By
eHow Relationships & Family Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Shake the person's hand when you greet each other. To show confidence, make sure your hand is on top, with your palm facing down, and squeeze a little harder than normal. Then be the first to start the conversation. Usually the person who starts the conversation ends up dominating it.
Step2
Pay attention to your posture and other body language. Keep your back straight and your head up. Don't look at the floor, or your surroundings. Instead, look directly into the eyes of people to whom you speak, and hold that eye contact throughout the conversation. Don't cross your arms because this portrays someone who is shy or not fully in the conversation.
Step3
Recognize the body language symbols of dominance and use them when needed. Place your hands on your hips to make your body appear larger. Stand up straight to make yourself appear tall; women can wear high heels to add extra height. Get into the other person's space. This can include getting just a little to close too them or too close to their desk when at work, for example.
Step4
Remember that you are deserving of respect. Sometimes the ability to speak confidently comes from believing in and having complete confidence in you. Decide what your best qualities are, and appreciate those. If you have any insecurity about yourself, find a way to get rid of it. Be proud of who you are.
Step5
Speak clearly during conversations. Make sure that others can always understand what you are saying; neither speak too quietly nor too loudly. Say what you need to say, and use a tone that implies that you know you are right. Remember to keep eye contact.
