Are you scared to speak in front of an audience and you get all clammy, complete with butterflies in your stomach?  Welcome to the club because even the best speakers experience the same thing when they are about to speak to an audience.  The only difference is that the latter has enough confidence to get past that stage and take control of their fear of public speaking.  Many times, people we know who lack self confidence tend to stay in the background and get less recognition compared to those who do have that trait.

Build Your Confidence

There are several things you can start doing to make you more confident.  Sure, it may seem awkward when you are just starting, but eventually, you will catch on.  Dressing smartly is one way of building that self confidence.  You notice during job interviews that interviewees who come in business attire tend to look capable of taking on the job compared to those who come in rugged clothing.  When you notice a person walking with confidence, you notice that they don’t drag their feet, but they walk straight ahead with purpose.  That shows a man who knows where he’s going and what he ought to do.  These people tend to give the impression that they are important, and you would want to be labeled as such yourself. 

A good posture tells a lot about your self confidence, too.  Many others will slump back on their chairs or walk with drooped shoulders, and they look like losers.  Get a winning posture and see how people will start thinking you got something they don’t, including self confidence.  As we move from outward manifestations of self confidence, we can start examining ourselves to polish on our own self confidence.  Find out the things you are good at and focus on these.  Look at your weaknesses as opportunities for improvement.

Too Much Confidence 

Too much or too little of anything is not good, including confidence.  So, how do you differentiate an overconfident person from one who exudes the right dose of confidence?  For one, the former are generally unlikable.  Speak with other people, but don’t talk them down.  Ask nicely in a firm voice, but don’t get bossy with them.  Get the courage to be friendly instead of aloof at other people.  We do want to reinforce positive things about us, but it does not mean we would think negatively of everyone else around us.