Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Body Language Expert Says Checking Your Phone Can Undercut First Impressions

Vanessa Van Edwards says the habit triggers a closed “defeat” posture that signals insecurity within seconds.

Overview

  • Van Edwards outlined the guidance in an interview on The Diary of a CEO, with her remarks now being summarized by multiple outlets.
  • She cites studies suggesting people infer key personality traits with about 76% accuracy in the first moments of an interaction.
  • Glancing at a phone before or during interviews, first dates or important meetings can communicate distraction and low confidence.
  • The lowered head and hunched shoulders mimic a losing athlete and read as a universal posture of defeat, according to her.
  • Her recommendation is to keep phones out of sight in pivotal face-to-face moments to convey respect and presence rather than to criticize technology.