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Step 1
Smile. This is the essential key to all confidence. Whether its a sly half smile, a full-out Julia Roberts grin, or a Harrison Ford side-slung smile, a smile creates a psychological shift in the people who see it--studies show that it creates a more favorable impression and the idea of a more capable person. This is exactly what confidence is all about. A smile will also light up your face and mask the facial indications of being tired, depressed, upset, or insecure.
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Step 2
Act decisively. Even if it's only concerning what to get for lunch, pick a choice and stick to it. Confident people don't second-guess themselves, they trust their initial instinct; whether or not you trust yours, fake it by making a snap (if random) decision. Don't hesitate.
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Step 3
Walk with power. Put your chin up, shoulders back, and walk with an even rhythm. You don't need to stomp; think of America's Next Top Model or the Victoria's Secret Fashion show--look straight ahead, never look down, and step with long, decisive strides. Body language conveys a lot to the people around you; make sure it's saying the right thing.
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Step 4
Make eye contact. A hangover from our ancestors is the need to establish dominance in social situations. While this has largely diminished (hence no more clubbing of mates), part of being a confident person is establishing that you will not be dominated. Eye contact is perceived as a challenge; return eye contact, and you have answered the challenge and established yourself as an equal. Confident people are equals to their peers.
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Step 5
When in doubt, say nothing. Don't speak unnecessarily, and when you do, say only what you have to--confident people don't ramble, stammer, backtrack, or use fillers such as "like" or "um." If you tend to do any of these, the less you say, the better. Listen closely to what people are saying to you, think before you speak, and say exactly what you mean.
