5 Powerful Body Languages of Confident and Successful People
Most of us think how we speak and interact is what matters the most when it comes to being confident but it’s not true. Body language speaks more than words.
FUN FACT: 55% of messages we give to other people are through body language.38% through voice tone and only 7% through words.
This is good news for introverts like me because I am not so good with words when it comes to making conversations.
There’s a huge difference in body language of confident, successful people and an average person. So whenever you are in a situation where you have to make a powerful first impression keep these in mind because trust me it’ll make a HUGE difference. I have tried and tested them so now I can definitely say that if you struggle with low self-esteem or no-confidence-syndrome these tips will change your life and how other people perceive you.. Literally.
Read more for tips and my personal experience..
Personal Experience:
So we all go through tough times when you just can’t seem to have a hope for yourself in the future and this is where I lost my self-confidence. Even when I walked by the side of a road I used to feel anxious like all the eyes are on me and that I am being criticized. I always used to think of what other people will think of me with every action I take. I laugh every time I think of all these times now when I was so self-conscious.
So one day I watched this video from TED which showed the importance of body language and it just clicked with me. I thought if I want to be confident I’ll just have to fake it till I make it. So I decided to show a confident attitude by using some easy body language tricks. I continued using them to a point where it became natural for me to be just confident.
Introverts have a thing with small talk. We’re just so bad at it or we completely avoid it. But now I can definitely say that I can make a small talk confidently even with a stranger (not that I do that but it’s usually with a Starbucks barista in my case).
Body Languages of Confident and Successful People:
1) Posture.
When you are in an office or a store, just take a moment to observe the person who is in charge of the shop or company. Look at the way they stand. Don’t stare at them like a creeper. We don’t want to look like we are scanning them head to toe haha. Keep it subtle and unnoticeable.
You’ll notice their posture is much more relaxed and they take a lot of space. They don’t fidget with their fingers, they don’t cross their limbs and they especially do NOT slouch.
Posture is the most important of all body languages in my opinion. It tells other people if you are approachable or closed off. It tells how confident and positive you are.
What is the perfect posture? It’s really easy! For me, I keep my head high (obviously), my shoulders back which brings our chest up and my hips back. This may feel weird at first because we’re just so used to staying in our comfort-zone and slouching. So every time you take a walk, sit-down or stand remember to keep your posture in check.
2. Smile.
I am not talking about a huge megawatt smile but just a subtle, sexy, confident smile. And no its not weird at all to smile a little even when you’re walking alone. It brings a bit of glow on your face. A smiling person is considered very attractive than when he/she is not smiling. So lads and ladies, keep your smile subtle and sexy.
FUN FACT: A research study conducted by Orbit Complete discovered that 69% of people find women more attractive when they smile than when they are wearing makeup.
When you’re entering a room full of people, keep up that smile and head high. Besides it makes us all look attractive and who doesn’t want that.
3. Speed
A common indication of anxious people is speed. They always walk and talk faster like they don’t want to hold up a line or they don’t want any eyes on them. If you notice yourself walking fast down the sidewalk or speaking really fast with your friends, just stop. These actions are fear based so take a deep-breath and clear your mind.
While walking, take long and easy strides with an upright posture. For men, don’t stuff your hands in your pockets.
For the women, sway your hips with elegance. Don’t overdo it and make a cat-walk. This always reminds me of Angelina Jolie’s role in the movie “The Tourist”. Her character in the movie is super confident, feminine and sexy. So I used to watch a few scenes of her in the movie as an inspiration and that woman is just… beyond beautiful!
While speaking, take a pause if you need to. Let others process what you’re saying. This can even inspire confidence to others by only talking to them.
4. Space.
When you’re sitting or standing pay attention to how much space you’re taking. If you’re crossing your limbs, you obviously take less space. Keep your body open. For example, while standing keep your feet shoulder length apart and keep them in place. Guys usually keep their hands in pockets and girls usually play with their fingers. This shows anxiety and nervousness.
Even checking your phone every second and keeping your head down shows a lot of anxiety. Be present of where you are and what’s going on around you.
Try some power poses like shown below:
5. Hands.
When you are being introduced how do you shake hands? Do you firmly grip the other person’s hand or weakly place them in theirs?
When you’re being introduced, do it with pride. Shake the hand firmly and say your name with emphasis and pride. Don’t keep your hands folded in front of you or in your pockets. Keep your arms by your side and push the shoulders back bringing your chest up.
When you’re proving a point or explaining an idea, use your palms to point with your fingers together. This is a really good technique of showing that your point is valid and it’s an effective gesture to persuade someone.
These are the body languages I used to show confidence. I am not telling anyone to change who they are but if you want to feel confident in the outside world, this will definitely help you get there. Remember, your body language speaks way more than words. So if you are preparing for an interview, try practicing these tips 🙂
What’s your way to feeling confident?
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Take Care
References:
http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/15-fascinating-facts-about-smiling/
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/4-ways-your-body-language-can-project-confidence/
http://jamesclear.com/body-language-how-to-be-confident