• Call us today at 917.841.2965 - For those on mobile devices Click Here

Three Easy Tips for Projecting Confidence!

Speak clearly for professional success!In today’s increasingly competitive workplace, it’s not only crucial to be good at what you do. Projecting a strong, capable, professional image is necessary to gain the respect of others and advance in the professional world. One of the key ingredients in this image is confidence. If you don’t appear to be confident in yourself, it’s extremely difficult for others to trust you and your skills. Take a look at the following tips to appear as confident and self-assured as possible in the workplace:

  • Avoid Upspeak: Intonation can play a large role in projecting confidence. One bad habit that conveys a lack of confidence is a rising intonation at the end of each sentence, making statements sound like questions. Avoid this pattern, and end each sentence in a strong,  authoritative way.
  • Watch Your Body Language: Posture is a critical component of a confident image. Slouching creates the impression that you are insecure in your actions and want to blend into the background as much as possible. Stand with your shoulders back, your spine straight, and your chin level with the floor. Maintain a strong stance by keeping your feet roughly shoulder width apart, with your weight evenly distributed, and avoid shifting your weight from foot to foot.
  • Cut out Question Words and Fillers: Avoid Question Words: Another common speech pattern that can betray a lack of confidence is overusing question words such as “right?”, “okay?”, or “you know?” at the end of sentences. These words can certainly be used in situations where you are genuinely checking to see if your conversation partner is on the same page. However, using them consistently makes it seem as though you are not fully confident in your message and are seeking the other person’s approval. Filler words such as “um”, “uh”, or “like” are also confidence busters. Fillers interrupt the flow of your speech and can make you sound inexperienced, or even unintelligent. If you need a moment to gather your thoughts, simply pause or take a breath before moving on.

Do you have any tips for projecting confidence in the workplace? What makes someone appear unconfident or unprofessional? Share your story in the comments section below!

Do your professional communication skills need improvement? Let us help you make your speech and communication your most powerful professional tool! For information on the New York Based Speech and Accent Reduction services offered by Corporate Speech Solutions please give us a call at 212-308-7725 or visit us on the web at www.corporatespeechsolutions.com. Not in NYC? No problem! We also provide Skype and video conferencing services.

© 2014, Corporate Speech Solutions of New York City and Long Island – All Rights Reserved