8 Body Language Techniques for Confidence

Your body language is a direct reflection of your confidence. If you slouch, fail to maintain eye contact, or stand like you want to run for the door, chances are you have low self esteem and struggle with confidence. If you stand tall, square up during a conversation and look people in the eye, it says you have confidence and feel good about who you are. Body language is a mirror of the inner you, but can also be used as a tool to improve the inner you. Especially your confidence. Here are 8 body language techniques for confidence. Follow these, and you will feel more confident almost immediately.

“Just remember the language of the gesture is more effective than the spoken word.” – H. Singh Yogi

1. Stop Fidgeting

I’m guilty of this one. I fidget normally but when I’m nervous my hands and feet seem to go on autopilot. What I’ve found was that when I purposefully calm my body and focus on my extremities, my mind calms and my confidence rises. Before I go on stage or before the camera starts to roll, I pay close attention to my body and work to be still. If you fidget, work to calm your hands and feet. Once you do, your mind will follow and you will experience a little boost in confidence.

2. Have a Strong Handshake

Your handshake says a lot about you. If it’s limp, people will think you aren’t confident. If it’s too tight, then people will see you as aggressive. There has to be balance. Develop a firm, but friendly handshake and not only will others notice your confidence, but you will as well.

3. Stand Tall

Standing tall is an easy body language technique to improve your confidence. When you stand up straight, you not only convey confidence, but you feel more confident as well. On the other hand, when you slouch, people may see you as inferior, especially in the corporate world. You deserve to be seen and heard, so stand tall.

4. Watch Your Hands

Controlling your hands is another body language technique for confidence that is easy to implement. Use your hands strategically. Try not to swing them all over the place when you speak. Instead, hold them up in front of you or down by your side.

5. Square Up

Don’t be afraid to take up space when you are around others. Avoid shying away. Make your presence known. When you consciously do this, you are telling yourself that “I am important,” and “I matter.” Square up with the person or people you are talking to. If you follow this body language technique you will boost your confidence.

6. Look People In The Eye

Looking people in the eye why you speak to them shows them and you that you have confidence. Of course, do not stare, but for most of the conversation look them in the eye. It also shows that you are interested and engaged.

7. Power Pose

Amy Cuddy explains how using the power pose not only conveys confidence but improves your confidence on a chemical level. A power pose is a high power pose such as standing like a superhero or making yourself as big as you can be. She explains that these poses do not have to be performed in front of others but privately when you need a boost of confidence. See Amy Cuddy’s video on power poses and body language confidence here. Use a power pose when you need a boost of confidence.

 8. Smile

Smiling is a powerful body language technique for confidence. Many studies show that using the muscles in the face that create a smile not only improves your mood but conveys confidence and approachability. Smiling causes a chemical reaction in your brain to make you feel more confident. Try to smile as much as you can during the day and watch your confidence soar.

Conclusion

You many not feel confident, but if you act the part, you will. Our body, and the way we use it, have a powerful effect on how we see ourselves. Work on these 8 body language techniques and your confidence will improve almost immediately. They may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but the more you do them, the easier it will become.