Improving Nonverbal Messages

I am often the sender of unintended nonverbal messages.  At times I can be very quiet, mostly because I am shy around new people and also because I am an introvert and prefer to silently observe instead of be the center of attention.  What I didn’t know about myself is that I don’t always have a smile on my face and if I am focused on a project or thinking about something I will be very quiet and aloof and frown a lot.  I’ve found professionally that this has been interpreted as me being standoffish or that I think I am better than others.  After receiving this feedback, I started making a conscious effort to look people in the eye, smile and greet them.  It’s amazing the different response you get from people.  I find that when I don’t, I often get asked what is wrong.  I think the nonverbal communication between myself and other people can be changed both ways.  I can continue to focus on acknowledging people with a smile and making eye contact, and instead of making assumptions about me when I am quiet, I think people could check in and just ask how I am doing.