Harvard instructor: Do these 3 things to gain influence at work—'trust is built, or broken, shockingly fast'

Even the smallest mannerisms can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived by others, especially in the workplace.

The way you hold your arms. How quickly or slowly you talk. The facial expressions you make. These can all play a role in the impression you leave on others, says Vanessa Van Edwards, a behavioral researcher and bestselling author who teaches a Harvard University program on “effective organizational communication.”

“Trust is built — or broken — shockingly fast,” Van Edwards tells CNBC Make It.

DON’T MISS: The ultimate guide to using AI to communicate better

The more trust you build with your colleagues and boss, the more workplace influence you can gain. Some of this comes down to actions: If you collaborate effectively with your colleagues and always get your work done on time, you’ll start to gain a reputation for those things.