How to increase self confidence

7 tips on how to increase self confidence

1. Pretend to be confident 

If you don’t consider yourself to be a very confident person then you will find that pretending to be confident is much the same as actually being confident. This is because confidence is a choice. Pretending to be confident will lead to people regarding you as a confident person. Soon enough you will believe them and find yourself acting confident all the time.

2. Communicate clearly 

Most of us think being confident depends upon what we say. It doesn’t, it depends upon what the other person hears. That’s why clear communication is so important:

• speak at a steady and comprehensible pace
• Practice breathing rhythmically and in time with your speech
• Don’t undersell what you are saying by using maybe words such as ‘just’, ‘like’ and ‘perhaps’
• Maintain eye contact at all times, and remember to smile.

3. Use humour

Think about the funniest people that you know. Is it true that they also happen to be the most confident? That’s because being funny is about taking risks. Humour, like confidence, is infectious – so spread it as much as you can, where appropriate and boost your confidence.

4. Find a mentor

Another tips on how to increase self confidence is: pick a mentor to be a constant reminder of where you want to be and what you need to do to get there. Having them is helpful because it reminds you to be ambitious at all times. Pick someone who can help you grow by identifying and nurturing your strengths as well as introducing you to a wider support network.

5. Look the part

If you’re feeling comfortable, then you’re more likely to feel confident. Of course, smart attire is important when attending an interview or presenting, but it’s just as important to feel comfortable. If you’re not comfortable in the clothes that you’re wearing then you’re likely to fidget, which is then likely to be interpreted as restlessness or displaying a lack of interest.

6. Prepare

Preparing fully prior to an important meeting or presentation will help to settle your nerves, get your mind in the frame and ultimately be more confident in your delivery. By failing to prepare for an interview, meeting or presentation, you are preparing to fail.

7. Think positive

Succumbing to negative thoughts is a weakness that most of us suffer from every once in a while. However, it need not be this way. When a negative thought enters your head, make a point to banish it immediately. Reinforce confidence and good feeling by focusing only on the positive and you will see your self-belief grow.