How To Look And Sound More Confident

How to look and Sound more confident We all struggle with confidence at times, but it's key to making a good impression. Luckily, it's a skill that can be learned - and a few small changes can make a big difference. We've put together 10 easy tips you can use to immediately make yourself appear more confident. Keep your hands visible Y Don't: Put your hands in your pockets. Do: Use your hands to make gestures with the palms facing upwards. Why: Hiding your hands suggests uncertainty or nerves, while keeping them open conveys honesty and poise.' Make eye contact Do: Keep natural, unawkward Y Don't: Look away when eye contact by alternating your gaze between the eyes and mouth. making a point. Why: Strong eye contact is the greatest indicator of confidence, according to Lillian Glass, author of The Body Language Advantage.? End phrases on a falling tone Do: Create a vocal full stop by dropping your voice at the end of the sentence. V Don't: End sentences with a higher pitch. Why: Communications expert Dr. Laura Sicola says 'upspeaking' makes you seem unsure, so saying every point like you mean it helps you assert yourself and adds finality. Project your voice Do: Breathe from the X Don't: Mumble or shout. diaphragm and aim for slightly above your normal speaking level. Why: Projecting your voice lets you be clear, without coming off as abrasive. Breathing from the diaphragm rather than exerting the vocal cords helps you keep it up long-term. Pose questions Don't: Zone out while focusing on your self-consciousness. Do: Ask insightful questions to show you're engaged and keep conversation flowing. Why: Body language expert Lillian Glass notes the importance of being interested, not interesting, and focusing on the message being communicated rather than yourself.' Speak slowly Do: Slow to what feels like a 'snail's pace,' which will sound normal to everyone else. Don't: Rush your words to get your point across. Why: Vocal coach Matt Farnsworth says that we rush when we're nervous, and speaking slowly helps cut out filler (like 'um') and gets your point across more easily.3 Stand up straight V Don't: Make your Do: Keep your shoulders back, your back straight and your head up. movements stiff, Why: Good posture lets your lungs fully fill with air, lowering levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and projecting confidence and authority.6 Stay away from filler phrases Er... um Y Don't: Use words like 'um', 'er' and like. Do: Make your point with precise, direct sentences. Why: Leadership speaker Selena Rezvani explains that using clear language makes you appear articulate, which promotes confidence in what you're saying." Use an open, wide stance Y Don't: Stand with your feet too close together. Do: Keep your feet in line with your hips and shoulders, about 30cm apart and pointing outward. Why: Body language experts suggest that confident people have two feet planted firmly on the ground, which balances them physically and exudes confidence.' Offer a strong handshake Do: Give a firm shake for V Don't: Go for a too-strong or too-limp grip. between two to five seconds. Why: Body language experts agree that giving a firm, but not overpowering, handshake helps you appear more self-assured.5 From keeping a straight posture and using open gestures to controlling the pitch and volume of your voice, making small changes to your body language and tone can help to banish those nerves. You won't just look and sound more confident, you'll be more confident. So go ahead and nail that presentation or meeting! Sources 1. Noel, K. (2016) 8 body language tricks to instantly appear more confident. businessinsider.com 2. Furnham, A. (2014) The secrets of eye contact, revealed. psychologytoday.com 3. Nussbaum, R. (2015) Listen up! 8 changes to sound more confident. greatist.com 4. Oppelt, E. (2015) Projecting your voice without yelling, theatrefolk.com 5. The Spruce. (2017) 7 tips on proper handshake etiquette. thespruce.com 6. Cuddy, A. (2012) Your body language may shape who you are. ted.com 7. Rezvani, S. (2014) Four ways to stop saying "um" and other filler words. forbes.com POUNDPLACE Start Saving Today This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attríbution-Share Alike 4.0 International Lioense - www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0