This happens everywhere. The employee with high self confidence receives promotions, raises, recognitions, and promotion. Others who don’t participate much (although they contribute equally) are generally left behind.

However, you would be surprised to know the person who appears to be confident is not actually as confident as he appears. They simply do few things that makes them look confident. Before I shore these ‘how to look confident’ ideas, let me warn you these ideas are somewhat weird and unusual, but really works.

If You Are Nervous, Pick a Spot

As soon as you enter a room (during an interview or meeting with superior), scan the area and look for a spot exactly at your eye level that comforts you. It can be anything like a wall painting, light, or an object hanging from ceiling.

Whenever you are nervous, instead of sweeping your eyes nervously on the ceiling or vacuum, stare at this object confidently. Even if you are trying to avoid eye contact, the person on the other hand wouldn’t be able to gauge your nervousness.

Always Carry a Flask With You

I had dinner with one of my clients few months ago. This guy owned a small business with around 30 employees in his company. After having dinner, and before moving out of the restaurant, we both needed to go to the restroom. As soon as I finished, I saw him taking out a flask from his pocket. I asked whether he could wait till we go to the bar. He smiled and said ‘It’s Listerine’.

Doing this simple task made him confident. And I am sure this will make every one of us feel bit more confident because we know our mouth is clean after having dinner, and doesn’t smell bad.

Walk Regularly

Walking regularly improves your health considerably, and it’s a known fact now. It surely increases your fitness, reduces extra pounds and rejuvenates your mood. However, one of the things that most people don’t know is exercising boosts your confidence.

Besides, it also improves the way you walk. Most people who lack confidence have a bad posture and weird walking style. Walking regularly for at least 30 minutes in the morning will improve your walking style and confidence. Next time, when you walk around your workplace, you wouldn’t have to make a conscious effort to walk confidently.

Eye Contact

Most people have hard time looking into the eyes. It may be because many might have focusing problem. But this is a sure sign of having low self confidence. People avoid eye contact when they are guilty, ashamed, lying, or nervous.

Here is a great way on how to keep staring into the eyes. Look into other people’s eyes while talking and notice the eye color, features, eye lashes, and the size. Then, you are free to look away while chatting to them. As soon as you think you can recall the color or the features, look into their eyes again.

And the time when you look away, don’t forget the first point. Stare at a single object at your eye level.

Carry Chamomile Tea Bag in Your Pocket

Chamomile tea is a natural relaxant. Whenever I am nervous or angry, I simply pick up a tea bag, dip into hot water and sip the tea. It really works well when you are nervous. I get this butterfly in my stomach before I visit any social gatherings, and in most cases, I talk to guests very fast, fumbling sometimes. A cup of chamomile tea helps me calm down instantly. This is a secret weapon you can use any time, in any situation.

Don’t Blabber Your Resume While Introduction

Most people, when nervous, blurt out their resume while introducing themselves. They say ‘Hi, I am John Hunt. I work here and I am now writing this document, and on and on and on’.

You don’t have to do this. If the other guy doesn’t know about your work, and really wants to know it, he will probably inquire more about it.

Stay Updated

Whenever you are about to go for a social gathering, especially professional ones, make sure you go through Google news and stay updated with latest news events. This gives you an opportunity to break the ice with almost every one. If I have more time, I will refer wikipedia and know more about the topic. This gives me enough content to talk about.

Breathe Deeply

If you feel overwhelmed with a situation, or you find you hands shivering due to nervousness, take five deep breaths. This intake of fresh oxygen reduces your blood pressure, increase alertness, and reduces anxiety.