To stand up straight, keep your back and shoulder muscles aligned. Tighten your stomach muscles and bend your knees slightly. [2] X Research source Focus on keeping your head up and your shoulders back throughout the day. This can make you look taller, making you appear bolder and more confident in the workplace. Refrain from slumping your shoulders or looking downward, as this will make you look shorter even with relatively straight posture. [3] X Research source You can also try power posing to help you exude confidence. This is when you stand in an ultra-confident position, similar to how Superman or Wonder Woman might stand. Hold the pose for a minute and you will look and feel more confident.
There are many different ways you can gesticulate. You can move your hands with the rhythm of your words. You can also use your hands to illustrate something. You can, for example, draw a shape in the air when trying to describe a type of building. Make sure not to overdo it, however. If you’re moving your hands too wildly, gesticulation can look out of control, which won’t come off as confident. Try to keep your hand motions steady while gesticulating.
Keep in mind, you may fidget without realizing it. Maybe people have nervous habits of which they are not aware. Be more conscious of your body movements. You may catch yourself fidgeting more than you think.
Lean back and relax. Leaning forward can indicate that you are anxious, so try leaning back in your chair and relaxing. Allow your arms to rest comfortably in your lap or at your sides, and keep your feet flat on the ground. Face the person you are speaking with. Stay focused on who you are talking to and avoid looking all around the room. Do not cross your legs. In conversation, keep your feet flat on the floor and side-by-side. Crossing your legs can make you look closed off and insecure. This will prevent you from exuding confidence throughout the day. [7] X Research source
Use a clear voice both in work settings and personal conversations in order to appear confident. Stay aware of your tone when you talk so you avoid whispering or stammering. If you’re nervous by nature, it can take some practice to get the right speaking tone. Try practicing speaking in front of a mirror. You can also record yourself talking and play it back to yourself to see if your tone is clear and easily understandable.
Strive to allow others to talk at least as much as you do. After you finish a sentence or make a point, pause to allow the other person to respond. Show that you’re listening as well. Use non-verbal cues, such as nodding and smiling when appropriate, to demonstrate you’re paying attention to the other person.
Instead of apologizing when sharing your convictions, get straight to the point. Say something like, “Actually, I see the situation differently” and then proceed to explain. It’s okay to appear passionate. Having strong passions is a form of confidence.
If someone disagrees with you, or has a different point of view, allow them to say so without interrupting. Acknowledge what they said in a polite fashion. For example, “Okay, I see what you’re saying. Thanks for sharing. " Confidence isn’t about winning. It’s about finding a solution that works for everyone. Don’t focus on whether you see eye-to-eye with a person exactly. Look for ways everyone can compromise. If you’re feeling frustrated by a situation, focus on accepting the present rather than concentrating on justifying those negative feelings. This will enable you to get a more clear-eyed look at the situation and possible solutions. [12] X Expert Source Amy WongLeadership & Transformational Coach Expert Interview. 30 April 2020.
Teammates and coworkers will appreciate that you think about them not as optimal stepping stones to success, but as real people that you trust and care about. [14] X Expert Source Amy WongLeadership & Transformational Coach Expert Interview. 30 April 2020.
Avoid looking down or having a slumped posture. These things can send a message to others that you are passive or submissive, which may make you seem weak and like you are an easy target. [16] X Research source
Follow the adage “Dress for the job you want and not the job you have. " Overdressing for situations like meetings and job interviews is better than underdressing. In work, invest in quality business clothing. You could, for example, wear a button down shirt, dress pants, and a tie or a nice business dress.
For example, if you’re late to work because of a late train, do not think to yourself, “It’s the subway system’s fault. " Think something like, “This was an unfortunate occurrence, but I should have left earlier. I know trains are late a lot. " Then, try to do better the following day. If you feel like you’re in control of yourself and your actions, this will result in you feeling more confident.
Set goals for yourself, with certain steps to achieve these goals. For example, if you’re trying to complete something by a deadline, set goals for how much work you’ll do each day leading up to the deadline. Make sure to set realistic goals and plans. Biting off more than you can chew is a sure way to undermine your confidence.
If you make a silly mistake, don’t be afraid of laughing a little at yourself. By showing that you’re okay with being human and messing up once in a while, it proves you’re actually secure in your inherent self-worth. [22] X Expert Source Amy WongLeadership & Transformational Coach Expert Interview. 30 April 2020. If you were wrong about something, say something like, “Oh, sorry. That was a mistake on my part. " It’s okay to apologize for misjudging something. However, do not apologize for things like your feelings and being human. If you, for example, missed work for being sick, do not apologize for this. This could not have been prevented.
