake. Such a handshake immediately conveys weakness, lack of self-confidence and lack of authority. A self-confident appearance is one of the most important 'soft skills'. However, you should not overdo it with a too firm handshake, especially if you are wearing rings. Always remember to squeeze your interlocutor's hand briefly and firmly without causing pain.

3. Eyes open!

There is no reason to avoid direct eye contact. Lack of eye contact is often perceived as disinterested, insecure or dishonest. This will neither sell you a product nor help you climb the career ladder. A confident demeanour is crucial here. As a speaker, you should hold your gaze for at least two seconds to make initial contact and then regularly seek direct eye contact again.

4. The raised forefinger - not appropriate

The raised forefinger reminds us of unpleasant situations from childhood, be it admonishments from teachers or parents or bad arguments. As a stern and domineering symbol, the raised forefinger has no place in the working world, even if you think it underlines your words. This gesture conveys anything but respect.

5. Gesticulating wildly

It is natural to accompany communication with gestures. Our hands are an important tool to support what we say but should be used in moderation. Wild gesticulating is one of the biggest mistakes in a job interview. A regular, medium pace of hand movements without exaggerated gestures provides a solid foundation.

6. Upright and confident posture

An upright posture and self-confidence are crucial. Poor posture can convey insecurity or generally give a bad impression. Our tip for more self-confidence: Stomach in, chest out, shoulders back and head up. This is the secret recipe for a positive first impression in a successful job interview!

7. Never point with sharp objects!

Whether it's a ball pen in a meeting, a finger in an assessment centre or a knife at a business dinner - the rule is always: Don't point sharp objects at others. Why? Because your conversation partner may unconsciously feel threatened and interpret your gesture as an aggressive act. So, if you notice that you start gesticulating during a business meeting, you should put all objects aside.

Overall, the world of body language shows how powerful unconscious signals can be. By becoming aware of our non-verbal messages and learning to use them purposefully, we can improve our everyday communication and create more successful interactions.