First impressions count. Like it or not, people will make some sort of judgement about you based on their first impression within the first few seconds of meeting you. You’ve heard it said that ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression.’ So when you are meeting people for the first time, think of what first impression you want to give them.
Communicating confidently is essential if you are going to succeed no matter what you are doing. As introverts, we tend to be in our thoughts most of the time and are most concerned with what we are going to say. But realize that only 7% of our message is interpreted by others from the words that we use. It’s surprising, isn’t it? You may be surprised to learn the proportions. Here they are:
WORDS – 7%
TONE – 35%
BODY – 58%
It turns out that other people are paying the most attention to our body language. When we speak, people understand what we say by interpreting our appearance, posture, gesture, gaze, expressions and voice. This is why it is so important to move and act confidently and positively.
When you do, they will think that you are confident even if you’re not feeling it inside. Yes, that’s right. Even if you’re not feeling confident, act as if you are.
So, how do you do this?
Here are 7 ways to communicate confidently even if you don’t feel that way:
1. Choose a confidence role model. Who do you know that appears confident? Notice how you can tell what they are feeling by the way they move their body. When you become more aware, you can use this to your advantage.
2. Smile a lot more. One thing confident people have in common is that they smile a lot. There is a lot of power associated with a smile. You don’t have to walk around with a stupid grin on your face. Learn the art of smiling with your eyes.
3. Walk tall with your head and shoulders back at a fast pace. Walk walk like you know exactly where you are going and when you get there you mean business!
4. Keep on moving – Motion creates energy. When you sit still for a long period of time, your natural energy levels automatically lower. What happens when you get up, walk around and return to your seat? You have more energy and you’re given a boost.
5. Eye contact. When you talk to people look them straight in the eye. Realize that there is such a thing as too much eye contact. You’ll make them uncomfortable if you never look away. You just want to make sure they know you are paying attention.
6. Dress to win. Look at your appearance and ask yourself “Do I look confident?” What does your confidence role model wear that gives them an edge? You will be surprised at how better you will feel for it, and it will project a positive image to all others – one that will attract opportunities and people.
7. If you find yourself feeling down, take a look at your body language and change it immediately. YOU WILL start to feel better and more confident immediately.
The way that you move sends a subconscious message to your mind which helps the way that you feel. This is a form of self hypnosis that works from the outside in. Once you begin to tell yourself to act confidently, people will treat you as a confident person and you will become more confident…from head to toe.
How will you make time this week to implement these tips?
