Confidence is a powerful matter that we admire others and cry ourselves lacking it. But while some people may indeed just be born confident, it’s a skill the rest of us can easily acquire.
Confidence is an attitude. As psychologist and author Larina Kase says: “True confidence is not thinking that you’ll get a great result. It’s knowing that you can handle any result.”
Here are some secrets to sounding confident. These expert tips will prepare you for success in any professional or public-speaking situation.
1. Practice
If you’re nervous about a difficult conversation, such as making the case to your boss for a raise, or a scheduled talk in front of an audience, practice what you’ll say beforehand. Recording yourself is also a good way to analyze your level and improvement areas. That will enhance your confidence.
2. Slow Down
Carmine Gallo, the author of Talk Like TED, claims 190 words per minute is the ideal rate of speech for public speaking. At this speed, your audience will feel less like you’re talking to them and more like you’re having a conversation over lunch. If you speak too slowly you can do nothing to put your audience to sleep. And if you talk too quickly you can sound amateurish or nervous, like you’re trying to get it over with as fast as you can. That’s why 190 words per minute are the sweet spot you should aim for.
3. Body Language
The body language that accompanies your message is just as important as the words coming out of your mouth. Audiences perceive speakers to have more positive traits such as warmth and energy when they use a variety of gestures. Some physical gestures, such as fiddling with clothing or touching hair, can distract or convey a lack of confidence, using your hands when you speak is a great way to communicate your excitement and knowledge about the topic.
4. Gratitude
Dr. Ramiro Zuniga explains the link between gratitude and confidence: “When a leader shows gratitude, it helps create a positive atmosphere. The display of gratitude conveys the message that all is well and moving in a forward direction.” Thus, thanking coworkers and direct reports for their contributions and achievements is another way to say the company is thriving and on track to do even better in the future. Start the conversation with a little gratitude, even a “Thanks for coming,” and you’ll convey confidence from the start.
5. Smile
Christine Clapp, a public-speaking expert at George Washington University, explains the benefits of smiling on both the speaker and the audience: “Smiling not only makes your voice more pleasant to listen to, but it also conveys confidence . . . You will appear friendly, approachable, and composed.” That’s more than enough reason to grin the next time you give an important talk.