However, anyone can boost their confidence by ensuring their body language conveys a positive message.
Practice these gestures and movements to project an air of confidence.
Make Eye Contact
Appear confident by maintainingeye contactin social interactions.
Tom Merton / Getty Images
Good eye contact shows others that you are interested and comfortable.
Look the other person in the eye about 60% of the time.
Keep Your Chin Up
Do you look at the ground when you are walking?
Is your head always down when you are talking?
Instead, walk with your head up and your eyes looking forward.
Keeping your head up and facing your conversation partner conveys interest, confidence, and other prosocial emotions.
It might feel unnatural initially, but you will eventually become used to this more confident pose.
Lean Forward
When you are in a conversation, leaning forward indicates interest and attention.
Research suggests that nonverbal signals such as leaning forward and facing straight ahead help convey feelings of interest.
Keep your hands out of your pockets to look more self-assured.
Stand Up Straight
Don’t slouch!
Taking up space helps you present yourself as more confident.
Don’t Fidget
Fidgeting is an obvious sign ofanxiety and nervousness.
Appear more confident by keeping fidgeting to a minimum.
Slow Your Movements
Fast movements make you appear more anxious.
The key, however, is to maintain other signals like eye gaze and posture while moving more slowly.
Confident people take larger steps and walk with authority.
Doing so will make you feel less anxious.
A wide stride also indicates that you aren’t afraid to take up space, suggesting greater confidence.
In general, confident people don’t tend to make these types of movements.
However, making a steeple with your hands or holding your palms out can imply confidence.
After practice, it will come naturally.
The duration of your handshake can also influence how people perceive you.
Research has found that the length of a normal handshake is around three seconds or less.
It can have a positive effect on social interactions.
It causes other people to notice you and feel more positively about you.
We often mirror other people’s movements subconsciously.
When you feel that bond, you may feel more comfortable and confident.
Speak Slowly and Clearly
Slow down and allow your audience to hear what you’re saying.
This is a way to command respect.
Remember that you don’t have to actually be confident to change your behavior.
Although it might feel strange at first,actingconfidently will eventually feel more natural and boost yourself-esteem.
At the same time, working to reduce your anxiety through other means will also help reduce nervous behaviors.
If you have not already been diagnosed with SAD, visit a healthcare professional to learn about your options.
You don’t have to live with anxiety that impairs your ability to engage with others.
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