Deborah Bull said, “Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words.”
You know, having a more confident body language can help us in our personal, professional and social spaces very much.
Have you ever noticed how some people just seem to brighten a room just by their presence? That is because of their persona, the confidence in body language.
Whether you’re going to a job interview, giving a presentation, or just hanging out with friends, paying attention to your body language can really help.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why having confident body language is super important, and share some practical tips to help you show up as your most confident self.
Let’s dive in.
Why is having a confident body language important?
There are several reasons :
a) Confident body language creates a positive first impression, making you appear more capable and approachable.
b) It helps you to handle criticism more effectively.
c) Confident body language allows you to express your true self and makes you an authentic person.
d) It gives you a more positive outlook by reducing self-doubt. Also, it gives a sense of empowerment.
12 practical ways to have more confident body language
1. Stand tall
Good posture is key. Standing tall is a common sign of confident body language, making you appear more confident to others.
Stand and sit up straight and always keep your head up. This posture conveys self-assurance. You will feel more confident.
Standing tall can enhance your presence in a room. Also, people will find you more approachable and trustworthy.
2. Smile
A genuine smile can make you more approachable and confident. Smiling in a proper way can enhance the mood of conversation.
For instance, if you meet someone for the first time, you can just smile and say ‘hello’. A smile is a simple yet effective way to show warmth in conversation.
3. Make eye contact
Eye contact is an important part of expressing confidence through body language.
Making eye contact while talking shows that you’re engaged and self-assured. It can greatly affect how we connect with others.
Do eye contact for a few seconds at a time, but don’t stare; too much eye contact can be intimidating.
By practicing the right way to use eye contact, we can present ourselves more confidently.
4. Use gestures confidently and correctly
If you use gestures correctly and in a confident way, they can make you more approachable. When speaking, you can use hand gestures to illustrate your points.
This not only helps convey your message but also shows enthusiasm and engagement.
Also, avoid covering your mouth or face with your hands when speaking. This can be shown as bad confidence and discomfort.
5. Practice good breathing
Practicing breathing in deep and steady ways helps to stay calm and composed. You can prevent yourself from being stressed or anxious.
Because when you are stressed from inside, it shows on the face. You feel disturbed while interacting and people may find you underconfident and nervous.
6. Walk with Purpose
A steady and confident walk is a sign of confident body language.
Try to avoid walking with your head down. This will present you as an insecure and underconfident person.
Always walk at a comfortable pace and let your arms swing naturally by your sides. This will help you to maintain a confident impression.
7. Control Your Fidgeting
If you are constantly tapping your foot or biting your nails while talking, the other person may feel annoyed. Also, it can leave a bad impression.
Try to avoid doing them. Some other instances are twirling or playing with hair while discussing some issues, walking back and forth during a conversation, checking the watch frequently, which are very distracting.
The people you are interacting with might be irked because of all the interruptions. Fidgeting can be seen as a sign of nervousness or discomfort.
8. Rock your outfit with confidence
Wearing clothes that reflect your personal style allows you to express your personality.
Clothes that make you feel good can boost your confidence and affect how others see you.
Also, when you wear clothes that are well-fitted, you don’t have to adjust your attire often and present yourself confidently. You can focus on the interaction more.
9. Practice improving body language
Like any skill, confident body language improves with practice. It includes facial
expressions, eye contact, gestures, and posture.
Each of them helps in how we express ourselves and how others understand us. Practice in front of a mirror can be really helpful.
10. Control your voice
A steady, clear, and moderate tone of voice can enhance your presence. Try to avoid speaking too fast or in a low voice, which can overlook your message.
Try to be mindful of your tone and pace. Find a natural, steady pace that suits your communication style.
11. Nod and acknowledge
Nodding and responding appropriately during conversations can show that you’re engaged and understanding. This leads to more interesting and fulfilling conversations.
Nodding in between talks means that you’re listening attentively, which helps to build trust in any conversation.
12. Develop a strong handshake
A confident and firm handshake can be a way of having more confident body language. It leaves a positive impression.
Practice a handshake that’s not too strong but firm enough to convey confidence.
Conclusion
As we have almost come to an end of this blog, I hope that you get some practical ways to have more confident body language.
If you incorporate them into your life, you can surely be successful in your personal and professional life.
Having a confident body language can help us in many ways. You can add any of the discussed ways to unlock the power of having a more confident body language.
If I ask you, are there any public figures or leaders whose body language you admire? What specific traits do you think contribute to their confident presence? What will be your answer? Let me know in the comments.
Take care.
Make the most of your day.
Until we meet again.
