Business Communication: Body Language Handout: 10 Confidence “Hacks”
For classroom discussion only Page 1 of 1
10
C
ONFIDENCE
“H
ACKS
”
–
H
OW
T
O
L
OOK
I
T
W
HEN
Y
OU
D
ON
’
T
H
AVE
I
T
B
Y
T
OM
S
EARCY
We all know that when we sell, our confidence is part of what we are selling. We’ve
heard, “Fake it ‘til you make it!” Ok…how do I fake it?
Here are some ways to create an air of confidence until yours comes to you:
1. Empty handed. Well, not empty, but carry as little as possible. I take a journal and
a pen. Excess props mean you are dependent on other things for your effectiveness.
It also gives you more things to worry about, forget or have breakdown on you. Be
prepared to rely on you.
2. Groom. Fresh haircut and fully groomed feels different. I once had a haircut six
days after my last one because I had a big meeting. It helped.
3. Smile. Confidence shows in a smile.
4. Press. Freshly pressed everything is like grooming for your clothes- you just feel
different.
5. Slow down. Nervousness often translates to speed. If you are a fast talker anyway
(like I am) then you have to be twice as vigilant.
6. Eyes. Shifty eyes, floor-gazing, table-watching eyes connote nervousness. Hold
people’s eyes for a count of three, at least every time you catch their eyes – and that
prospect grants it. They have given it to you, so thank them, but don’t apologize.