There’s a considerable gap between suffering from low self-esteem and exuding confidence.

The difference is all about understanding. Low self-esteem often stems from not knowing how to present yourself confidently.

Mastering certain body language tricks, however, can be a game changer.

I used to struggle with low self-esteem, but everything changed when I learned these 9 body language tricks.

Now I want to share these tricks with you, so you too can boost your confidence and self-esteem – and it’s easier than you might think.

Here are the 9 body language tricks that transformed my life.

1) Standing tall

One of the most pivotal aspects of body language is posture.

What might seem like a simple act of standing straight can have a profound impact on our self-esteem.

I used to slouch, unaware of the message I was sending to others, and more importantly, to myself. Subconsciously, I was telling myself that I didn’t deserve to take up space.

But that changed when I learned about the power of standing tall.

Standing tall is not just about physical height. It’s about showing you’re confident, ready, and worthy. It’s about signaling to the world that you’re here, and you matter.

By consciously correcting my posture, I started to feel more assertive and confident.

Remember, your body language communicates a lot about you before you even speak a word. Stand tall and let it tell the world that you’re someone with high self-esteem.

And don’t worry – it takes time to make this a habit. But trust me, it’s worth it.

2) Eye contact

Maintaining eye contact was another hurdle I had to overcome.

Avoiding eye contact was a habit I developed as a result of my low self-esteem. I didn’t realize that doing so was communicating my lack of confidence to others.

I remember one particular incident during a job interview. The interviewer pointed out that I had been avoiding eye contact throughout the conversation. I felt embarrassed. It was then that I realized how crucial eye contact was and that my avoidance was only reinforcing my low self-esteem.

So, I decided to practice maintaining eye contact. I started with small steps. For instance, holding eye contact with the cashier while paying for groceries, or when talking to a friend.

Over time, this became easier. Not only did it make me appear more confident, but it also made me feel more confident too.

Now, I understand the power of eye contact. It’s not just about looking someone in the eyes; it’s about showing them that you’re confident and engaged in the conversation.

Remember, practicing eye contact might feel awkward initially, but with time, it can become second nature and significantly boost your self-esteem.

3) Power poses

Have you ever noticed how superheroes stand? Feet apart, hands on hips, chest out – that’s a power pose.

Research conducted by Harvard Business School found that holding a power pose for just two minutes can significantly increase feelings of power and tolerance for risk.

I started incorporating power poses into my daily routine. I’d strike a superhero pose before an important meeting or even in the morning before starting my day.

These poses not only helped me appear more confident to others but also made me feel more powerful and in control.

The beauty of power poses is that they’re easy to do and can be done anywhere. So next time you’re feeling low, strike a superhero pose and let your body language boost your self-esteem.

4) Smiling

Smiling can be a powerful tool in transforming your self-esteem.

When I was struggling with low self-esteem, I rarely smiled. I kept a serious face to hide my insecurities. But in reality, it was only making me feel more withdrawn and less approachable.

Then, I learned about the science behind smiling. When we smile, our brain releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones. This not only makes us feel happier but also more confident.

I started consciously making an effort to smile more, even when I didn’t feel like it. Over time, I realized that smiling made me feel more positive and increased my interactions with others.

So, don’t underestimate the power of a genuine smile. It can not only make you appear more confident and approachable but also boost your self-esteem from within.

5) Open gestures

Using open gestures was another trick that helped me in my journey to boost self-esteem.

Closed body language, like crossing arms or hunching shoulders, was my default position. It was a protective shell I’d built around myself due to my low self-esteem.

But I learned that open gestures, like spreading your arms or showing your palms, can communicate confidence and openness to others.

So, I started practicing open gestures. I began uncrossing my arms during conversations and made an effort to avoid hunching over.

With time, I noticed a shift. People responded more positively to me, which in turn made me feel more confident.

Open gestures might seem small, but they can significantly impact how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself. Give it a try – you might be surprised by the difference it makes.

6) Embracing vulnerability

Embracing vulnerability was perhaps one of the most challenging, yet transformative, body language tricks I learned.

I used to hide my emotions and put on a tough exterior, thinking that showing any vulnerability was a sign of weakness. But in doing so, I was building walls around myself and further lowering my self-esteem.

However, I learned that allowing myself to be vulnerable, to express my emotions honestly, is actually a sign of strength. It shows that we’re human, that we’re real.

I started allowing myself to be seen. If I was nervous, I would admit it. If I felt excited, I wouldn’t hide it.

This opened up a new level of connection with others and boosted my self-confidence in ways I hadn’t imagined.

Being vulnerable might feel scary at first, but it’s a crucial step towards improved self-esteem. It allows you to be authentic and true to yourself – and that’s the most powerful confidence boost of them all.

7) Mirroring

The last body language trick that had a profound impact on my self-esteem was mirroring.

Before, I would often feel out of place in social situations, unsure of how to act or respond. This only added to my feelings of low self-esteem.

Then, I discovered the technique of mirroring, which involves subtly mimicking the body language of the person you’re talking to.

I started practicing this during conversations. If someone leaned in, I would lean in too. If they used certain hand gestures, I would mirror them.

This not only made me feel more connected to the person I was talking to but also made me feel more confident and at ease in social situations.

Remember, mirroring should be subtle and respectful. It’s not about copying someone exactly, but rather about creating a sense of rapport and understanding. And who knows? It might just give your self-esteem the boost it needs.

8) Speaking slowly

Another body language trick that significantly improved my self-esteem was speaking slowly.

In the past, I had a habit of rushing through my words, especially when I was nervous. This often led to me stumbling over my sentences and feeling even more self-conscious.

Then I learned about the power of speaking slowly. Taking the time to articulate my thoughts not only made me appear more confident, but it also helped me feel more in control of the conversation.

So, I started practicing this during my daily interactions. Whether it was a casual chat with a friend or an important meeting at work, I made a conscious effort to slow down and articulate my thoughts clearly.

It may not seem like much, but speaking slowly can make a huge difference in how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you. It’s definitely worth a try!

9) Being yourself

The most significant body language trick that I discovered was simply being myself.

I spent so much time trying to fit in, to be someone else, that I lost sight of who I truly was. This only served to lower my self-esteem further.

But when I started to embrace who I was, flaws and all, things started to change. I realized that there’s no better person to be than myself.

Being yourself might not seem like a body language trick, but it’s the foundation for all the others. It’s about expressing your true self through your posture, gestures, and expressions.

You don’t have to pretend to be someone else to boost your self-esteem. Embrace who you are, and let your true self shine through your body language.

Final reflection: It’s a journey

In a nutshell, these body language tricks are not a quick fix. They are tools to aid you on your journey towards improved self-esteem, but they require practice and patience.

Whether it’s standing tall, maintaining eye contact, or simply allowing yourself to be vulnerable – each step you take is a testament to your resilience and dedication.

At the end of the day, it’s about embracing who you are and letting that shine through your body language.

And who knows? You might just discover a newfound confidence that you never knew you had.