# Ten Effective Nonverbal Techniques to Convey Confidence
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Chapter 1: Understanding Nonverbal Confidence
Which of the following ten strategies do you already practice regularly? Which ones do you need to incorporate into your routine?
As a young child, I was naturally outgoing, self-assured, and friendly. Approaching strangers was second nature (much to my parents’ concern), I would organize my friends and siblings, effortlessly make new acquaintances on the playground, and participate in every speech contest, play, talent show, dance event, and singing competition available to me.
However, as I transitioned from elementary school to my teenage years, my self-assurance and body language began to falter. This experience is not uncommon, particularly among girls, as body language specialist Amy Cuddy pointed out in her discussion with Susan Cain. Many adolescents outgrow their awkward phases and regain confidence as they approach adulthood, but for me, I felt myself shrinking.
One of the fascinating yet challenging aspects of body language is its ability to create a feedback loop. The way you carry and present yourself sends signals to others, who then respond in kind. For instance, if you project shyness or uncertainty, people will treat you as such. If this occurs frequently, the perception becomes reinforced, leading you to internalize it and view yourself as a shy or anxious individual, rather than someone who occasionally experiences those feelings, which is a universal human experience. Moreover, your own body language communicates directly with your brain, causing you to define yourself based on emotions and behaviors rather than your core values and beliefs.
This feedback loop also applies to confidence. When you believe in your worth, even in moments of shyness or uncertainty, you can still present yourself confidently. This sends a vastly different message; others will perceive you as self-assured and valuable, reinforcing that belief within yourself. Ultimately, this can lead to a genuine increase in your confidence level.
Exuding respectful confidence—not arrogance or dogmatism, but grounded self-assurance—enhances your ability to connect with others, communicate effectively, and achieve your goals. It benefits your mental well-being, relationships, and career trajectory.
Here are ten strategies to communicate confidence nonverbally, which can transform your self-image and overall life experience:
Section 1.1: Posture
You can recognize confident posture when you see it, so start adopting it:
- Stand or sit tall, reaching your full height
- Distribute your weight evenly over both feet
- Keep your shoulders back
- Maintain relaxed arms
Balance a strong, authoritative stance with openness. Standing tall while tightly crossing your arms can convey defensiveness. True confidence is neither tense nor anxious and doesn’t require validation from others.
Section 1.2: Head Position
Keep your head elevated. If you need to use your phone, hold it out in front of you rather than down at your waist. This adjustment helps maintain good posture and supports your neck. Ideally, avoid phone use when interacting with others.
Hold your head high, but not so high that it appears you're looking down on others, which can come off as arrogance. Aim for a level, straight position.
Subsection 1.2.1: Eye Contact
Engage in eye contact with others—just not too much. While you’ve been advised to make eye contact during conversations, excessive staring can feel invasive. Aim to maintain eye contact around 50% of the time, particularly when you have something positive to share.
Subsection 1.2.2: Arms and Hands
The most neutral and confident arm positions are either at your sides or gently clasped in front of your body at belly button height. Striking a balance between these positions can also be effective.
Avoid positioning your hands too high, which may appear pleading, or too low, as this can suggest defensiveness.
Section 1.3: Vocal Delivery
To express confidence, use a strong, smooth voice that naturally descends at the end of statements. Ending every statement with an upward inflection can diminish your credibility.
A steady, flat tone doesn’t have to be robotic. When your posture is grounded, your voice will mirror that confidence, creating a trustworthy and engaging delivery.
Section 1.4: Embrace Pauses
Utilize your strong, smooth voice but also embrace moments of silence. Rapid speech can overwhelm listeners, making it difficult for them to absorb your message. Pauses allow your words to resonate and show that you’re comfortable with silence.
Section 1.5: Cultivating Stillness
Maintain a calm demeanor. A relaxed body suggests a tranquil mind, while fidgeting can signal nervousness. Achieving a still presence conveys authority and confidence.
Section 1.6: Walking with Purpose
When you need to move, do so intentionally and purposefully. Walk briskly yet steadily, keeping your head up. Your movements should be fluid and purposeful, rather than hurried or aimless.
Section 1.7: Conscious Breathing
Breathing significantly impacts your nonverbal communication, including your movements and vocal tone. Stress can alter your breathing pattern, leading to tense movements and strained vocal quality. Deep, steady breathing not only enhances your presence but also helps you appear more confident.
Section 1.8: Claiming Your Space
To convey confidence, engage with a space that extends beyond just yourself. Whether in a conversation, meeting, or presentation, claiming a larger space requires energy and practice but also reflects confidence. The more space you take up, the more present and confident you appear.
Reflecting on this list, consider which technique you would like to adopt as a habit. Find ways to remind yourself to maintain good posture, uncross your arms, or take a deep breath throughout the day. By consistently showcasing confidence, you can reshape your self-image and enhance your presence, credibility, and career progression.
Change your communication, change your life.
I’m Rachel Beohm, a writer, speaker, and coach dedicated to empowering clients through nonverbal communication.
If you're interested in practical strategies to enhance your leadership presence, download my FREE leadership presence guide designed to transform your communication and life.
Chapter 2: Enhance Your Confidence Through Body Language
In this video, discover how to project confidence through non-verbal cues. Learn effective strategies to enhance your presence and communicate your value.
This video shares five non-verbal techniques to boost your confidence and command attention in any situation, empowering you to take control of your interactions.