15 Ways to Boost Confidence Through Body Language

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During my first job after undergrad, I worked with a director named David whom I greatly admired.

Whenever David spoke, everyone around him would stop and listen. Not only was he a respected director, but he always had well-thought-out and insightful things to say.

David spoke eloquently and took the time to formulate and communicate his thoughts. He didn't rush or ramble, instead taking frequent pauses to choose each word carefully. This attention to detail garnered David respect and admiration from everyone.

Even when he entered a room, David exuded poise and influence. He walked with ease and stood tall, conveying authority, presence, calmness, and confidence through his body language alone.

While David made it all look easy, I struggled to replicate his body language and speech. I had difficulty speaking slowly and eloquently. I often rushed my speech and said things I didn't mean.

I also had a tendency to walk with my shoulders hunched. When I entered a restaurant, I would rush to my table, avoiding eye contact and projecting fear and uncertainty.

It wasn’t until I intentionally made improvements to my body language that I started seeing the results. With those results came newfound assuredness in myself.

Not only did I feel more assured, but others saw my confidence as well.

Understanding the Power of Body Language

Body language is one of the most powerful communication tools available to us. Even when we are not aware of it, our body language is always communicating something, from subtle gestures to the way we stand and speak. Every movement or gesture communicates something to those around us.

This is why it's so important to understand how to use body language effectively. When used correctly, body language can boost our personal confidence and create a powerful impression.

I recently watched a YouTube video featuring former FBI agent and body language expert Joe Navarro. In the video, Joe explains how we can project confidence through our body language and does an excellent job analyzing various celebrities and politicians to demonstrate the behaviors that can help them appear more confident.

Displaying conviction in your body language can help you make a positive first impression and improve your chances of "talking the talk" and "walking the walk". Learning to manage and communicate through body language can make you a more effective leader, entrepreneur, and business owner.

So what is confidence? It's a combination of our posture, how we present ourselves, and where we look.

Here are 15 ways to boost your confidence through body language:

1. Control your environment.

You’re here to convey, not convince. This means that you should focus on conveying your message effectively rather than trying to convince the other person to agree with you.

2. Speak more slowly and take frequent pauses.

Where’s the rush in speaking so fast that your listener can’t even keep up with what you’re saying? Be mindful of vocal dynamics and the effect of your voice on the conversation. By speaking slowly and taking pauses, you can give yourself time to think and organize your thoughts. This will make it easier for you to convey your message clearly and confidently.

Obama is an excellent example of someone who executes this perfectly.

3. Use cadence to get someone’s attention and hold their attention.

Varying your pitch and tone can help you grab someone's attention and keep them engaged in the conversation. Make sure to use these vocal techniques in a natural way that complements your message.

4. Use open body language.

Spread your arms out and gesture with your hands to emphasize your point. Make sure to have smooth gestures and not make any abrupt or quick movements. This will convey confidence and help you connect with your listener.

5. Make eye contact, but don’t stare.

Eye contact is a powerful tool for building trust and establishing rapport with your listener. However, it's important to strike a balance between making eye contact and not staring, as staring can make the other person feel uncomfortable.

6. Keep your shoulders up and back straight.

It conveys openness and confidence. Good posture is an important part of conveying assurance and authority. When you stand up straight with your shoulders back, you'll convey a sense of openness and confidence.

7. Be relaxed and at ease in your posture.

There’s no need to look strict or uptight. When you're relaxed and at ease in your posture, you'll convey a sense of confidence and ease. This will make it easier for you to connect with your listener and convey your message effectively.

8. Dress in clothes that make you look and feel good.

First impressions last. Your appearance can have a big impact on how confident you feel, so it's important to dress in clothes that make you look and feel good. When you feel confident in your appearance, you'll be more likely to convey assurance in your body language.

This is a picture of me in Bali wearing clothes that made me feel good. I was feeling super confident that day and ready for the gram 😉.

9. When you walk into a room, take your time walking in and looking around.

Walk with ease and don’t slouch or rush to your seat looking nervous and scared. This will convey confidence and help you establish your presence in the room.

10. Maintain a pleasant facial expression.

Nobody likes to talk with someone who looks bored or annoyed. Your facial expression can have a big impact on how others perceive you, so it's important to maintain a pleasant expression when you're speaking with others. Smile when appropriate, and avoid frowning or looking bored.

11. Use humor.

Adding humor to your conversation can lighten the mood and help you connect with your listener. Just make sure that your humor is appropriate and not offensive. If it’s too challenging or unnatural for you to do so, then this one can be skipped!

12. Be mindful of your gestures.

Make sure that your gestures are natural and complement your message. Avoid fidgeting or making repetitive gestures, as this can be distracting.

13. Pay attention to your breathing.

Taking deep breaths can help you relax and convey a sense of calm and confidence. When you're feeling nervous or anxious, try taking a few deep breaths to calm your nerves.

14. Don’t uptalk.

Uptalk, also known as high rising terminal (HRT), is a linguistic phenomenon where a speaker uses a rising inflection at the end of a declarative sentence. This rising intonation makes a statement sound like a question, which can detract from the speaker's credibility and make them sound less confident. Instead, try to use a downward inflection at the end of your sentences to convey confidence and authority.

15. Finally, be kind to yourself.

Practicing self-love and self-care is a great way to increase confidence. There may be times when you don't feel great about your body language or how you've come across to someone, but remember that every time you engage in activities such as running errands, attending virtual meetings, or speaking with others, you have an opportunity to improve your body language and experiment with different communication styles. With practice, you can become more confident and effective in your communication.

So there you have it! Fifteen ways to boost your confidence and project more assured body language.

Confident body language is a powerful tool that can help you make a positive first impression and convey your message effectively. By paying attention to your posture, gestures, and facial expressions, you can project assurance and establish your presence in any room.

Remember that confidence is not just about what you say, but also about how you say it.

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you need to project confidence, remember to walk tall, smile, and maintain secure body language.

And if all else fails, just remember the wise words of Beyoncé: "I'm not bossy. I'm the boss."

Until next time,

Sabrina

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🌊 Dive Deeper

1. If you haven’t already done so, do check out Joe Navarro’s WIRED video on YouTube.

2. Also, check out Joe’s book, Be Exceptional: Master the Five Traits That Set Extraordinary People Apart.

3. Watch this video on how to read anyone instantly.

4. I’ve been using this Upright posture trainer, and I absolutely love it!Just to clarify, this is not an advertisement. I have been using the product for over a year now and I love the fact that I can control the trainer through the app and customize the experience. Additionally, I have seen significant improvements in my posture over the past year.