8 small things confident people do in conversations without realizing it

Conversations are more than just an exchange of words. They’re a dance of personalities, emotions, and confidence.

Confidence isn’t about dominating a conversation or always being right. It’s about being comfortable in who you are, what you believe, and what you bring to the table.

In fact, those who exude genuine confidence often do subtle things in conversations that many of us may not even realize.

These small actions and responses are what set them apart, allowing them to connect authentically with others while embracing their own self-assuredness.

Let’s delve into these nuanced behaviors that confident people naturally incorporate into their interactions.

1) Embrace silence

In the realm of conversation, silence often gets a bad rap.

It’s like this big scary blank space we feel compelled to fill with words, lest we stumble into an awkward moment.

But here’s the thing: Confident folks see silence as more of a superpower than a danger zone.

They recognize its potential as a communication tool, not something to fear.

Silence creates this open space where others can share, reflect, and really be heard.

It’s a sign of respect for their thoughts and feelings, and it shows you’re comfortable enough to let things breathe.

Confident people don’t shy away from silence; they embrace it.

They get that not every pause needs to be filled with chatter. Instead, they use those quiet moments to truly listen and connect.

2) Ask open-ended questions

In conversations, it’s easy to fall into the trap of talking about ourselves or sharing our own opinions.

But confident people understand there’s a lot more to gain from listening than speaking.

They use open-ended questions as a powerful tool to delve deeper into the conversation and to show genuine interest in the other person.

These are not just any questions, but ones that invite expansive responses, not just a simple “yes” or “no.”

Asking “What’s your perspective on that?” or “How did that make you feel?” invites the other person to share more, fostering a deeper connection.

It shows respect for their thoughts and feelings, signaling that their viewpoints matter.

One of my favorite quotes by Dale Carnegie resonates deeply with this: “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you.”

Remember, the goal is not to dominate the conversation but to engage in it, learning from each other and deepening our connections.

3) They listen more than they speak

Confident people understand the power of active listening.

They know that true communication is not just about expressing their own thoughts, but also about understanding and appreciating the perspectives of others.

Listening, in fact, is a skill that takes practice to master.

It involves not just hearing the words that others say but truly understanding their emotions, intentions, and the underlying messages they’re trying to convey.

In a conversation, confident people often focus on the other person, giving them their full attention. They’re not just waiting for their turn to speak.

Instead, they show genuine interest in what the other person has to say, encouraging them to share more by asking thoughtful questions and providing empathetic responses.

While we’re on this topic, I invite you to watch my video on the importance of embracing feeling like an imposter.

In it, I discuss how feeling like an ‘imposter’ can drive a more profound exploration of personal and professional capabilities.

This resonates with the topic at hand as it encourages individuals to embrace their vulnerabilities and recognize their achievements without external validation.

If you found this insight valuable and wish to join a community of 20,000 others exploring a life of purpose and freedom, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.

You can do so by clicking here. Together, we can navigate this journey towards a more authentic self-expression.

4) They express their feelings honestly

Confidence doesn’t equate to invulnerability.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

Confident people understand that expressing vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

In conversations, they are not afraid to share their feelings, even if it’s uncomfortable.

They don’t hide behind a facade of constant happiness or success, but present their authentic selves, complete with their triumphs and struggles.

Being open about our emotions fosters deeper connections with others.

It invites them into our world, creating space for empathy and understanding.

It also gives them permission to be honest about their own feelings.

But here’s the kicker: Being authentic doesn’t mean dumping all our issues on others.

It’s more about being real about how we feel and knowing when to lean on our support system.

5) They’re not afraid to say “I don’t know”

In a society where knowledge reigns supreme, conceding ignorance can feel like a blow to our ego. Many of us dread the idea of seeming clueless or inferior.

Yet, confident individuals grasp that omniscience is a pipe dream.

They embrace their boundaries and boldly declare when they lack insight.

“I don’t know” isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a badge of honor.

It showcases humility, integrity, and a zest for enlightenment. It proves our allegiance to truth over pretense and our eagerness to broaden our horizons.

By owning our ignorance, we unlock pathways to enlightenment and evolution.

It’s a pledge to perpetual self-betterment and an endorsement of lifelong education.

You know what?

True confidence isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about fearlessly questioning, learning, and evolving.

6) They admit their mistakes

In a world that often celebrates perfection, confident people understand the value of mistakes.

They don’t shy away from admitting when they’re wrong, recognizing that mistakes are not failures but opportunities for growth and learning.

The willingness to acknowledge our errors requires both humility and courage.

It’s an act of honesty with ourselves and others.

It shows that we’re more committed to learning and improving than to protecting our ego.

Admitting mistakes also fosters trust in relationships.

It shows that we’re human, fallible, and able to recognize and correct our missteps.

This authenticity can deepen our connections with others, creating a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

7) They are comfortable with disagreement

In a conversation, it’s natural for disagreements to arise.

But how we handle these disagreements can say a lot about our confidence.

Instead of avoiding conflict or trying to dominate the conversation, confident people are comfortable with disagreement.

They understand that different viewpoints can coexist and that these differences can enrich the conversation, offering new perspectives and insights.

They approach disagreements with respect and openness, seeking to understand the other person’s viewpoint rather than simply asserting their own.

They know that robust discussions can lead to deeper understanding and mutual growth.

8) They express gratitude

Gratitude might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think about confidence, but let me tell you, it’s like the secret sauce for confident conversationalists.

Think about it—confident folks are always dishing out thanks for people’s time, insights, and what they bring to the table.

And it’s not about being fake or trying to win points; it’s genuine appreciation for the good stuff others offer up.

And here’s the kicker: showing gratitude isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s like watering the friendship garden.

It builds up those positive vibes and keeps the respect flowing.

It’s a way of saying, “Hey, I see you, and I dig having you around.”

Plus, when we make a habit of focusing on the good stuff, it’s like we’re planting seeds of positivity that sprout up in all our interactions.

So, next time you’re shooting the breeze with someone, throw out a thank you or two—not just for the big stuff, but for those little acts of kindness that often fly under the radar.

Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

Confidence: A Journey, not a destination

The nuances of confidence are deeply rooted in our self-awareness, values, and actions.

It isn’t about always being right or dominating every conversation.

True confidence is about authenticity, a respectful curiosity for others’ perspectives, and the humility to admit when we err.

Confidence shows in how we listen, ask questions, embrace silence, admit our ignorance, mistakes, and vulnerability.

It’s about allowing disagreements to enrich our conversations and expressing gratitude for the value others bring to us.

To continue your journey towards cultivating confidence and living with more freedom and authenticity, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel here.

Now, I leave you with this question: Which of these practices will you adopt in your next conversation to reflect your growing confidence?