Want to know the 8 Keys to Self-Confidence?

Wouldn't it be great to feel more confident about the impression you make when meeting other people?

Having talent and ideas is not always enough to create an impact. First impressions can influence how an interaction begins, although they aren’t the whole story. Confidence is something we can practise and develop, a little like flexing our muscles in a gym when we want to get in shape.

Believing in yourself and developing greater self-assurance can influence how you communicate and present yourself.

8 ways to communicate with greater confidence

1. Be natural

Allow your expression to feel natural rather than forcing yourself to perform confidence. Being authentic can help you feel more comfortable in how you present yourself.

2. Give yourself time to respond

If you’re feeling nervous, take a moment to breathe and give yourself permission to pause before answering questions. Try not to feel that you have to rush your response.

3. Take pride in your appearance

Take pride in your appearance, as this can be one way of expressing who you are. Create your own style and wear things that help you feel comfortable and confident in yourself.

4. Notice your body language

Learn the art of body language so you can feel more relaxed and comfortable. Notice your posture and how you hold yourself. Standing in a way that feels comfortable and open, and using natural eye contact where appropriate, can help you communicate attentiveness and confidence.

5. Communicate clearly

Don’t get caught up in drama or gossip. Try to communicate clearly and avoid feeling that you need to fill every silence. You don’t have to have the perfect response immediately.

6. Give genuine compliments

Genuinely compliment others. Looking for things you genuinely appreciate in other people can help create more positive interactions.

7. Accept compliments gracefully

Always take compliments gracefully. If someone says ‘I love your dress ’, don’t say, ‘it’s old’ or ‘I got it at a bargain price'; just say ‘Thank you’, or ‘How nice of you to say that’.

8. Show an interest in others

Ask questions and show interest in others. Be spontaneous, be fun, and where you can, allow yourself to laugh at a mistake rather than expecting yourself to get everything right.

Strut your stuff – it is your time to shine, so stand up and speak up.