Whether you’re in a meeting room or on a Zoom call, your body language speaks before you do. Confidence isn’t about being loud or aggressive - it’s about being present, calm, and intentional, whether you're working remotely or face-to-face follow these step-by-step tips to appear confident and feel confident.
🪞 Step 1: check your setup
In-person:
- Stand or sit in an upright posture
- Face the person, maintain good posture
- Avoid crossing arms or slouching
Virtual setup:
- Raise your camera to eye level
- Sit at a desk, not bed/sofa
- Use good lighting and tidy background
Why?
Your physical space and posture set the tone. The way you carry yourself sends a message before you even speak.
Your physical space and posture set the tone. The way you carry yourself sends a message before you even speak.
👀 Step 2: eye contact
In-person:
- Maintain natural eye contact
- Don’t stare or look away constantly
- Blink normally and nod to show interest
Virtual setup:
- Look into the camera when talking
- When listening, focus on the speaker
- Nod and smile occasionally
Why?
Eye contact builds trust and connection. People listen more when they feel seen.
Eye contact builds trust and connection. People listen more when they feel seen.
🧍 Step 3: posture & presence
In-person:
- Sit or stand straight, don’t fidget
- Keep feet grounded
- Relax shoulders but stay open
Virtual setup:
- Sit tall, avoid leaning too far
- Keep your upper body in the camera frame
- Keep your body still and steady
Why?
Strong posture = strong presence. It helps you feel and appear more grounded.
Strong posture = strong presence. It helps you feel and appear more grounded.
🗣️ Step 4: speak with confidence
In-person:
- Speak slowly, clearly, and firmly
- Take pauses to gather thoughts
- Avoid filler words ("um", "like")
Virtual setup:
- Speak at a natural pace, avoid rushing
- Mute when not speaking (but be ready!)
- Use a calm tone with slight variation
Why?
The way you speak reflects how confident you feel - even when you're unsure.
The way you speak reflects how confident you feel - even when you're unsure.
✋ Step 5: use gestures and expressions
In-person:
- Use open hand gestures to explain
- Avoid crossing arms
- Smile, raise eyebrows naturally
Virtual setup:
- Keep hands visible in the camera frame
- Avoid over-gesturing
- Smile slightly to create warmth
Why?
Your face and hands make your communication more engaging and relatable.
Your face and hands make your communication more engaging and relatable.
🧘♀️ Step 6: mental prep before meetings
For both in-person & online:
- Take 2–3 deep breaths to calm your nerves
- Stretch your body or do a "power pose"
- Repeat to yourself: “I know what I’m here for. I’ve got this.”
Why?
Your inner state reflects in your outer energy.
Calmness = confidence.
Your inner state reflects in your outer energy.
Calmness = confidence.
💡 Bonus tips for any environment:
- Be the first to say hello or greet. Confident people take the initiative.
- Listen fully without interrupting. It shows control and respect.
- Be present. Don’t check your phone, fidget, or look distracted.
- Smile when entering and exiting a conversation. It leaves a lasting impression
Confidence is a habit, not a personality trait. Practice these, and you’ll feel it before others even see it!
Have a great week ahead!!