{"id":678,"date":"2020-03-09T23:46:34","date_gmt":"2020-03-09T23:46:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.speakersinstitute.com\/?p=678"},"modified":"2020-03-09T23:46:34","modified_gmt":"2020-03-09T23:46:34","slug":"15-ways-to-fake-it-till-you-make-it-how-to-project-confidence-even-if-you-dont-feel-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speakersinstitute.com\/online\/15-ways-to-fake-it-till-you-make-it-how-to-project-confidence-even-if-you-dont-feel-it\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Ways to Fake It Till You Make It (How To Project Confidence Even If You Don\u2019t Feel It)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Confidence impacts so many different areas of your life. Even if you aren\u2019t feeling as confident as you should, project it anyway. Here are some tips to show you how.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the key factors to a successful speech is confidence. But confidence doesn\u2019t stop when you\u2019re off the stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confidence can change the way you\u2019re perceived by others. And how you see yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can also impact your interactions with others. Even your daily work or mood is subject to your current confidence levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may not want to try faking confidence. It seems dubious at best, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, researchers found that the brain is capable of learning the new way of \u201cacting.\u201d There\u2019s a reason why the phrase \u201cfake it \u2018til you make it\u201d is still very popular. You can train your brain to project confidence until it\u2019s second nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, different hormones activate depending on posture and breathing. This can further impact your mood and confidence levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will you be super confident overnight? Probably not. But you can keep faking confidence until the brain treats it as the new normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a look at a few simple tips to get you started on the new, more confident you.
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15 Ways to Project Your Confidence <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Check out some simple ways to project confidence. Even if you aren\u2019t feeling it, you can project it like you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip #1 \u2013 Power Pose <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Do you have your superhero pose ready? No, you don\u2019t have to put your fist on your hips. But you do have to stand tall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body language speaks a thousand words. It also goes a long way towards how others perceive confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers also found that holding this power pose for as little as 2 minutes releases positive hormones. And you know those feel-good hormones can help you physically feel more confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #2 \u2013 Focus on What You Already Know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next, remember why you\u2019re awesome. When you feel your confidence flagging, go and do something you\u2019re great at. Or simply remind yourself about how great you are at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, confidence levels can flag or deflate when you tackle something you\u2019re unfamiliar with. You may feel anxious and unsure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remind yourself that there are some things you\u2019re awesome at. Doing so can help boost your confidence even if you\u2019re in a situation that makes you feel uneasy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip #3 \u2013 Maintain Eye Contact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The eyes are the windows to the soul. And maintaining eye contact speaks volumes about your confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But holding eye contact may be easier said than done. If it starts feeling awkward or unnatural, don\u2019t look away! That may be counterproductive to your confidence efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, try shifting your focus a little to the person\u2019s mouth. You may even watch their nose or chin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shifting your focus a little still gives the impression that you\u2019re attentive and engaged. But you don\u2019t have to worry about awkward eye contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just remember to look away when the conversation breaks naturally. Staring after the conversation winds down may seem odd and off-putting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip #4 \u2013 Play with Voice Projection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Voice projection is a speaker\u2019s greatest trick. Think of the greatest orators in history. They certainly didn\u2019t mumble or pull back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can try the same trick. If you tend to mumble when you\u2019re nervous, play with projection. Speak a little louder than you normally would. It can help you come across as more confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #5 \u2013 Dress Like a Power Player<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may hear that you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have. This is a power play that helps boost your confidence levels. But it works in different situations, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key factor is that you dress the part. If you wear things that make you look good, you\u2019ll also feel good. So, put on clothing that makes you feel confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, you don\u2019t have to break the bank to overhaul your wardrobe. Confidence-boosting accessories like a great pair of shoes or bold jewellery also do the trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t stop at your clothing. Take a look at your entire look. From your hair to your shoes, make sure they all help you feel confident. Otherwise, the smallest thing may throw you off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #6 \u2013 Smile! Everyone\u2019s Watching<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People perceive confidence as friendly and positive. Even when you don\u2019t feel like it, try cracking a smile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, you get a physical boost from smiling. The very act of smiling releases feel-good chemicals in your brain that may also help with nervousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #7 \u2013 Get Your Superhero Playlist