Things Successful People Do to Look Confident

Confidence is so important to career success. Research has demonstrated that those who have increased confidence are more likely to be admired, more likely to be awarded a higher social status, and oftentimes have more influence. Everyone has times when they don’t feel confident. However, it’s important to exude confidence, even during those times. A Forbes article highlighted seven key ways to physically exude confidence through body language—without even saying a word.

1. Lock eyes. Make eye contact with others when engaging with them. Don’t stare at your phone. Focus your attention on the individual. It makes them feel important to you. If they feel important, they will respect you more.
2. Shake hands like you mean it. Always shake hands with your colleagues, whether you are meeting for the first time or if it is someone you’ve known for a long time. A firm handshake shows you are focused on them and it shows your good intentions.
3. Stand up straight. Do not rest on an inanimate object. When you are talking to an individual, a group, or an audience, stand up straight. Don’t rest on a podium, the wall, or the bar. Standing up straight demonstrates that you are actively engaged. You show the listener that you are invested in the discussion rather than just casually listening.
4. Keep both feet on the ground. When speaking to an individual or an audience, plant your feet firmly on the ground. Shifting your weight from one leg to another or crossing your legs can make you look nervous and fidgety.
5. Take up space with your hands. Don’t be afraid to open your arms wider than you normally would. Also, feel free to use your hands for gestures. Don’t be afraid to take up some space at a table. When you take up space, you look more confident.
6. Don’t use your arms as a shield. Don’t cross your arms. Covering or shielding yourself can often appear as a sign of nervousness. It can also make you look standoffish, which can make others uncomfortable. If you are on stage, keep your palms open. If you are speaking to someone one-on-one, keep your arms around your stomach area. During a meeting, keep your arms in sight on the table.
7. Sit at the table. If you are invited to a meeting, sit at the table. Don’t sit in the overflow chairs lined up against the wall or chairs at the back of the room. Sitting at the table affords you the opportunity to participate in the discussion.