Eight Body Language Tricks To Appear More Confident In Public

Confidence can be a tricky thing, especially in public settings. Sometimes, it’s not about what you say, but how you say it – or even how you stand while saying it.

This is where body language comes into play. It’s a powerful tool that can instantly boost your confidence and make you appear more assertive to others.

The great news? You don’t have to be born with it. Like any other skill, body language can be learned and improved upon with practice.

I’ve discovered 8 body language tricks that can make a world of difference. Stick around and I’ll share them with you. Ready to step up your game and exude confidence like never before?

1) Stand tall

There’s no denying the power of a good posture. When you stand tall, you start to feel more self-assured, and that confidence radiates outwards.

The science backs this up too. One study found that standing in a “power pose” can actually increase your testosterone levels and decrease your cortisol (the stress hormone).

So, how do you achieve that powerful posture? It’s simple: pull your shoulders back, lift your chin, and level your gaze.

But remember, it’s not about puffing out your chest or looking down on others – that’s arrogance, not confidence.

Instead, think of standing tall as aligning yourself with your best potential. It’s about representing your most confident self to the world, without uttering a single word.

2) Make eye contact

Eye contact can be a game-changer. It’s a simple act, yet it holds so much power.

Here’s my story. I used to be the kind of person who would look everywhere but in the eyes when having a conversation. I thought it was less confrontational, less intense.

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Then one day, a mentor of mine pulled me aside. He told me that by avoiding eye contact, I was giving the impression that I wasn’t fully engaged or confident in what I was saying.

His words hit home. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to maintain eye contact during conversations. And the change has been remarkable – not only do people respond better to me, but I also feel more assured in myself.

Of course, there’s a fine line between maintaining eye contact and staring – it’s important not to overdo it. But as a general rule, looking someone in the eye while speaking or listening conveys confidence and attentiveness.

3) Use open gestures

Did you know that our brains actually respond differently to open body language compared to closed body language?

When we use open gestures – such as spreading our arms or uncrossing our legs – we appear more approachable, trustworthy, and confident. On the flip side, closed gestures, like crossed arms or hunched shoulders, can make us seem defensive or insecure.

This is because our brains have evolved to read body language as a way of assessing someone’s intentions and attitudes. Open gestures send out the signal that we’re comfortable in our surroundings and open to engagement.

4) Mirror the other person

Mirroring is an interesting phenomenon. It’s when we subconsciously mimic the body language, speech patterns, or attitudes of the person we’re interacting with.

When you subtly reflect the other person’s actions, it creates a sense of rapport and understanding, per research. It shows that you’re attentive, empathetic, and engaged in the interaction.

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Keep in mind that subtlety is key here. You don’t want to outright copy someone – that can come off as creepy or insincere. It’s more about reflecting their general demeanor, energy level, and body language.

5) Smile genuinely

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Smile and the world smiles with you.” Well, there’s more truth to it than you might realize.

A genuine smile can be a powerful tool for expressing confidence. It sends out a positive energy that draws people in and makes you appear more approachable and self-assured.

However, the key word here is ‘genuine’. Faking a smile can have the opposite effect – it can make you seem insincere or untrustworthy.

So how do you ensure your smile is genuine? It’s all about engaging your eyes. When we’re genuinely happy, our eyes crinkle at the corners – a clear sign that our smile is real and heartfelt.

6) Own your space

We all have a personal space, an invisible bubble around us that we call our own. But when it comes to appearing confident, it’s not just about acknowledging that space – it’s about owning it.

I know, it can be intimidating. The world can feel like a stage, and stepping into the spotlight can be daunting. But trust me, owning your space isn’t about being the loudest or the boldest. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and allowing yourself to be seen.

When you own your space, you’re saying to the world, “I belong here. I have something to offer.” It’s a powerful statement of self-assuredness that can make you seem instantly more confident.

7) Slow down

In a world that’s always rushing, slowing down can feel counterintuitive. I used to believe that the faster I spoke, the smarter I would sound. The quicker I moved, the more productive I would seem.

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But then I realized, rushing only made me come across as anxious or flustered. It was when I allowed myself to slow down that I started to appear more confident.

Slowing down your speech allows your words to carry more weight. It shows that you’re thoughtful and composed. Similarly, moving with deliberation rather than haste conveys a sense of control and self-assuredness.

8) Be authentic

At the end of the day, the most powerful tool you have to appear confident is authenticity. Being true to yourself trumps all other body language tricks.

Authenticity is about aligning your outward actions with your inner values and beliefs. It’s about being genuine, not putting on a facade or trying to be someone you’re not.

When you’re authentic, you naturally exude a certain level of confidence. People can sense it and are drawn to it. It’s a magnet that attracts trust, respect, and admiration.

Embracing the power within

These 8 body language tricks can be stepping stones on your journey towards confidence. But remember, these aren’t just mechanical steps to follow. They’re opportunities to explore and express the unique blend of strength and assurance that lies within you.

Whether it’s standing tall, making eye contact, or owning your space, each trick represents a facet of your potential confidence. They aren’t about creating a facade, but rather unveiling the authentic, confident you.

So go ahead, practice these body language tricks. Not because they’ll magically transform you into a confident person overnight, but because they’ll help you discover and embrace the confidence that’s already within you.

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