Having Confidence is to feel self-assured about one’s own abilities and qualities. Building your confidence can lead to better relationships, increased motivation, stronger feelings of happiness, and more opportunities for success. Let’s take a look at few ways that we can build our Confidence
Work on your Body Language
Presenting ourselves in a good manner will give a strong and reassuring first impression to others. As an example of what not to do; slouching, keeping our head down, and avoiding eye contact, would give a closed-off and unapproachable impression to others – this would seem lacking of courage.
Instead, we can focus on the following:
- Stand tall with your shoulders held back
- Make eye contact with people you are speaking to
- Smile genuinely where possible
- Use bigger hand gestures to express yourself
Actively Listen to Others
Showing genuine interest for others can make you seem more approachable and engaging. As an example of what not to do; looking or turning away, interrupting, and not caring about other’s opinions, would give an impolite and bad-mannered impression – this would seem arrogant.
Instead, we can focus on the following:
- Give your full attention to the speaker
- Nod your head, smile, and give verbal cues of acknowledgement
- e.g. Repeat back or summarise what the speaker has said
- Encourage the speaker with open-ended questions
Prepare Ahead of Time
Setting a clear idea of what you want to say and how you want to present yourself can make you feel a greater sense of control. Preparing conversation, questions, and mannerisms is a great way to build natural confidence for the real encounters.
To give ourselves the best chance, we can focus on the following:
- Research the topic or person beforehand to feel more knowledgeable
- Rehearse your key talking points and how you will deliver them
- Visualise what a successful outcome from an encounter would look like
Step Outside the Comfort Zone
Taking opportunities for small acts of growth will lead to more enjoyable social encounters over time. Finding success in low-stake encounters can motivate you to take on increasingly challenging encounters.
To give ourselves more encouragement, we can focus on the following:
- Openly share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences
- Start saying “Yes” more often to invitations and challenges
- Challenge your own negative thoughts by proving them wrong
Conclusion
There are many different ways that we can improve our confidence, but simply reading about them is not enough. We must put ourselves in situations that allow us to gain new experiences. Every encounter will give us the chance to focus on something different, and only over time will we understand how to apply everything together – or perhaps it will all come together naturally
I encourage you to leave a question, or comment about your experiences below. Let’s create the conversation to help one another
And, as always, take it easy,
Nathan 🌱
Technal Squared 