Ever had that moment when you walked into a room full of strangers and thought, “How on earth am I going to survive this?” I know I have.

We’ve all been there, right?

Feeling like a fish out of water, we desperately wish we could radiate the kind of confidence that makes people gravitate towards us.

And then, there are those folks who seem to do it effortlessly. They walk into any room looking like they’ve got everything figured out. They’re the ones who, regardless of the situation, appear calm, cool, and collected.

Now, here’s the kicker.

Most of these people aren’t naturally confident. Shocking, I know. But they’ve mastered certain body language tricks that give off an aura of self-assuredness.

So buckle up. It’s time to dive in and learn how to fake it until you make it!

1) Master your posture

Have you ever noticed how confident people carry themselves? There’s an unmistakable aura around them, and believe it or not, a lot of that has to do with their posture.

Our bodies speak volumes, even when we’re silent.

Slouching, for instance, can suggest that you’re unsure or lacking self-esteem. On the other hand, standing tall, with your shoulders back and head held high, sends a message of confidence and self-assuredness to those around you.

2) Firm up your handshake

Let me share a story.

I recall going in for a job interview a few years back. I was nervous, and my palms were sweaty. As soon as I met the interviewer, we shook hands and, let’s just say, my handshake wasn’t the firmest.

Fast forward to the end of the interview – I didn’t get the job. Was it because of my handshake? I don’t know for sure, but it could’ve played a part in creating a not-so-confident first impression.

Handshakes are often our first physical contact with someone, and they can set the tone for the rest of the interaction.

A weak handshake might convey insecurity or lack of confidence, while a firm one signifies assertiveness and self-assuredness.

 Remember, the goal is to project confidence, not to prove your physical strength. 

3) Harness the power of eye contact

I remember attending an event a while back. There was this one woman there, who wasn’t particularly loud or flashy, but she had this magnetic quality about her.

She was an expert at making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room.

And her secret? Eye contact.

She had this ability to hold a gaze that made you feel seen, heard, and important. I realized then, that strong eye contact can be a powerful tool for projecting confidence.

Eye contact communicates that you’re engaged and confident in your interaction. It shows people that you’re interested in what they’re saying and that you value their time and attention.

But remember, there’s a fine line between maintaining eye contact and staring. You don’t want to make people feel uncomfortable. Just aim for a warm, friendly gaze that makes the other person feel seen.

4) Smile confidently

Confident people smile. Not those forced, tight-lipped smiles, but genuine, warm smiles that radiate positivity.

You see, a smile can do wonders for your perceived confidence level. It sends a message that you’re comfortable in your skin and happy to engage with others.

But here’s the caveat.

The smile has to be genuine. People can usually tell when you’re faking a smile—it doesn’t reach your eyes, and it feels strained.

So, how do you ensure a genuine smile? Think of something that makes you happy or amuses you, and let that thought guide your facial expression.

Keep in mind that, a confident smile is contagious. It not only makes you appear more self-assured but also puts those around you at ease.

5) Use open body language

Did you know that crossing your arms or legs can create a barrier between you and the person you’re interacting with? 

On the flip side, open body language—where your arms and legs are uncrossed and relaxed—signals that you’re approachable, receptive, and confident.

A bonus tip is to mirror the other person’s body language subtly. It’s a psychological trick that helps build rapport and trust, making people feel more comfortable around you.

6) Practice power posing

There was a time when I’d get incredibly nervous before public speaking engagements. The butterflies in my stomach felt more like a swarm of bees, and my confidence was nowhere to be found.

Then, I stumbled upon the concept of power posing.

Power poses are body positions that can help you feel more confident and in control. They’re usually open, expansive stances that occupy space.

Think of a superhero with their hands on their hips or an executive leaning back in their chair with their feet up on the desk.

I started practicing these poses before my speeches, often in an empty room or a bathroom stall. And it worked! I felt more confident and performed better.

7) Control your breathing

When nerves take over, our breathing tends to become shallow or rapid. This can, in turn, increase feelings of anxiety and lower our perceived confidence.

But, if you take control of your breath, you can take control of your nerves and your confidence.

Practicing deep, steady breathing not only calms your nerves but also helps maintain a steady voice and a relaxed demeanor—all signs of a confident person.

The last word

The good news? These tricks aren’t reserved for the ‘naturally confident’. They are skills that can be learned, practiced, and perfected over time.

Then, start incorporating these tricks into your daily interactions. Stand tall. Smile genuinely. Maintain eye contact. Breathe deeply. Strike a power pose when you need a confidence boost.

Don’t forget it’s not about fooling others into thinking you’re confident. It’s about convincing yourself that you’re capable and deserving of taking up space in this world.

It may feel awkward at first, and that’s okay. Change is often uncomfortable. But with time and practice, these tricks will become second nature.

In the end, remember this – confidence isn’t something some people are born with and others not. It’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be developed and honed.

So take a deep breath, straighten your posture, and step into the world with newfound confidence. You’ve got this!