The Body Language of a Champion: Winning at the Negotiation Table

I still remember standing at the edge of the gymnastics floor as a young athlete, heart pounding, palms sweaty, waiting for my name to be called. In those moments, I learned something most people don’t realize until much later in life: confidence is not just a feeling. It is something you can wear. Something you can practice. Something that radiates from you before you even open your mouth.

As a gymnast, mastering body language was not optional. Every judge watched me closely, assessing not just my routines but how I carried myself before, during, and after each event. Chin up, shoulders back, walk tall, stay composed. Even if I fell or faltered, I learned to reset, breathe, and step forward with poise. What I didn’t know then was that these early lessons would become the foundation for how I would navigate life far beyond the gym.

Today, as a coach working with top entrepreneurs and guiding real estate agents through high-stakes negotiations, I see the same principles at play. How you walk into a room, how you shake hands, how you hold yourself when the pressure is on—these things matter. They shape the energy you bring, the trust you build, and ultimately, the deals you close.

We often think success comes down to strategy or skill alone, but I’ve learned that presence is just as powerful. Your body language speaks before you do, and it can either pull people toward you or quietly push them away. Let me share a few key lessons I’ve carried from competition floor to coaching room, lessons you can apply today to master your own body language and show up like a champion.

Prepare Before You Step In
In gymnastics, you never just walk onto the floor cold. You warm up, you stretch, you visualize. Before heading into a negotiation or client meeting, do the same. Stand tall, take a few deep breaths, ground yourself. Research even shows that “power poses” can elevate your confidence. Preparation is not just about what you will say but how you will show up.

Your Face Tells a Story
It’s easy to underestimate how much your facial expressions give away. I once recorded myself during practice sessions and was shocked to see the microexpressions of doubt flicker across my face when I missed a skill. The same thing happens in business—small frowns, tight lips, raised eyebrows. Practice in the mirror if you have to, but become aware of what your face is communicating. People will read you before they even process your words.

Read the Room
Just as important as mastering your own signals is the ability to read others. I can tell when a client is pulling back emotionally or when a colleague is leaning in with curiosity. Crossed arms might mean resistance. A shift forward might mean interest. When you pay attention to these cues, you can pivot in real time to build connection and trust.

Eye Contact Creates Connection
Eye contact was something I had to practice early on. As an athlete, you are taught not to let your gaze dart around because it shows nerves. That lesson has stuck with me. Whether in a boardroom or on a Zoom call, steady but natural eye contact conveys confidence. It tells the other person you are present, engaged, and trustworthy.

Your Inner Dialogue Shapes Your Outer Signals
Here’s the secret few people talk about: the body often follows the mind. When you let negative or anxious thoughts spin unchecked, they leak out through restless hands, slouched shoulders, or a hesitant voice. I train my clients to use positive affirmations, visualize success, and align their mindset before key conversations. When you believe you belong in the room, your body will show it.

Even Virtually, Body Language Counts
So many of us now conduct important meetings online, but the rules of body language still apply. Sit up straight, look into the camera, use small hand gestures to stay dynamic. A little attention to your virtual presence can make a big difference in how others perceive you.

Final Thoughts: Carry Yourself Like a Champion
Whether you are negotiating a multimillion-dollar deal or introducing yourself to a new client, remember that success is not just about the numbers or the script. It is about presence. It is about the quiet confidence that radiates from you before you even speak.

As someone who has gone from the pressure of competitive sports to the high-stakes world of coaching top performers, I can tell you this: your body language is one of your greatest tools. Master it early, and you will win trust, inspire loyalty, and create long-term success in everything you do.

With love,
Coach Crane