“6 Steps to Give the Impression of Confidence...when you're really afraid." - By Dr. Joyce Knudsen

“Six Steps to how to give the impression of confidence - when you're really afraid." 

Everyone wants to feel confident….under any circumstances, especially when they are fearful to do so. Despite what you may think or feel, nothing will happen to you if you are less than confident!

Believe it or not, even if you “pretend” to be confident, this, in and by itself, will create it!

Here are some pointers about how to give a confident impression.

1) Be funny: People love to laugh. Used appropriately, humor can strengthen your feelings of confidence, authority and control. Actually, being funny can augment your leadership skills. After all, who would you rather work for: Laughing Laura or Boring Brad?

2) Smile: People will usually smile back. Being funny is an acceptable way to talk to people and share a laugh together.

3) Dress with Class: Although clothes don’t make the person, they certainly affect the way they feel about themselves. No one is more conscious of your physical appearance than you are. When you don’t look good, it changes the way you carry yourself and interact with other people. Use this to your advantage by taking care of your personal appearance.

4) Exhibit Good Posture: The way a person carries themselves tells a story. People with slumped shoulders and lethargic movements display a lack of self- confidence. They aren’t enthusiastic about what they’re doing and they don’t consider themselves important. By practicing good posture, you’ll automatically feel more confident. Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact. You’ll make a positive impression on others and instantly feel more alert and empowered.

5) Compliment other people: In order to break this cycle of low self-confidence,, get in the habit of praising other people. Make an effort to compliment people around you. In the process, you’ll become well liked and build self-confidence. By looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.

6) Focus on contribution: People get caught up in what they want and focus too much on “them” and not enough on the needs of other people. If you stop thinking about yourself and concentrate on the contribution you’re making to the rest of the world, you won’t worry as much about you own flaws. This will increase self- confidence and allow you to contribute with maximum efficiency. The more you contribute to the world the more you’ll be rewarded with personal success and recognition.

 Now that you know six ways to improve your confidence in a fearful situation, you will be ready to take the plunge and give that great first impression. By Dr. Joyce M. Knudsen, AICI CIM