9 Ways to Look More Confident - Shanghai Networking News

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9 Ways to Look More Confident

Your body says more about you than you think, and if there's ever a time when you want your body to be saying the right thing it's when you're out there networking, surrounded by opportunities to make a good first impression.

That's not all. More confident body language can make you more attractive to the opposite sex (or the same sex, if you're into that) and just make you feel better generally. That's because it isn't just that a good mood causes good body language -- the cycle goes the other way too.

So, how about those 9 ways to improve your confidence?

1. Have a strong firm handshake

Nothing conveys confidence like a robust handshake, and yet it's something that many people have trouble with, whether overseas or in China. A good handshake should be firm, dry and not too long.

See our article, Have a handshake you can be proud of for more details.

Keep reading to find out the 8 other ways to look more confident...

2. Maintain eye contact

Eye contact implies sincerity, trust and confidence. Don't overdo it though, you don't want to intimidate people or make them feel uncomfortable.

If you're uncomfortable looking into someone's eyes, look at their nose instead. Most people won't be able to tell (most of the people you're looking at, that is. If you yourself can't tell an eye from a nose then you need more help than this article can give)
Be sure to make eye contact with everyone in the conversation, including people who've just joined.
Making eye contact with someone dithering about whether to break into a conversation can be a very welcoming gesture.
As a rule of thumb, keep eye contact when you're in conversation and break it off when any long pause comes up, otherwise the other person may feel uncomfortable.

3. Keep a natural tone, volume and speed of voice

Sounding like Mickey Mouse is never a good thing. Try to relax and sound more natural when speaking, otherwise you'll seem nervous (or like you've been inhaling helium)

Speak from your chest if you want to sound more confident. Most people speak from their throat, and speaking from your mouth makes you sound most nervous of all.

4. Stand upright and relax

Stooping over and staring at your shoes doesn't exactly inspire you with confidence. Body language is a two-way process -- not only does your mood affect your posture, but your posture also affects your mood. So stand up, throw your shoulders back, puff your chest out and relax. You'll look and feel much better.

5. Take up space

Don't be afraid to stretch yourself out a little. Taking up space, by sitting or standing with your legs and your shoulders expanded, lets people know you're comfortable in your own skin and screams self-confidence.

6. Don't be the first to laugh at your own jokes (or don't laugh at them at all)

Those who have confidence in their sense of humor wait for others to laugh first. Plus, if no one else even realises it's a joke then you haven't made a fool of yourself by laughing at nothing.