As you move through the world, your body language and attire tell a story about you. But what are the best ways to present confidence and put your best foot forward? We spoke to Joanna Lovering, founder of leadership and presence consulting firm Copper + Rise, to learn everything you need to know about exuding confidence before you even speak.
Know Yourself
Presenting confidently is about “self-assurance and being grounded in exactly who you are — including all your imperfections. It’s about embracing your idiosyncrasies and your quirks and not trying to hide them,” Lovering says. Confidence is not necessarily marked by who is speaking the most or the loudest, she adds. Asking thoughtful questions and embracing silence can also be signs of confidence — you needn’t be loud to take up space.
“It’s not about performing as someone you’re not,” she says. “If you start to perform as someone you’re not, we’re leading into perfectionism territory. We’re not accepting ourselves as whole people, and other people can feel that.”
The Body Talks
Confident body language begins with an open posture — sitting or standing up straight with your shoulders back rather than hunching over or crossing your arms, Lovering says. Steady, friendly eye contact is another cue of confidence, as it reassures others that you are present and engaged.
Maintaining poised stillness or calm, intentional movements is also key. Fidgeting, shifting too much or other nervous gestures can indicate you feel unnatural in your surroundings, signaling a lack of assuredness. And never underestimate the power of an authentic smile.
“A genuine smile is pretty magnetic and invites connection,” Lovering says. It allows someone to see you as both trustworthy and confident.
Dress The Part
While oversized pieces are on-trend, well-fitting, tailored garments with defined seams make a strong impression, Lovering says.
“They indicate to people not only that you’re confident, but also that you’re more creative and you have more out-of-the-box thinking,” she says.
It’s also important to consider who your audience is on a given day — your outfit for an office cocktail party will differ from what you’d wear to a best friend’s birthday, for example. Considering who will be in the room, Lovering says, will only help you be intentional about how you show up.