Queued<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Music has the power to influence moods. But if you\u2019re feeling a little down, you may not want to queue up your favourite power tunes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listening to happy music, on the other hand, can help boost your mood. And your confidence levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One study revealed that actively boosting your mood with happy music can help boost positive feelings. So, get out your earbuds and find that playlist. Get happy and more confident with your favourite tunes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #8 \u2013 Practice Mindful Breathing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mindful slow breathing isn\u2019t just for yoga classes. Slowing your breathing can help slow your heart rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does this directly help you boost confidence? Not necessarily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But a slower heart rate can limit those tell-tale signs of anxiety by making you feel more relaxed and centred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #9 \u2013 Loosen Up \u2013 Your Jaws and Shoulders, That Is!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another way to exude confidence is to loosen up your jaws and shoulders. Consciously making the decision to loosen up these target areas can help decrease anxiety and boost confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The physical body sometimes responds to emotions. That\u2019s why you tense up when you\u2019re anxious. However, the reverse is also true. Get your anxiety under control by changing your physical state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #10 \u2013 Be an Empathetic Listener<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Confident people tend to be good, empathetic listeners. They\u2019re secure in themselves and the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But nervous people give themselves away by tuning out the other person. Also, nervous people stop listening and focus on what they\u2019re going to say next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #11 \u2013 Write Down and Remind Yourself About Victory Moments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are there specific moments when you felt the most confident? Write them down! Don\u2019t just forget about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes you do the things you\u2019re good at without realising it. It\u2019s second nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But keeping a log of your confident moments can help you build confidence over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the time to celebrate your confidence victories and remind yourself about them often. Revisiting confident moments can give you a confidence boost. Try taking out the log the next time you tackle a new task or situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #12 \u2013 Act as If You\u2019re the Most Qualified Person in the Room<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Imagine how many times a lack of self-confidence kept you from potential opportunities. Maybe you held back because you thought you weren\u2019t that qualified?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what if you\u2019re not the most qualified person in the room? Give yourself a chance and believe in yourself. Don\u2019t cut yourself out of the running because you think you aren\u2019t qualified enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chances are that you may be the most qualified. But you\u2019ll never know if you don\u2019t act as if you believe it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #13 \u2013 Cover That Uncomfortable Feeling with Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Does the idea of being in the social spotlight fill you with anxiety? Don\u2019t run away from the situation. Instead, turn the spotlight onto someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, people like to talk about themselves. Redirect attention and ask insightful questions. Not only does it help others feel positive about you. It may also give the impression that you\u2019re self-possessed and in control because you\u2019re leading the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #14 \u2013 Accept All Compliments <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Accepting compliments graciously is a trait that all confident people possess. Don\u2019t deflect compliments by pointing out your faults or turning it around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You earned those compliments. Accept them with a smile. And remember that confident people know that they\u2019re great. So, it\u2019s time to fake it like you are until you feel it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip #15 \u2013 Focus on the Learning Experience and Enjoy the Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in the process of faking it until you have confidence, failure may be a struggle. You may think, \u201cIf I was truly competent, I wouldn\u2019t have failed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, even the most confident people make mistakes. It\u2019s all a learning process. And if you\u2019re taking chances, you\u2019ll make mistakes along the way. That\u2019s part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try smaller failures first to help shift your perspective. Pick up a new hobby and keep a log of what you learned with each mistake. As you learn this new skill, you\u2019ll see how failure is part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning from the small failures first can help you transition when you fail professionally. As mentioned, it\u2019s all a learning process, and confident people embrace the experience and try again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fake Confidence Until You Own It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Confidence automatically helps you become a more credible speaker. People are more eager to listen to your words if you project confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people feel paralysed when they\u2019re lacking in confidence. But there\u2019s truth in the saying that you should \u201cfake it till we make it.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Science says that the brain can learn new ways to act. And that includes projecting confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, strike your power pose and smile. For many, body language is the first step to oozing with confidence. It\u2019s possible even if you don\u2019t feel it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to learn more influencer tips? Contact Speakers Institute or join us at one of our events:<\/p>\n\n\n\n