Hi, there lovely readers! As a career specialist, I often hear folk say ‘I’m not confident with interviewing/talking in front of other people/networking.’ Confidence. Easy for me to say ‘stand tall like a superhero’, ‘imagine everyone naked’, ‘fake it ’till you make it’, but does that necessarily work for you?

Standing like a superhero, not your gig? There are lots of other ways to fake it till you make it, whether at a job interview or presenting at a meeting. Alongside planning, preparation and practice, here are six techniques that just may alleviate those nerves and give the impression of confidence.

1 Use your eyes…

As over 70% of our sensory receptors are in our eyes (they dominate our senses) using the power of your eyes is a great way to simulate confidence. Meeting with your interviewer? Target your eye contact on her’s, and she’ll be less likely to look away or be distracted. Speaking at a team meeting? Make individual eye contact with each participant in the room. Linger a moment as you gaze into each person’s eyes. The whole room will feel the power of your gaze and be centred on you.

Controlling both the individual and the room with eye contact will give you the aura of a supremely confident person.

2 Sit and stand tall…

Sitting or standing tall and straight will help you project a heightened version of yourself and you will look confident regardless of those swirling butterflies. You’ll also appear to be ready to speak, respond, and contribute confidently to the discussion. If you have a choice, stand. Whether giving a presentation to a room full of people, or on a conference call, standing will impress those in the room, help with breathing and put authority in your voice.

3 Keep your body calm…

Busy gestures, jiggling knees, twitches, pen clicking, neck stretching, rocking back on your chair can all project confusion, nervousness and anxiety. Same with grooming gestures like fixing your hair, straightening your collar. Make every movement count, and your audience will see your confidence and poise.

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