Your Digital Body Language

by Brenna Martin, VPG Social Media Specialist

First impressions don’t just start with words; they begin long before you even say a thing. Human behavior expert, author, and speaker Vanessa Van Edwards reminds us that communication is only partially verbal; so much of what we convey comes through nonverbal signals. Through her concept of “Vmail” (video + email), she emphasizes how tone, expression, and body language can make or break a connection. The same principle applies to LinkedIn: your profile speaks volumes before a single conversation ever takes place.

Van Edwards coined the term Vmail to describe a hybrid of video and email: instead of sending text, you send a short video message. The power lies in what that video communicates beyond words. Facial expressions, vocal warmth, and body language all play a crucial role in how your message is perceived. These nonverbal cues build trust more quickly than text alone, making Vmail feel personal, human, and memorable. On LinkedIn, your profile functions in much the same way.

While you may not send a video to every new connection, your photo, headline, and “About” section all work together as your own kind of Vmail, instantly shaping how others perceive your professionalism and personality.

Think of your profile photo and headline as your “digital body language.” Just as slouched shoulders or lack of eye contact can undercut your credibility in person, a blurry headshot or generic headline can weaken your professional presence online. Van Edwards stresses that people form snap judgments in seconds, and on LinkedIn, those judgments happen the moment someone lands on your profile.

Your image, expression, and even the energy of your words matter just as much as your résumé.

Heather Martin - Author, Editor & Bookkeeper

The lesson is simple: your LinkedIn profile is more than text on a screen. It’s your professional body language in digital form. By refining how you present yourself, from your photo to your headline, you’re essentially sending a personalized Vmail to every visitor. That small shift not only increases visibility but also builds trust. And in this Profile Power Up series, that’s the next step to standing out.