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If there’s a single “secret” to achieving success irrespective of ability, skill, or talent, it’s confidence. The great news is that it need not be genuine confidence; often, just the perception of confidence is sufficient to sway others and modify results.

Confidence is how swindlers entice people, yet it can also be harnessed for positive outcomes. Mastering the art of projecting confidence may become one of the most potent tools for shaping the life you desire and instigating positive transformations in society.

But what does confidence look like, especially when you’re not feeling it? Most of us would love to navigate the world with unrattled assurance, free of self-doubt, but it’s rare to feel absolutely confident all the time. That doesn’t mean we can’t present an aura of confidence. Joe Navarro, a former FBI agent and body language expert, outlines six key elements critical for projecting confidence with WIRED.

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1. Recognizing Confident Traits

Those who exude confidence possess certain traits that make them seem comfortable and in command in any environment.

“Confidence encompasses many aspects,” Navarro explains. “It relates to posture, presentation, and even our physical appearance. Where is our chin? Where are our eyes directed? Our gestures are relaxed yet fluid. As we move, we do so with purpose.”

Even eye movement plays a role. “The less confident we feel, the less eye contact we maintain,” Navarro notes. “Conversely, the more confident we are, the more we engage with our surroundings.”

Confident individuals maintain eye contact and are observant.
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Contrary to popular belief, confidence doesn’t always manifest in boisterous expressions. “Many confuse machismo or grand gestures with confidence,” Navarro adds. “Confidence can often be subtle.”

Take Jane Goodall as an example; she is gentle and soft-spoken yet captivates every audience. “You’ll notice they have a composed presence, and that calmness radiates outward,” Navarro elaborates.

Utilizing time can also signal confidence. Don’t rush; instead, proceed at your own rhythm. “If you control the space, you control the time,” Navarro suggests. “I will take my time answering your question, responding in my chosen pace and tone, illustrating that I am confident and in command.”

2. Emulating Confidence

A powerful way to exhibit confidence is to identify someone you admire for their confidence and emulate their traits. What characteristics do they possess? How do they conduct themselves? How do they communicate?

How do confidently behaving individuals conduct themselves?
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This doesn’t require changing your core self but involves observing those who possess the quality you seek and adapting your behaviors accordingly.

“We aren’t born this way,” Navarro states. “We must constantly develop ourselves, asking, ‘How do I wish to be perceived? What steps can I take to get there?’”

3. Minor Behaviors

Navarro emphasizes the impact of small details. For example, signaling direction with a point is generally received poorly, yet pointing with an open hand is acceptable.

He recalls a lesson learned while serving in law enforcement; during his first arrest, he shouted “Stop, you’re under arrest!” in a high-pitched voice, which sounded unconvincing.

“You must cultivate a commanding presence, saying [in a deeper voice], ‘Stop right there, don’t move.’ That may sound theatrical, yet it’s essential.”

Under Arrest GIF by ABC Network
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Another example is asserting “No, stop,” with certainty—using a steady voice and extending a hand. The more assured you are, the more your fingers may spread apart. These subtle actions communicate confidence more than most realize.

4. Modulation

We all have specific vocal patterns, including tone use. Navarro discusses “uptalk,” where one raises their intonation at the end of sentences, giving an impression of uncertainty.

He advises that speaking with assurance means lowering your voice into a more assertive tone, steering clear of sounding like you’re questioning.

Using deliberate pacing and pauses can enhance your confidence appearance.
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5. Rhythm

Often, especially when feeling anxious or unsure, we rush our speech. However, rapid talking can disengage listeners. Regulating your pace and harnessing pauses can be a compelling way to convey confidence.

“To capture attention and maintain interest, regulate your rhythm, and anticipate what comes next,” Navarro advises. “This directly communicates, on a subconscious level, that you are in control, showcasing your command over the moment.”

6. Non-Verbal Signals

People often equate confidence with posturing—shoulders back, chest puffed, and chin elevated. While that can be a part of it, Navarro clarifies it isn’t obligatory.

Confidence can be expressed through various non-verbal cues.
Photo credit: Canva

“Confidence can often be as simple as sitting gracefully in a chair. It might relate more to how much space you command and the gestures you make.”

When confident individuals communicate, their movements are smooth and deliberate, devoid of haste or jitteriness. This illustrates control. In contrast, those lacking confidence often feel compelled to respond immediately.

“Let’s be honest: confidence isn’t a trait we’re born with,” Navarro remarks. “It’s developed through encouragement, personal achievements, and pushing our boundaries. Yet confidence is a muscle we can strengthen and nurture.”

While it’s ideal to genuinely feel confident rather than merely acting the part, sometimes adopting confident behaviors can engender true feelings of assurance.

“To foster confidence, familiarize yourself with your subject, master the information, and hone your skills,” Navarro advises. “In doing so, you’ll project confidence, irrespective of your current position in life.”