People who look confident, often look more powerful, reliable, trustworthy and credible. They radiate energy.

The truth? On the inside, they may be not so sure of themselves as they appear… They too may be frightened and insecure. But they have mastered the trick not to show that! It gives them one step ahead of those who can’t hide their fear and insecurity.

If you belong to those who find it difficult to look confident, all’s not lost… Because you know what? You can start working on your self-confidence at any time and at any age. How? Well quickly check the tips below. They might help you on your way to become a more confident person!

Tips on how to look more confident

• Maintain a straight, self-assured posture.
• Use the power pose! You can read more about the power pose in this post.
• Make eye contact with the person you talk to. You’ll seem more credible and confident.
• Take care of yourself:
  • make sure to have a good night’s sleep
  • tidy your hair
  • add a bit of make-up, especiallyl when you feel a bit blah… Never use make-up? A bit of blush, mascara and lipbalm will do then.
  • make sure your nails are clean
• Dress for the occasion… from head to toe!
  • wear something you feel comfortable in, but make sure it matches the occasion… and make sure your clothes are ironed as you’ll make a better impression!
  • don’t wear too many jewellery… you might start fiddling with them.
  • wear clean shoes you can walk in… leave those stilettos at home if necessary!
• Smile! Smiling people definitely radiate more self-confidence.

• Don’t be unnecessarily hard on yourself, don’t bring yourself down when talking about yourself. Love yourself!
• At night, make a note of 3 things where you have been able to offer added value that day.
• Greet people with a firm handshake.
• Do you have a meeting, a job interview, a presentation,… which puts your self-confidence to the test? Come prepared! Who is coming, where do you have to be, what time, how will you get there, do you need laptop/beamer/… , did you have something to prepare, is there a dresscode, you might even want to bring a second outfit,… When you come prepared, it’ll set your mind at ease which leaves more room for radiating confidence.
• Breathe in and out consciously. Imagine that with every breath you step over your uncertainty and that you succeed in your project, whatever it is.
• Ask a friend for advice. He/she can often encourage you and give you other insights.
• Do the visualisation exercise (more on that in this post).

There are a lot of tips. Some will be more easy to apply than others. Find the tips that make you feel good and that suit you and you’re halfway there. Good luck!

Love, Kathleen