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Is it possible for a leader always to project confidence? Surely every leader walks into situations which they don’t feel confident about. It could be a presentation in front of a large audience. It might be dealing with a very emotional issue. There are many things to throw the leader out of their comfort zone.

Work is always going to put these challenges in our way. The way we deal with them conveys a lot to those around us. So it’s vital that we maintain a confident manner. We need to approach difficult or ambiguous situations with the conviction that ‘all will come good’. So how can you sustain a belief in one’s powers and abilities? Here are some practical techniques to help you appear – and feel – more confident.

1 Project a positive attitude. There’s a link between our physiological and psychological selves. If we tell ourselves to appear confident, the body assumes the posture of confidence. This begins to make us feel genuinely confident!

2 Maintain appropriate eye contact. Every culture has rules about eye contact. In many Western countries, failure to maintain eye contact can be interpreted as submissive.

“When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you”

African proverb

3 Watch those hands. Hands are often a big ‘give-away’ about how someone is feeling. Keep them in control and still. You’ll appear much more relaxed.

4 Prepare thoroughly for any task. What often drains confidence away is the feeling that we are out of our depth. Preparation reassures us before we go into challenges and is rarely wasted.

5 Dress confidently. Going into situations knowing that a shirt or blouse is too tight makes us lose confidence. Dress appropriately and always feel you look smart.

6 Choose your opinions carefully. Don’t commit to definite opinions that you have trouble defending. Give opinions which you feel confident of defending and do so if challenged.

7 Notice any feelings of vulnerability. When people start to feel ‘out of their depth’ they can feel vulnerable. This vulnerability might express itself in aggressive or submissive behaviour. Stay calm, focused and assertive.

Being able to display confidence, even during difficult periods, gives confidence to the team and keeps morale high.

Good posture and appropriate eye contact project confidence to others.