In last week’s post, we discussed ways in which you can use your voice to project an air of confidence. While confident speaking can help you create the image you want to project, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Another extremely important factor in appearing strong and confident is body language.
One of the things that most strongly affects people’s perception of an individual is his or her posture. A weak stance or slumping shoulders can give the impression that you are unsure of yourself and unconsciously trying to hide. When standing, keep your feet planted firmly on the ground, roughly shoulder-width apart. Hold your shoulders back, and keep your chin level with the ground. One way to ensure strong posture while standing, is to concentrate on pulling your naval in toward your spine. This simple move will instantly create a stronger, more erect stance.
When sitting, keep your back straight and avoid the temptation to slouch. Lean slightly forward from the waist, letting your forearms rest on the table in front of you. This helps show that you are engaged and ready to take action, rather than passively absorbing the conversation. To remember to sit with good posture, use this visualization technique: imagine there is an invisible string running through your body and coming out the top of your head. Now picture this string being pulled straight up toward the ceiling, straightening your body in the process. The more often you sit tall, the more naturally it will come.
So the next time you glance in a mirror, take note of how you are standing. What does your posture say about you? Do you see a strong, confident leader, or self-conscious, uncomfortable slumper? Creating and maintaining good posture will let others know you are confident in who you are and what you are saying.
Next week we’ll continue to discuss ways in which you can project confidence by changing the way you move. In the meantime, check out our website, www.corporatespeechsolutions.com to learn about other ways you can improve your speech and communication skills.