10 body language tricks to instantly appear more confident

Confidence isn’t just something you feel, it’s something you show. It’s like a performance where every gesture and posture plays a part.

And the good news?

This performance can be mastered with a bit of practice and some clever techniques.

Forget about those self-help books for a moment. It’s time to dive into a more practical, actionable approach to boosting your confidence.

Are you ready to step into the spotlight?

Join me as we uncover 10 body language tricks that will instantly make you appear more confident.

1) Power pose

Let’s start with the basics.

Have you ever noticed how confident people stand tall, chest out, and hands on hips?

That’s what we call a power pose in body language science.

In simple terms, it’s all about occupying space and asserting your presence.

Next time you’re preparing for an important meeting or interview, take a few minutes to adopt this stance.

I know it might feel a little strange at first. But trust me, it works wonders.

Not only will you look more confident, but studies have shown that power posing can actually increase your feelings of self-assuredness.

2) Maintain eye contact

Eye contact is another powerful tool for conveying confidence.

When we maintain eye contact, it shows that we’re engaged, interested, and not afraid to hold someone’s gaze.

But remember, there’s a fine line between steady eye contact and an intimidating stare down.

The key is to strike a balance. How so?

Just aim for around 60-70% of the time during conversations.

Also, don’t forget to blink naturally!

While it may seem like a minor detail, unnatural blinking can break the illusion of confidence we’re trying to build.

3) Embrace the power of silence

Silence can be unsettling for many of us, right?

Especially in conversations where our instinct is to fill every pause with words.

Let’s admit it: we often feel the need to fill every quiet moment with words, fearing that silence might be perceived as awkwardness or lack of knowledge.

But here’s a little secret:

Embracing silence can actually exude confidence.

The thing is that when you’re comfortable with silence, it shows that you’re not just speaking for the sake of it.

You’re thoughtful about your words, and you don’t feel pressured to fill every gap.

This can be incredibly powerful in meetings, negotiations, or even casual conversations.

It signals that you’re in control and not easily flustered.

4) Use open body language

Ever notice how our body language changes depending on how we’re feeling?

When we’re nervous or insecure, we tend to close up. We cross our arms, hunch our shoulders, and make ourselves smaller.

But if you want to appear more confident, you need to do the exact opposite.

How so?

• Open up your body language.
• Stand or sit with your shoulders back and your arms uncrossed.
• Keep your head up and make sure your face is visible.

I know it may sound simple. But the thing is, open body language shows that you’re comfortable in your environment and open to interaction.

It’s a non-verbal way of saying, “I’m here, I’m confident, and I’m ready for whatever comes my way.”

5) Master the art of mirroring

Did you know that subtly mirroring the body language of the person you’re speaking with can significantly boost rapport and perceived confidence?

It’s true!

This technique, known as mirroring, is a powerful tool in non-verbal communication.

Mirroring involves subtly matching the gestures, posture, or tone of the person you’re interacting with.

It doesn’t mean copying them exactly, though – that would be awkward and noticeable, right?

Rather, its purpose is to adopt a similar style or energy.

For instance, if they lean in slightly during a conversation, you might do the same.

Interestingly, mirroring is often done unconsciously. Why?

Because people naturally tend to mirror those they feel a connection with.

But even by consciously applying this technique, you can create a sense of empathy and understanding, making the other person feel more at ease and connected with you.

6) Smile genuinely

Let’s face it: a smile is more than just a display of happiness or friendliness.

It’s a powerful tool that can significantly boost your confidence level.

When we smile, it not only makes us appear more approachable and trustworthy, but it also triggers a release of endorphins in our brain, the so-called ‘feel-good hormones’.

Simply put, that’s the psychology of happiness. And guess what?

This can help us feel more confident and relaxed.

One important thing here is that your smile should be genuine.

A fake or forced smile can often be easily detected and may create a negative impression.

Whether you’re about to enter a stressful meeting or simply walking down the street, don’t forget to wear a genuine smile. It’s your secret weapon for instant confidence.

7) Show empathy through touch

I’ve often found that a small, appropriate touch can convey empathy and confidence in a way words simply can’t.

Of course, this has to be done carefully and contextually, respecting personal boundaries and cultural norms.

Let me share my experience:

I remember a time when a colleague was sharing some challenging personal news. I gently placed my hand on their shoulder for a brief moment.

It was a small gesture, but I could see it brought them a sense of comfort and connection.

This simple situation of sincerity helped me understand one thing:

In moments like these, touch can communicate support and assurance more powerfully than any words.

What about in professional settings, you ask?

Well, this might translate to a firm handshake, a light pat on the back, or a brief touch on the arm to emphasize a point or show agreement.

8) Stop fidgeting

Let’s be real, we all have our own set of nervous habits.

Maybe you tap your foot when you’re anxious, or maybe you play with your hair when you’re unsure.

These fidgety movements are completely natural.

However, they can also be a dead giveaway of our inner nervousness.

The thing that makes confident people stand out is that they know how to exhibit calm and controlled movements.

They keep their nervous ticks in check and maintain composure even under pressure.

And that’s why you should pay attention to your body as well.

Are you constantly tapping your pen or shifting in your seat?

Becoming aware of these habits is the first step to controlling them. Practice stillness and soon, you’ll notice an increase in your perceived confidence.

9) Use your hands

Perhaps not surprisingly, hands are one of the most expressive parts of our body.

We use them to emphasize our points, express our emotions, and even show our level of confidence.

And you know what?

Using your hands effectively during conversation is a straightforward yet impactful way to demonstrate confidence.

Here’s the deal:

Hand gestures can help articulate your points and make your words more engaging.

My advice is to try incorporating gestures that align with your message when you speak.

The reason is that open hand gestures can suggest honesty and openness while using your hands to indicate size or direction can help visually illustrate your points.

The key is to avoid overdoing it, though — your gestures should feel natural and complement what you’re saying.

10) Walk with purpose

Walking is something we all do, but have you ever considered how your walk affects how others perceive you?

The truth is that people who walk with a purposeful, steady stride tend to be perceived as more confident and competent.

It’s not about speed, but rather the intention and energy in your steps.

I know it may seem a bit complicated at first. But trust me, you’ll soon get used to doing it mindfully.

When you walk, try to maintain an upright posture, with your shoulders back and head held high.

Let your arms swing naturally and keep your pace steady and even.

This type of walk exudes a sense of self-assuredness and purpose.

Conclusion: Your first step into confidence

Now you know that these 10 small changes in our non-verbal communication can make a big impact.

Remember, confidence isn’t just a state of mind — it’s a performance that you can fine-tune and improve with practice.

These body language tricks are tools to help you portray and eventually internalize a confident persona.

So, go ahead and try them out.

You might just be surprised at how much of a difference they can make, both in how you’re viewed by others and how you view yourself.