5 Tips to Command Confidence Instantly
Every day, we deal with both significant and minor obstacles. It is common to feel anxious and question if you are accomplished enough to be in this situation, whether you are giving a presentation at work or going to a party where you don’t know anyone.
Although some people are born with confidence, it’s not always an easy quality to develop. However, confidence is like a muscle; it gets stronger the more you use it.
1. Pause before speaking
Take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering a question.
Silence for two or three seconds gives you a chance to gather yourself and gives off an air of confidence. You convey to the person you are speaking with that what you have to say is important and should be carefully considered by delaying speaking.
In high-stress situations, such as meetings or presentations, pausing can help you stay grounded and center yourself, even though it may feel awkward not to respond right away.
Breathe in and out slowly before speaking to get practice.
When you do say your piece, use a calm yet sure tone of voice to show just how confident and powerful you are.
2. Use self-assured body language
You give off a vibe with insecure energy when you cross your arms, hunch your shoulders, or look at the ground when you speak. People are thus less likely to take your words at face value when invariably it is this kind of body language exposure. It will communicate very well the idea of not being self-confident.
The antidote, of course, is to use your body language not for failure but to show success and confidence. Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed and back. Hold eye contact with those you’re speaking to.
Give genuine smiles and share firm handshakes with the people you come into contact with. Impressions like these, given non-verbally to others, can be very effective. Some of these body language changes won’t feel totally comfortable at first.
After all, breaking old habits can be hard. Yet, with time and consistent practice, you’ll start to naturally hold yourself with more and more confidence. This will in turn help you feel well-assured, in a self-reinforcing circle. Many have found, in fact, that you can change your beliefs about yourself if you just fake it until you make it. You will start to be confident from acting confidently, and folks will respond to you accordingly. You can fake stuff that is really great until you make it; it’s going to impact your beliefs, and you really will develop confidence over time. Remember — take up space. In a social setting, the common experience for a person with poor self-esteem is to shrink, literally and figuratively. Remember not to be afraid of letting your body carry out the magnitude of your presence and confidence.
Stand tall, take deep breaths, and really allow yourself to occupy the space around you. This assertive body language will help you command attention and respect, making your interactions more impactful and engaging.
3. Stay interested
Between confidence and arrogance, there is a thin line. Maintaining your interest in those around you and making contributions to your community are two ways to make sure you’re on the right side of that divide.
Cultivating a quiet confidence and genuine interest in the people you’re with are the keys to being the most fascinating person in the room and someone that draws people in.
Listen more than you speak because you will discover more about someone by paying attention to what they have to say.
Make intelligent, perceptive inquiries to keep the discussion going. Take the risk of delving deeply into more difficult subjects.
Being in the moment is essential to connecting.
4. Learn something new every day
Being confident requires keeping an open mind and seeking out what you don’t know. Stay sharp by devoting a little time each day to learning something outside of your realm of knowledge.
Make time to read, even if it’s just for half an hour. Check out a new podcast or watch an interview with someone you admire.
Having empathy for others also goes a long way. If you see other people as having something to teach you, you’ll learn new perspectives and outlooks on life.
5. Practice gratitude.
Jot down your accomplishments and positive traits to serve as a reminder to yourself of your own worth. When you’re feeling low about yourself, refer back to your list and remind yourself how amazing you are.
Record accomplishments you’re proud of as well as obstacles you overcame.
Practicing gratitude can be an approachable way to improve your mood and recognize your own worth in this world.
Remember how far you’ve come at all times, especially as you head toward your dazzlingly bright future.
