Human beings are hardwired to read physical cues. We do it quickly, subconsciously, and without any intellectual knowledge of what we’re seeing. In business networking settings, we look for confidence. Surely you’ve noticed the most confident people in the room and the ease with which they seem to engage strangers. Moments later they’re laughing and smiling as though they’ve known each other for years.

Is their “gift” something that can be learned? In part. In networking, success depends largely on body language and doing these four things right:

Relax

Physical tension and the awkwardness that it manifests is a dead giveaway that you’re feeling uncomfortable in a social setting. Relax by not obsessing about yourself and what others see. Instead, listen to others, observe others, and pretend you’re having an out-of-body experience. When you’re only eyes and ears, there is nothing to tense up.

Don’t Slouch

Politicians and entertainers get posture lessons so they can project confidence when the moment demands. What do they learn? Exhibit confidence and approachability at once by pulling your shoulders back, with your arms slightly away from your body. Your stance should be open and welcoming. Stand straight and avoid resting any part of your body on ledges and tables. This makes more sense when you observe the posture of others in a business networking setting.

Display Interest

If you’re reading this on a smartphone, find a mirror. Now, quickly make a face that shows boredom or lack of interest. Make another face that shows apathy. Now one that shows antipathy! OK, you’re getting good at this. Now, relax your facial muscles and think of someone you find really interesting. Look at yourself in the mirror. That’s the facial expression you want to show people in order to have them believe you’re alert and interested. Try the whole exercise again, imagining someone of the opposite gender. You may make a slightly different interested face. This is good; you’ve got more facial expressions in your arsenal.

Eye Contact

There’s just one ingredient left and it may be the most socially important. Senators, CEOs, and cult leaders alike are all masters of eye contact. When they need to be perceived as interested and interesting, their gaze never wanders as they engage in conversation. It’s also not eerily focused, like Dr. Evil. It’s natural, and the result engenders a warm and welcoming feeling. That’s exactly what people in your presence should feel, and you can accomplish this without saying a word.