Body Language 101: How to Stay Calm When the Officer Is Being “Tough”

1. First Impressions Matter But Not in the Way You Think

When you meet the officer they do not think about how good you look.. They do notice how you act right away. What you wear helps create that impression. They want to see if you are being honest and if you seem comfortable. They do not care about how money you have.

2. Dress Like A Professional But Do Not Overdo It

• You should try to look business neat and casual.

• The goal of dressing this way is to show that you are an responsible person who has a job or is doing something useful in society.

• The thing to watch out for is wearing something like a tuxedo, a really fancy evening gown or clothes with big designer logos all, over them. Dressing like this can actually have the effect of what you want. It might seem like you are trying too hard to show that you have a lot of money which can make people wonder if you plan to work without permission or stay in the country forever.

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3. Maintain Natural Eye Contact

When you talk to someone eye contact is a deal. It means you are being honest.

• The thing is, you do not need to keep staring at the officer all the time that can be scary. Just look at the officer when they are talking and when you are talking to them.

• If you look away like at the ceiling or the floor it seems like you are trying to make something up of just remembering what really happened with the traffic stop or whatever the police officer is asking you about the police interaction and your conversation, with the officer.

4. Keep Your Posture Relaxed. Alert

• Your body says a lot about you before you even speak. If you slouch you look like you have given up. If you lean far forward you look worried.

• The "Anchor" Technique: Keep both your feet on the floor. This helps you feel stable and prevents you from moving in your seat.

• Hand Placement: Keep your hands where people can see them like on the counter or, in your lap. Don't clench your fists. Hide your hands as this shows you are very stressed.

5. Avoid Habits

Fidgeting is a sign that you are uncomfortable. Watch out for habits, like:

• Tapping your fingers or feet.

• Touching your face. Adjusting your glasses a lot.

• Clicking a pen. Shuffling your papers.

• If you feel like fidgeting try pressing your thumb and forefinger quietly in your lap.

6. Speak Clearly. At a Natural Pace

When you're stressed you might talk really fast. This can cause mistakes and confusion.

So try to speak at a speed.

• Match the officers voice level. Don't talk softly or too loudly.

• Say each word clearly. If the officer seems strict they're probably listening for words.

• Speak slowly so you don't have to say things

• Repeating yourself can make things more tense.

7. Do not take questions personally

Remind yourself that this is just a process. When you think of the officer as a fact checker for the information you are giving of thinking of the officer as an enemy you will feel better. The officer is just doing their job to check the facts. When you start to see the officer as a fact checker your body will start to relax. Your shoulders will drop down. Your jaw will not be tight. A relaxed face is a lot more believable, than a face that's tense. Remember, the officer is checking the facts so just be calm and answer the questions to the best of your ability and always keep in mind that the officer is a fact checker.

8. Focus on Your Story, Not the Officers Mood

The officers mood is something you just cannot control. You should focus completely on the facts of your application for immigration or whatever you are applying for. If the officer seems skeptical you should provide specific details about your application, rather than trying to convince them with emotional pleas. Your application details, such as dates and names and specific plans are the way to deal with tough questions, from the officer.

Good Luck.