There are plenty of times when a warm, friendly smile and a gregarious handshake is just what your business needs. At other times, perhaps when you are discussing money or negotiating, when what you need is a successful “poker face.”
The trick to a good business poker face is to maintain a pleasant demeanor, while being as neutral and calm as possible. It is important to neither grimace or smile–or really make any kind of face at all. This includes little things like tightening your neck or raising your eyebrows. Keep your face relaxed and neutral. It is important not to open your eyes wide or squint them up smaller. Don’t lick or bite your lips either.
In addition to keeping your face calm, if you are going for the “poker face” response, it is imperative not to bring your hand to your face or head. This means no rubbing of the chin, or brushing hair from your eyes–especially no covering of your mouth or eyes with your hands. All of these seemingly random and simple physical movements convey various things subconsciously through the wonderful world of body language. This goes for any other body movements. The key to a great poker face is to keep from making any kinds of physical movements that might convey your true thoughts and feelings–you don’t want to give anything anyway.
People often confuse “poker face” with appearing stern, disinterested, or rude. That is not the point of a good business poker face at all. You want to let the other person (or people) know that you are interested in involved in the negotiations or conversation–just not that you are emotionally invested in a particular outcome. A good poker face can really be an asset to an active business person–even those of us working to build our home-based businesses.