Ava Sinclair
Confidence — it’s a word we hear and use often, but what does it really mean to embody it, particularly in a public setting?
It goes beyond walking tall and speaking loudly. It’s about owning your space, your voice, and your actions without any hesitation.
Psychology suggests that confidence is more than just an individual feeling. It’s a projection that others can pick up on.
So, how can you know if you’re exuding that kind of confidence?
Well, there are certain behaviors that stand out as clear signs of high confidence. And guess what? You might be doing some of these without even realizing it.
In this article, I’m going to reveal 9 things you’re doing in public that show you’re a highly confident person.
1) You’re not afraid to take the stage
In the world of public confidence, fear of judgment or rejection often takes a back seat.
Surprisingly, it’s not that highly confident people never feel fear. They do.
But here’s the kicker, they don’t let that fear hold them back.
Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, giving a presentation, or even just striking up a conversation with a stranger, they’re willing to put themselves out there.
They understand that vulnerability is a part of life and that it takes courage to step into the spotlight.
And guess what? This courage doesn’t stem from arrogance or overconfidence.
Rather, it comes from a place of self-assuredness and belief in their abilities.
2) You embrace body language
Have you ever heard of the term “Power Poses“?
It’s a concept from psychology that suggests our body language can significantly influence our confidence levels.
Here’s how it works.
Power poses are basically open, expansive postures. Think Wonder Woman or Superman – hands on hips, chest out, and head held high.
These poses are associated with high self-esteem and assertiveness.
And guess what? Research shows that adopting these poses can actually make you feel more powerful and confident.
Now, this doesn’t mean you need to strut around like a superhero all day.
But it does mean that if you’re naturally adopting open, relaxed postures in public, you’re signaling high confidence to those around you.
3) You’re not always the loudest in the room
Linking back to our discussion about body language, let’s talk about verbal communication.
You might think that confident people are always the loudest, most talkative ones in a room. But that’s not necessarily the case.
Confidence is not about dominating conversations or always having the last word. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Highly confident individuals know the value of listening. They’re secure enough in themselves to let others take the stage. They don’t need to constantly prove their worth or knowledge by talking over everyone else.
They understand that true strength lies in empathy and understanding, which comes from active listening.
4) You’re comfortable with saying no
Ever found yourself agreeing to something you didn’t really want to do, just to avoid conflict or disappointment?
It’s a common situation, but here’s the thing: confident people don’t fear the word “no”.
They understand their own boundaries and aren’t afraid to communicate them to others. This isn’t about being confrontational or negative. It’s about respecting their own time, energy, and needs.
Saying no can be tough. We’re often conditioned to avoid it, fearing it might make us seem unkind or selfish. But in reality, it shows a high level of self-respect and self-assuredness.
5) You dress for yourself
Confidence reflects in the way we present ourselves, and a major part of that is our appearance.
But wait, this isn’t about donning designer labels or following the latest trends.
Highly confident people often show these traits in their dressing style:
- They wear what they feel comfortable in.
- They express their personality through their attire.
- They don’t let others’ opinions dictate their wardrobe choices.
This doesn’t mean you have to disregard social norms or dress codes. But it does mean that you make your style choices based on what feels right for you, not what you think others expect.
6) You’re not afraid of making mistakes
Let’s be honest, we’ve all had those moments where we’ve messed up in public. Maybe you tripped on a sidewalk, stumbled over your words during a presentation, or spilled coffee on your shirt in a busy cafe.
I’ve been there too, and it can be painfully embarrassing. But here’s the thing: confident people aren’t immune to these situations. They make mistakes just like the rest of us.
But here’s where they differ: they don’t let these mishaps shake their confidence.
They understand that everyone makes mistakes and it’s a natural part of being human. They don’t dwell on these moments or let them define their self-worth.
7) You celebrate others’ successes
Imagine this: Your colleague just got promoted to a position you’ve been eyeing. Or maybe your friend just bought the car you’ve been saving up for.
How do you react? Do you feel a pang of jealousy? Or do you genuinely celebrate their achievements?
Highly confident people don’t see others’ successes as a threat to their own worth. They understand that there’s enough room for everyone to succeed and they’re secure enough in their own abilities to not feel threatened.
They’re able to genuinely congratulate others, without feeling diminished themselves.
8) You’re unafraid to show vulnerability
Showing vulnerability in public can be scary. We often associate it with weakness, but in reality, it’s a sign of strength and confidence.
I remember when I first started public speaking. I was terrified of forgetting my lines or tripping over my words.
The fear of appearing vulnerable in front of an audience was overwhelming. But over time, I realized that it’s okay to be imperfect. It’s okay to show your human side.
When we let our guard down and show our true selves, warts and all, we’re showing that we’re confident in who we are. We’re not seeking approval or validation from others.
9) You know confidence is a journey, not a destination
Here’s the final and perhaps the most crucial point: confident people understand that confidence is a journey, not a destination.
They know that it’s not about reaching a certain point where you’re forever confident. It’s about constantly learning, growing, and challenging yourself.
They’re aware that there will be ups and downs, moments of doubt and uncertainty. But they also know that these moments are just part of the journey. They see them as opportunities to grow, rather than setbacks.
So if you recognize this in your own approach to confidence, you’re definitely on the right track. You’re not just showing signs of high confidence in public; you’re living it.
What’s your confidence story?
As we wrap up, it’s important to remember that confidence is personal and unique to each individual.
We all have different ways of expressing and building our confidence. But there are a few universal traits that are commonly observed in highly confident individuals.
If you’re doing these things in public, you’re likely exuding high confidence:
- Investing in self-improvement: This could be anything from reading books to attending workshops or seeking mentorship.
- Practicing gratitude: Acknowledging the good in your life and expressing thanks can boost your self-esteem and confidence.
- Taking care of your physical health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest make you feel good about yourself and radiate confidence.
So, as you move forward on your confidence journey, remember to embrace your progress, no matter how small. Reflect on the signs you’re already displaying and the areas you want to work on.
After all, confidence isn’t a competition; it’s a personal journey of growth. And every step you take is a testament to your strength and determination.
So, what’s your confidence story?
