10 subtle body language signs that signal someone is rich and successful

We all know that actions speak louder than words.

Body language, in particular, can tell you a lot about a person. It can provide insights into their personality, their emotions, and yes, even their success and wealth.

Successful people, the truly wealthy ones, exude a certain aura. It’s not always about the flashy cars, designer clothes or the expensive jewelry. There’s usually something more subtle at play.

You may not realize it, but there are certain body language signs that hint at someone’s success and wealth.

In this article, we’re going to explore 10 subtle body language signs that signal someone is rich and successful.

Let’s delve into these non-verbal cues that can reveal more than you’d think.

1) Confident posture

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Fake it till you make it”. And when it comes to success and wealth, body language often reflects this adage.

One of the most subtle yet telling signs of a successful person is their posture. It’s not about puffing out your chest or strutting around like a peacock, but rather a quiet confidence that can be seen in how they carry themselves.

Successful people stand tall, with their shoulders back and head held high. They occupy space without being domineering, exuding an aura of self-assuredness. This isn’t about arrogance or superiority; it’s about simply being comfortable in your own skin.

There’s a good reason why power poses have been so widely discussed in recent years. When you open up your body and take on a confident posture, not only does it make you appear more successful – it can also make you feel more successful.

2) Steady eye contact

I remember the first time I met a real millionaire in person. No, it wasn’t at some lavish party or a high-level business meeting. It was at a simple coffee shop, and he was in jeans and a casual shirt.

One thing that struck me right away was his eye contact. He had an unwavering gaze that never strayed. He wasn’t looking over my shoulder or scanning the room; his focus was solely on me. It wasn’t intimidating, but rather, it conveyed a sense of respect and genuine interest.

Successful people understand the power of eye contact. It conveys confidence, authority, and respect for the person they’re communicating with. It’s not about staring someone down – that can be off-putting. Instead, it’s about maintaining steady eye contact that signals engagement and interest.

3) Controlled gestures

Here’s something you might not know. Research shows that successful people tend to use less extraneous movement when they speak. Their gestures are calculated and controlled, adding emphasis to their words rather than detracting from them.

This control over their physical movements often extends to their facial expressions as well. They’re not overly animated, but rather, they use subtle shifts in expression to convey their thoughts and feelings.

This might seem counterintuitive, as we often associate animation with passion and engagement. However, controlled gestures suggest a sense of calmness and composure, attributes often associated with those who are successful and wealthy.

Controlled gestures signify a level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, qualities that are key to success in both personal and professional realms.

4) Respectful listening

It’s easy to think that successful people would be the ones doing most of the talking, dominating conversations with their knowledge and experience. But surprisingly, one of the subtle body language signs of wealth and success is actually their ability to listen.

Successful people understand the importance of learning from others, regardless of their status or position. They display active listening by maintaining eye contact, nodding in understanding, and responding appropriately.

They don’t interrupt or dismiss others. Instead, they give them their full attention, showing respect and interest in what they have to say. This respectful listening is a sign of emotional intelligence, which is a common trait among the truly successful.

5) Firm handshake

A firm handshake is more than just a polite gesture. It’s a powerful form of communication that can convey a lot about your character, confidence, and credibility.

Successful people understand this and use it to their advantage. They offer a firm, but not crushing, handshake that communicates self-assuredness and respect for the other person.

Their handshakes usually last about two to three seconds – just enough time to establish a positive connection without making the other person feel uncomfortable.

This might seem like a small detail, but the power of a good handshake shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s one of those subtle body language cues that can signal someone is rich and successful.

6) Genuine smile

There’s something incredibly captivating about a genuine smile. It’s a universal sign of warmth and friendliness that can instantly put people at ease.

Successful people often have this warmth about them. They smile with their whole face, not just their mouth, and their eyes light up in a way that’s hard to fake. This is known as a Duchenne smile, named after the French physician Guillaume Duchenne who studied the physiology of facial expressions.

This kind of smile doesn’t just signal happiness, but also sincerity and authenticity. It shows that they’re not just successful in terms of wealth, but also in their ability to connect with people on a human level.

7) Calm demeanor

I still remember the day I lost a major business deal. My world seemed to crumble and panic set in. But then I noticed my mentor, a highly successful businessman, who received similar news with an air of calmness that was almost unnerving.

It’s a common trait among successful people — this ability to remain calm under pressure. They don’t let stress or unexpected events rattle them easily. Instead, they maintain a composed demeanor, handling situations with grace and resilience.

A calm demeanor doesn’t mean they’re unaffected. It simply means they’re able to manage their emotions effectively, another sign of emotional intelligence. This ability to stay calm in the face of adversity is a powerful indicator of their success and wealth.

8) Limited use of devices

In a world where we’re constantly glued to our screens, you might think that successful people would be the ones always checking their emails or making business calls. Interestingly, it’s often quite the opposite.

Successful people understand the value of being present. Instead of constantly checking their devices, they are often fully engaged in the conversation or task at hand. They see the worth in giving their undivided attention to the people they are with, demonstrating respect and interest.

This doesn’t mean they don’t value technology or neglect their responsibilities. It simply means they know when to disconnect to connect.

9) Positive physical contact

Successful people often have a knack for making others feel comfortable and valued. One subtle way they do this is through positive physical contact.

A brief touch on the shoulder, a pat on the back, or a warm handshake can create a connection and show empathy. Of course, this is always done respectfully and appropriately, respecting personal boundaries.

This type of non-verbal communication can convey trust, reassurance, and camaraderie. It’s about creating a positive atmosphere and making others feel at ease.

10) Open body language

If there’s one key takeaway you should remember, it’s this – successful people exhibit open body language.

They typically avoid crossing their arms or legs, which can come off as defensive or closed off. Instead, they position their bodies in a way that’s inviting and approachable.

Open body language conveys confidence, receptiveness, and positivity. It’s a subtle yet powerful way of showing that they’re comfortable with who they are and open to connecting with others.

This openness is often a reflection of their success, not just financially but also in building positive relationships. So keep an eye out for this crucial sign when identifying someone who’s truly rich and successful.