Peter Drucker said: "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said." He was talking about listening, but the same principle applies to what your body communicates before you open your mouth.

Hands in pockets say one thing: I'm uncomfortable here.

Why it matters

When you walk into a room as the manager, your physical presence sets the temperature before you say a word. Buried hands project uncertainty. Visible hands signal the opposite — I'm present, engaged, in control.

What to do with them

  • Steepling — fingertips together, forming a peak — projects thoughtfulness and confidence.
  • Hand clasp — one hand over the other at chest or waist level — shows composure.
  • Open palms — signals honesty and openness.

"Your hands are like turn signals. They indicate where you're going and what you're thinking."

If you reflexively jam your hands in your pockets, here's blunt advice: buy pants without pockets for work. Constraint forces habit.