Fake it Till You Make it: Mastering the Art of Confidence

13 Nov 2024, 3:00 AM By Siew Ching

Unlock your inner boss with these simple tips to look and feel confident.

Whether you’re fresh out of university or climbing that corporate ladder, there are going to be days when you might feel like you’re just winging it. Because here’s the thing: Everyone has their day off, even if they are the most successful professionals!

And yes, that means even you. But here’s the secret: You don’t have to look like you’re winging it! It’s all about conveying the art of confidence, a skill that will come in super handy when you’re trying to make your mark at your office. In fact, confidence is more than just a skill; it’s an art you can learn to master.

So whether you’re at a networking event or chairing a meeting, here are some tips on how you can look like you own the place – even when you don’t quite feel that way!

#1 Find your inner calm
Have you ever noticed how the most confident person in the room seem to exude a sense of calm, even in high-pressured situations? Think about it: When your colleague is on the brink of an office meltdown, juggling deadlines and stress, her confidence takes a hit. In contrast, the person who remains composed, even when chaos surrounds her, stands out as a beacon of confidence.

So how do you find your inner calm and let it radiate confidence? Here are some Zen strategies: Breathe It Out When stress creeps in, take a moment to focus on your breath. Deep, intentional breathing can work wonders in calming your mind and body. Do this: Inhale deeply through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this a few times daily, and you’ll feel the tension melting away. It’s like a mini reset button for your brain and a big boost for your confidence!

Practise Mindfulness Whether it is a few minutes of meditation, a short walk, or simply taking time to be present, mindfulness can help you centre yourself. When you focus on the here and now, you can reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being, allowing your confidence to shine through.

#2 Practise Positive Visualisation
Before you step into a high-powered meeting or a challenging situation, take a moment to visualise yourself succeeding. Imagine walking in there, confidently sharing your ideas, and leaving a lasting impression – it can really happen! This technique can help create a mental image of success, making it easier for you to embody that confidence when it’s time to shine.

#3 Consider Your Tone of Voice
Speaking quietly, not saying much? It shouts lack of confidence. Clear, resonant tone that carries well in any room? Well, that’s most definitely from a confident person! Your voice is a powerful tool in conveying confidence. When you speak quietly, it can give off an impression of uncertainty or insecurity. But when you use a well-projected voice, it conveys assurance and draws people in – after all, confidence is a magnet! Remember to also pace yourself. Speaking too quickly can signal nervousness. When you speak slowly, it not only helps you appear more confident but it also gives your audience time to absorb your message, much like when a leader is talking!

#4 Leverage Power Poses
Power poses are all about poses that make you look strong, confident. We actually wrote about it here. Before you head into any situation where you want to feel more confident, engage in power posing – stand in a strong position, arms raised in victory or legs apart with hands on your hips. Hold this pose for a couple of minutes. Research shows that these poses will help increase feelings of power, giving you that extra boost of confidence!

#5 Adopt a Power Walk
If you’re constantly shuffling or walking with your head down, you’re not going to be known as the confident one. Instead, try adopting a power walk so you exude confidence in every step: Head held high, shoulders back, and purposeful strides.

Think about it – when you walk with purpose, you not only appear more self-assured but also feel it internally. A confident walk can change how others perceive you, and it influences how you see yourself. You’ll find that most people naturally gravitate towards those who walk with confidence, not the ones who drag and shuffle their feet.

Make sure to also pair your power walk with a slight smile – doesn’t hurt to appear friendly while being confident! Not only does this project warmth and approachability, it also reinforces positive feelings within you. So the next time you’re heading into a meeting, strut in with your power walk.

Do you have any confidence tricks in your bag? Share it with us @Graduan!

Photo by Resume Genius on Unsplash.

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