5 Tips to Project Self-Confidence

So many things about your career you cannot change, like where you went to law school, what your GPA was, and where you first trained. But what is squarely within your control and easy to fix is body language. When presenting to clients or interviewers, you need to project self-confidence.

Here are 5 ways from Professor Amy Cuddy’s book Presence: 

1. Before the event, power pose in private (like Wonder Woman or victorious athlete). At a minimum, open your shoulders and chest, e.g., by wrapping your arms around the back of your chair and clasping your hands together.
2. If your environment prevents you from actually striking a power pose, do it in your mind. Studies show mental imagery still leads to positive effects.
3. Do not hunch over your phone before an interview or presentation since that posture decreases assertiveness.
4. When presenting, stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back, chest open, and chin level  (don’t overcorrect by holding your chin too high and end up looking down at people). If you’re sitting, put both feet solidly on the ground. Definitely do not wrap your ankles around each other, and don’t obscure your face with your hands in any way.
5. Avoid collapsing into yourself. You could lean forward and put your hands on the table, or rest your arms on the chair, for example. You can even hold a glass of water, which prevents you from clasping your hands. When gesturing, use your whole arm – do not glue your upper arms to your side and gesture like a penguin!