When facing strangers, some people get worried about what comes out of their mouth, not knowing that their body language actually already gives a better impression of how they are likely to react to any interaction.
The Balance suggests that nonverbal gestures are the most powerful form of communication, giving people a clearer understanding of what is going on in the mind of other people. This is backed up by an article on Forbes, which said that people are more likely to believe nonverbal cues over verbal ones in case of mixed messages. Therefore, it is a good idea to train yourself so that you can give off the right sort of message through your body language.
This article takes a look at some tips that you can follow to convey confidence through nonverbal cues.
Avoid showing signs of nervousness
In a previous article on Megri, we advised against giving off signs that you’re nervous such as fidgeting, chewing gum, or playing with your hair. Replace them with positive visual cues, such as making eye contact and nodding to show interest in the on-going discussions.
Maintain good posture
Foxy Bingo’s popular mascot recommends standing up straight, with your body and hands open to give off a confident vibe. Slouching does not inspire trust, while keeping your hands close to your body hints at your nervousness.
Position your body to towards the person you are talking with
Leaderonomics.com feels that angling your body away from the person you are talking with indicates that you are not invested in the conversation. Avoid showing disinterest by making sure that your torso is facing the person you are talking to, with your body leaning slightly towards him/her to show that you are an active participant in the discussion.
Have a strong handshake
Live Bold and Bloom reminds its readers that a firm, solid handshake suggests that you are confident and ready to take on any challenge. At the same time, a good handshake should be strong, but not tight enough to crush the other person’s hand. It is also a good idea to retain eye contact at this moment to help give off a confident vibe.
If you’re not sure if your handshake gives off the right message, you might want to practice with people you know and trust so you can get pointers on how to improve it.
Learn to read the other person’s body language as well
While it’s important for you to be careful about what message you are transmitting through your verbal and non-verbal gestures, it is equally vital that you pay attention to what the person you are talking to is saying. Conversations are a two-way thing, so make sure that you learn to listen with your ears and keep your eyes peeled so you can get a clear understanding of what is being said, with or without words.
Amazing tips Apri! I think keeping a good smile on your face will also boost your confidence in front of new people. Must try this.
Good Body language not only boosts your confidence but also puts a great impact on other’s minds.
Brilliant blog post. Most blogs you read online are boring and don’t offer much information. This was really helpful post to boost confidence .
Thank you for your generosity and proving us such wonderful tips 🙂
Hi Apri K, Thanks for sharing a very helpful post related to Boost Confidence. It is very informative and I learned a lot from it.