Adrian Volenik
In my quest to look more confident on camera, I started researching what behaviors instantly make you seem confident and assertive.
The answer was clear: you have to speak clearly, command the room, take up space, and much more.
So join me as we learn together how to immediately, not just seem confident, but also feel like it.
Even in high-pressure situations.
1) Relax
Thereโs nothing that conveys confidence more than an open and relaxed body posture. Thatโs why you need to avoid crossing your arms or hunching over, as others will think youโre insecure.
Simply imagine youโre having a relaxed chat with a friend. When you stand or sit with an open posture, itโs kind of like saying, โIโm here, Iโm comfortable, and Iโm ready to connect.
Remaining calm in stressful situations is also key and showcases your confidence and emotional maturity.
Your relaxed demeanor is saying, โI can handle the craziness, no problem,โ and that can be a real asset in everyday life, from dealing with family drama to tackling work challenges.
2) Maintain eye contact
When you maintain eye contact, itโs a sign of confidence because it demonstrates that youโre not afraid to connect with others through direct gaze.
Youโre also confirming that youโre really tuned in and paying attention. Itโs a bit like declaring, โHey, Iโm here with you in this conversation.โ
You directly show how confident you are in your own skin because youโre not afraid to look someone in the eye.
But, you know, donโt make it weird by staring intensely. Just find a natural balance that feels comfortable for both of you.
Being relaxed and keeping eye contact is important for talking to someone in person, but also when youโre talking directly to a camera.
3) Use the power of silence
Iโve only recently discovered how powerful moments of silence in conversations can be.
You see, confident people are comfortable with pauses. They use them to gather their thoughts, signal importance, or encourage others to speak.
But above all, silence can also create a sense of anticipation and control.
Donโt be afraid of a little quiet during conversations. Confident folks are cool with those moments when no oneโs talking.
4) Speak clearly
Speaking clearly is a big confidence booster. When you talk with a strong, clear voice and avoid mumbling, it tells people youโre confident about your words and that you really want them to get what youโre saying.
Plus, it helps steer clear of those annoying misunderstandings and mix-ups, making conversations smoother and more effective.
So, donโt be afraid to speak up and be crystal clear in your communication. Itโs a simple but powerful way to show confidence.
5) Ask questions
Another thing confident people have no qualms about is asking questions and seeking clarifications.
Youโre telling them youโre curious and not afraid to learn. Think of it as the person in a meeting whoโs not shy to raise their hand and ask a question that others might be thinking but are too hesitant to ask.
I canโt tell you how many times I bit my tongue and let a colleague swoop in and ask the same question and get praised for doing so.
Ultimately, this confidence in pursuing information helps you steer conversations in a way that helps you reach your goals, like getting the right insights or finding solutions to challenges.
Itโs a bit like using a GPS to get to your destination while others are still using maps.
Plus, asking your audience questions helps you engage with them instead of simply conveying information in an endless stream.
6) Use hand gestures
Using your hands to emphasize what youโre saying can really boost your communication. Itโs like adding a little spice to your words, making them pop and come to life.
It shows that youโre genuinely into the conversation and confident in your message.
Just like adding too much spice to your food can ruin the dish, overdoing hand gestures can distract from what youโre saying.
So, itโs kind of like finding that perfect balance between adding flavor and not going overboard when youโre cooking up a conversation.
7) Take up space
Think of your personal space as your โconfidence zone.โ you need to find your own comfy spot in a conversation, meeting, speech, presentation, etc.
Let me ask you something: When you stand or sit, do you do it like you mean it?
Donโt look all fidgety or like youโre ready to bail out. You must tell the world, โIโm here, and I feel like a million bucks!โ
Thatโs how you show youโve got some self-assured mojo going on.
Your personal space is your canvas, and you get to decide how to paint it. So, find that balance that feels right for you and rock your self-assuredness in any social situation.
8) Slow down your speech
My biggest mistake is that I rush my speech sometimes. I then become self-aware of it and have to work on slowing down and getting out of my head.
Speaking at a measured pace instead of rushing through your words suggests youโre confident and in control of the conversation.
This not only helps you get your ideas across more effectively, but it also makes you sound more convincing and like you know what youโre talking about.
So, donโt rush. Take it easy and let your words have the impact they deserve.
9) Confident handshake
Everyone knows that to seem more confident and assertive, you need to have a firm handshake.
For instance, you know that feeling when you shake someoneโs hand, and itโs just the perfect amount of firmness?
Thatโs what youโre aiming for. Itโs like a Goldilocks handshake – not too weak and limp, which can make you come across as unsure or uninterested.
On the other hand, it shouldnโt be a bone-crusher that leaves the other person wincing.
So, the next time you shake hands, strike that balance, and youโll make a great (and confident) impression.
But a confident handshake is nothing without this:
10) Dress the part
Choosing the right clothes can really boost your self-confidence. When you put on an outfit that makes you feel good and comfortable, it can do wonders for your self-assuredness in all kinds of situations.
The key is to wear clothes that match your style and are suitable for the occasion. When you look in the mirror and think, โIโve got this,โ you set a positive tone for your day.
11) Own your mistakes
In everyday life, if you forget an important appointment, admit it and then take steps to make sure it doesnโt happen again.
Thatโs confidence in action – being real, accepting your imperfections, and using them to become a better version of yourself.
For example, imagine youโre in a meeting, and you realize you made an error. Owning your mistake is like saying, โHey, I goofed up on that one, my bad.โ
Youโre being open and honest when you slip up.
Now, think of it this way: nobody is perfect, right? We all make mistakes. Itโs part of being human.
Confidence isnโt about never making mistakes; itโs about how you handle them. When you admit your errors, youโre basically communicating that youโre cool with not being perfect. Youโre a work in progress.
Let that sink in.
12) Use mirroring
If you never thought about mirroring or mimicking the body language of the person youโre speaking to, youโve been missing out.
Mirroring is like tuning into the same frequency as the person youโre talking to. When you subtly copy their body language, you make them feel at ease.
Itโs a sign of social confidence because it reveals your adaptability and your ability to connect with others.
Final thoughts
These behaviors, when used in the right context, can help you not only project confidence and assertiveness but also build better relationships and achieve your personal and professional goals.
Depending on the situation, some of these behaviors might work better than others. So, donโt be afraid to mix and match, and use what feels right for you.
