Shalom Damabel on Body Language: How to Influence, Connect, and Succeed Without Saying a Word – Shalom Damabel is a body language expert and human behavior strategist who teaches people how to decode the unspoken. His clients include entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals who want to sharpen their presence, build trust, and communicate more effectively. In this interview on Success, Motivation & Inspiration, Shalom shares powerful, real-world strategies for using body language to lead, sell, connect, and thrive.
Shalom Damabel’s Journey to Becoming a Body Language Expert
Shalom Damabel became obsessed with decoding nonverbal communication after discovering the work of Joe Navarro and Vanessa Van Edwards. He realized body language wasn’t just about observing others—it was a tool to help himself and others thrive in business, relationships, and leadership.
Today, Shalom Damabel is known for helping people master the unspoken. Whether working with professionals, coaching entrepreneurs, or analyzing public figures, he brings science-backed insights that are easy to apply.
Two Big Myths About Body Language
According to Shalom Damabel, two common myths keep people confused:
- Crossed arms mean someone is closed off.
Truth: Crossed arms can signify self-comfort or warmth—not necessarily defensiveness.
Example: Shalom’s interviewer, M. Curtis McCoy, shared how someone like his mother may cross her arms simply because she’s cold, not disengaged. - Looking away means someone is lying.
Truth: There is no single behavior that guarantees deception.
People often look away when thinking, accessing memories, or self-regulating—not because they’re dishonest.
These myths hurt communication. Shalom emphasizes observing patterns and context, not isolated cues.
Why Body Language Is More Important Than Words
Shalom Damabel breaks communication into three core components:
- 55% is body language (posture, gestures, expressions)
- 38% is tone of voice
- 7% is the actual words spoken
That means how you deliver a message matters far more than what you say. Two people can say the same thing and be interpreted completely differently based on how they carry themselves.
Leaders who project confidence through their body posture gain more respect. Shalom teaches the importance of expanding the space between your shoulders and ears, which he calls the foundation of the “power posture.”
Using Body Language to Build Trust and Influence
Entrepreneurs and professionals can gain instant trust by:
- Showing their hands while speaking
Visibility of hands increases trust and persuasion by up to 30% - Using gestures that match their message
Don’t use random hand movements—sync them with your words for clarity and impact - Taking up space with intentional posture
Standing tall with an open posture signals authority and leadership
Shalom Damabel emphasizes that a confident posture combined with meaningful hand gestures is a winning formula for connection and influence.
Reading the Room in High-Stakes Conversations
Shalom trains leaders to read nonverbal cues in real time, especially in negotiations and meetings. Here are some red flags he looks for:
- Eyebrow compression or eye-blocking
Indicates doubt or disapproval - Leaning back suddenly
Can signal disagreement or disengagement - Feet pointed toward the door
This shows someone may want to exit the conversation
He recommends adjusting your message immediately when you spot these cues to ensure your message lands effectively.
How to Spot Interest and Attraction on a First Date
Shalom Damabel also coaches people on nonverbal signals in relationships. On a first date, signs of genuine interest might include:
- A head tilt exposing the neck
- Wrist exposure during hair play
- Slow triple nods while listening
- Mirroring posture
These signals suggest engagement, openness, and curiosity. In contrast, crossed arms, stiff posture, and feet pointing away signal disengagement.
Microexpressions: The Face Doesn’t Lie
Shalom explains that microexpressions—brief, involuntary facial expressions—reveal what someone feels.
Examples include:
- A subtle sneer of contempt
- A flash of raised eyebrows in surprise or interest
- Tight lips or jaw tension during discomfort
These flashes can signal deception, resistance, or emotional disconnect, even in professional environments or negotiations.
The Importance of Baseline Behavior
Before interpreting any signals, Shalom recommends understanding a person’s baseline—how they behave when calm and relaxed. Without this, people risk misreading others.
Example: If someone fidgets typically, you wouldn’t interpret that as nervousness unless it increases under stress. Shalom teaches people to compare current behavior against the baseline to spot meaningful shifts.
Breaking Nervous Habits and Showing Confidence
To stop nervous habits like fidgeting or blinking too much, Shalom Damabel recommends power posing—a scientifically backed technique that:
- Decreases cortisol (stress hormone)
- Increases testosterone (dominance hormone)
- Boosts confidence in under 2 minutes
His top 3 power poses:
- Hands-on hips, feet apart, chin slightly raised
- Captain Morgan pose (one foot raised on a surface, hands on hips)
- Back straight, chest out, fists lightly clenched by sides
These poses help you feel more confident—even before entering interviews, presentations, or social events.
Appearing More Attractive and Confident in Social Settings
Shalom teaches that appearing “desired” instead of desperate is key to confidence:
- Avoid focusing too much on one person in the room
- Move, engage others, and appear to lead conversations
- In photos or public events, look engaged in genuine interactions, not just the camera
People are drawn to your presence when you act like the center of the room rather than chasing it.
How to Use Body Language for Better Presentations
For public speaking:
- Move with purpose, not random energy
- Gesture only to emphasize key points
- Rotate your gaze across the audience (3-second rule per section)
Shalom points out that speakers who look only at one section lose the rest of the room. Rotating focus ensures everyone feels seen and heard.
Three Quick Body Language Fixes Anyone Can Use Today
- Open your chest and keep your back straight
- Lift your chin slightly to project confidence
- Use slow, intentional hand gestures aligned with your words
These simple changes can instantly increase perceived credibility.
One Body Language Truth Everyone Needs to Hear
Shalom Damabel warns against judging someone as a liar based on one behavior. No single cue guarantees deception.
He shares that truthful people often unconsciously emphasize their points through:
- Strong posture
- Forward lean
- Gestures reinforcing their words
Look for consistency and clusters of behavior—not just one movement.
Coaching and Resources from Shalom Damabel
Shalom Damabel offers one-on-one coaching to help people improve their presence, master nonverbal communication, and build lasting connections. He also offers a free body language guide through his LinkedIn profile and Gumroad account.
To learn more or schedule a session:
- Follow him on LinkedIn: Shalom Damabel
- Visit his Gumroad profile for downloads and resources
Final Takeaway
You don’t need to speak louder to be heard. You must align your posture, presence, and gestures with your message. Shalom Damabel helps people lead, connect, and sell—without saying a word.
“Your body is always speaking. The real question is—what is it saying?” – Shalom Damabel