Better Body Language Can Improve Your Confidence - Dawn Stebbing, Executive Coach Phoenix

Terry was looking for some suggestions on how to improve her confidence quickly and easily. A mentor of Terry’s suggested she try studying body language. “It’s amazing how much your body language affects your confidence in your skills as well as the confidence that others have in you.”

If you’re like Terry and you want to improve your body language, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind…

Start with a Power Pose

When you need a quick vote of confidence, try doing the superhero power pose. You can do this by standing with your feet apart. Place your hands on your hips and lift your head. Stare in the direction you want to go. Imagine a red billowing cape behind you and theme music playing.

At first, this exercise might feel silly, but if you hold the pose for two to three minutes, you’ll notice a subtle shift in your mood.

You’ll start feeling more confident because you’re projecting confidence with your body.

Keep Your Head Up

As you talk with others, keep your head up and maintain eye contact. If you keep your head bent and don’t look others in the eyes, they’ll assume that you’re hiding something or that you have no confidence.

But if you keep your head up during conversations, people are more likely to assume you are confident. As they react to your confidence, it creates a mirror reflection, causing you to become even more self-assured.

Avoid Fidgeting

There are many reasons people fidget. Perhaps you fall asleep easily and you’re trying not to drift during the meeting. Maybe you’re bored with the speaker and fighting to stay present in the room.

Regardless of the reason why you are fidgeting, it makes those around you think you lack confidence. They’ll be less likely to trust you ar assign you important projects. And if you fidget during an important conversation – like say when you’re negotiating for a pay raise – you’re sending out a message that you don’t believe in yourself.

Watch Your Hands

Pay attention to what you’re doing with your hands. When your hands are in your pockets, you’re sending a subtle message that you lack confidence.

Instead, keep your hands still and if you use them to make a point, make sure you keep them palm side up with your fingers together. This gesture indicates that you’re comfortable and have nothing to hide.

You also want to avoid touching your neck or face repeatedly and biting your nails. These gestures make you look like you don’t know what you are talking about and undermine the belief others have in you.

Becoming confident through body language might sound too easy. But it’s surprisingly effective and can be just the boost you need to get through that important meeting or new date.