Confident Body language: 2 tricks everyone should know

Question: What do Simon Cowell and this Gorilla have in common?

Clue: It’s nothing to do with hair!

Answer: They both use confident body language to look more powerful.

Does the way you sit or stand really make a difference to how confidently you come across? Hell, yes.

When someone shows confidence through their body language, we automatically assume they have something to be confident about. In turn, we think that means they must be very sure of the message they are relaying to us. It makes us take notice. It makes us want to listen to them.

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Confident body language in action: Example 1

The way we use our body language goes back to the time man began to exist. It is now hard-wired within us. Think about how animals make themselves look more powerful. They find a way of looking bigger. A gorilla will stand on its hind legs, a frog or fish may puff itself up.

The more space we take, the more confident we look. Quite often, confident people will sit sideways on their chair or try to take over two chairs by spreading their arm across the back of the adjacent chair. Have you ever watched Simon Cowell on the X Factor? Watch how he puts his arm on the back of the chair next to him. This is his way of claiming more space. He is stating his authority, power and confidence.

To show confidence in the way you sit or stand, you need to claim as much space as possible but make sure you feel comfortable doing it. Try out different positions. Find a way to sit or stand that feels right for you.

Confident body language in action: Example 2

Imagine Barack Obama walking into a room. He walks in slowly and calmly. He takes a look around the room before he starts to speak. He is composed and in control. He exudes confidence. You want to listen to him.

Now imagine him walking into the same room quickly. His head is bobbing, he is fidgeting with his shirt. He somehow looks restless and anxious. You start to think he’s unsure of his message. Why should you listen to him?

It’s the same person with the same message but by the way he is using his body language, your desire to listen to him has changed.

Confident people have an element of composure and stillness about them. This comes across in the way they walk, sit and stand.