Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are!
Fake it til you make it!
I am a massive fan of FITYMI. Ha- I like that acronym!
FITYMI is imitating confidence, until you become more confident and no longer need to fake it.
However, I wouldn't recommend walking into a meeting and putting on what you think confidence is as people will see right through the bs and this could actually make you stumble and feel less confident.
Get Confident!
Learn your stuff inside out- whether that's for a business meeting, a presentation or giving a toast- and be sincere. Speaking from the heart goes a long way towards getting people 'on side', which will naturally make you feel more confident.
Arrive at your venue early
Instead of looking at your phone and waiting nervously, prepare! Learn that pitch or speech!
Walk around and get comfortable with your presentation space, especially if it's unfamiliar.
Lay your notes and props out where you need them.
If you have a mic, make sure it works and levels are right.
Make sure your audience can see you clearly.
Learn how to express yourself with passion and confidence. There's a fabulous book on the subject by voice coach and speaker Caroline Goyder, Gravitas
Spend some quiet time or meditate
So what's the 'Fake It' part?
Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
There are some wonderful quick 'power' poses you can do that will change the way you feel. Posing confidently on the outside will make you feel confident on the inside. This is another reason to get to your venue early.
Spend a couple of minutes somewhere quiet and private- in the loo if you have to- striking your best power pose! Harness your inner Madonna and fill that room!
Make sure you're able to get out the loo with all that confidence afterwards!
Nobody explains it better than the wonderful Amy Cuddy, social psychologist and expert in power and nonverbal behavior.
I'll leave you with her excellent Ted Talk below:
