Research shows that up to 80 percent of the information we receive in personal conversation is transmitted nonverbally, making body language as critical as the words we use. According to the book, How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes, you can capture and hold anyone's attention without saying a single word.

In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, Business Insider contributor Maggie Zhang shares these body language tips from Lowndes' book for capturing someone's attention. Try these during your next prospect or customer meeting to increase your credibility and engagement.

1. The Flooding Smile: "Don't flash an immediate smile when you greet someone," says Lowndes. If you do, it appears as if anyone in your line of sight would receive that same smile. Instead, pause and look at the other person's face for a second, and then let a "big, warm, responsive smile flood over your face and overflow into your eyes."

This delayed, slower smile creates a sense of sincerity and the recipient feels like this smile was specifically for them. It increases the depth of how people perceive you.

2. Sticky Eyes: "Pretend your eyes are glued to your conversation partner's eyes with sticky, warm taffy," Lowndes advises. After the person speaks, don't break eye contact. Lowndes says, "When you must look away, do it ever so slowly, reluctantly, stretching the gooey taffy until the tiny string finally breaks." You can also try counting your conversation partner's blinks to maintain eye contact. In a case study, subjects reported significantly higher feelings of respect and fondness for their colleagues who used this technique.

3. Epoxy Eyes: In a group of people, you should occasionally look at the person you are interested in, no matter who else is talking. If your attention is drawn to that person even when they are simply listening, you show that you are interested in his or her reactions. You should primarily watch the speaker, but allow your glance to bounce to your target when the speaker finishes interesting points.

4. The Big-Baby Pivot: People are very conscious of how you react to them. When you meet someone new, turn your body fully toward them and give them the same, undivided attention you would give a baby. Lowndes says, "Pivoting 100 percent toward the new person shouts, 'I think you are very, very special.'"

5. Limit The Fidget: If you want to appear credible, try not to move too much when your conversation really matters. "Do not fidget, twitch, wiggle, squirm or scratch," Lowndes says. Frequent hand motions near your face can give your listener the feeling that you're lying or anxious. Instead, simply fix a constant gaze on the listener and show them that you're fully concentrated on the matter at hand.

6. Hello, Old Friend: When you first meet someone, imagine they're your old friend. According to Lowndes, this will cause a lot of subconscious reactions in your body, from the softening of your eyebrows to the positioning of your toes. When you act as though you like someone, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy — you might really start to like them. The next time you are introduced to someone new, try this positive approach.

Using these tips in various business settings will set the tone for more positive working relationships.

Source: Maggie Zhang, an English major from Princeton University, is an editorial intern at Business Insider. Her article appeared in the Thrive Global Community.