How to Look Confident but Not Snobby

While confidence is one of the most desirable traits, snobbishness is viewed as a serious character flaw.

Confidence is perhaps the most sought-after trait in today's society. Employers always look for a candidate who appears self-assured. Confident men and women seem to be more successful in their personal relationships as well. However, a thin line separates confidence from arrogance, and in attempting to appear confident, many people inadvertently cross this line. Fortunately, there are a few simple techniques to help you radiate confidence without appearing snobby.

Instructions

1. Smile! This is the easiest and most effective way to come across as confident and self-assured while appearing down-to-earth and approachable. Make sure your smile is genuine and warm. Do not give quick smiles that appear fake or strained. If you are not used to smiling without reason, try thinking about positive memories that make you happy.

2. Don't cross your arms. While this may be a harmless habit you do without thinking, others may misinterpret your body language and view you as difficult to interact with. According to the Love-Sessions website, closed arms are an indirect way of saying you do not want to be bothered.

3. Never take pleasure in others' mistakes or misfortunes even if they are your competitors. Confident people are helpful and empathetic when people falter because they are secure enough in their own abilities to not view other potentially successful people as a threat. Snobs are actually exceedingly self-conscious people who use overconfidence as a facade to cover up feelings of inferiority. They feel the need to look superior to those around them so they revel in the shortcomings of others.

4. Admit your mistakes. Confident people set their standards high and believe in themselves, but they don't feel the need to appear perfect. They recognize themselves as human and they are comfortable with making mistakes as part of their learning process. Refusal to admit mistakes is a hallmark of snobbery. Snobby people deny their mistakes or place the blame on others.

5. Steer clear of gossip. While gossip is widespread and nearly impossible to avoid, don't criticize another person behind his or her back. When people gossip, they are often insinuating that the subject of the gossip is lesser than themselves in some way. A confident person does not judge others, nor does she act as though she knows what's best for anyone else.

References

• Love-Sessions; Are You Confident or Conceited?; 2010
• Great Self-Confidence; How to Look Confident; David Rogers; 2011