Confidence can be quite a relative subject. For some, it could be as simple as talking to that girl they always wanted. For you, it may be as frightening as finally standing up for yourself and demanding that promotion you rightfully deserve. So many people think that confidence is something that you either have or you don’t. But, the truth is you can slowly, but effectively learn how to project confidence.

There are so many upsides to you learning how to exhibit confidence. By learning how to show confidence, it positively boosts your self-esteem, which can work wonders on your ability to talk and interact with other people, regardless of who you are. For some people, it also gives them an aura of charisma that so many people are naturally drawn to.

Not sure how you can start showing confidence? Don’t panic, because here are five sure-fire ways you can Exhibit confidence in your personal and professional world, even when you’re not

• Make eye contact with who you are talking with. Eye contact is arguably the most important ways to show confidence, and it works like a charm if you execute it properly. When you don’t make eye contact with people when you or they are speaking, they are more likely to think that you are disrespectful, rude, indecisive, or condescending than shy.

 People are quick to judge, and making eye contact would mean that they immediately see you as confident, approachable, friendly, and other positive qualities they would like to see in someone.

• Maintain a confident posture at all times. When you slouch, you are most likely going to be viewed as lazy, lethargic, and unconfident. That’s why “standing tall” will continue to be essential in displaying confidence. You can demonstrate this by keeping your shoulders back, while simultaneously keeping your spine straight.

A lot of us are used to slouching, so it may be hard to maintain at first. However, you should keep at it, because when you do, it offers you a lot of physical advantages as well as making you look and feel more confident.

• Fidgeting is a no-no: No matter how confident you are or think you are, there’s nothing that hampers confidence like fidgeting. It’s the kryptonite to your superman. People fidget in different ways, like jiggling their legs, flailing their arms when conversing with people, and so on. Some people also uncontrollably squirm in their seats, or move their heads for no reason at all. It’s a bad habit, because not only does it make you look like you’re having a mini-seizure, but it also ruins your confidence and ultimately, your self-esteem.

Stopping this isn’t easy, but you can easily speak with a friend or someone you trust to keep you in check whenever you display such behavior. With time, you will begin to notice this behavior yourself and curb it. (Trust me, I’ve been there.)

• It is always a smart choice to speak slowly and clearly. When you’re talking to someone, you don’t have to speak as fast as a kid on a sugar rush.it makes you sound nervous, and makes you spew verbal blunders and nonsense along the way. Don’t be surprised when you never get called to make that big pitch to your superiors you’ve been waiting for. Slow down, articulate your words carefully, and think before you speak. This tip is useful both in your personal and business life. You can never go wrong speaking slowly and powerfully.
• It’s okay for you to be silent at times. It’s very easy for you to think silence is awkward. In fact, the mass population believes that, which is wrong. Thus, a lot of people tend to say things they do not mean, they are not sure of, and would come back to bite them just to escape the silence.

Silence in important moments could make all the difference in showing your confidence and decisiveness.

You can be silent to make your point sink in. you can be silent when there is nothing to say. You can be silent when you’re thinking of how to convey what you want to say. There really are no rules to silence.

Confidence is a quality we all need, but not many people have. It improves our personal, and professional lives astronomically, and also gives our social lives a big boost. Learning to show confidence is very important, and the steps above help to achieve that very well.

By: Jubril Lawal Jubril Lawal has been a Ghost Writer and Content Writer for over a year. He studies Psychology at Obafemi Awolowo University, and is a mental health advocate and writing enthusiast.