The Power of Confidence in Business Interactions
Being a person who inspires confidence, empathy, and leaves a good impression is essential when leading a team, networking at events, or presenting to investors. In fact, physical presentations have a greater impact because the human factor is a differentiator; one person can inspire others, explains Graham Davies, author of the book “Learn to Speak Without Fear.”
Confidence Opens Opportunities
When feeling nervous before a presentation, a meeting, or speech, it’s important to prepare your mind not to panic on stage. This is achieved through body language.
Lorena Martínez, an image consultant at Consimage, advises considering Albert Mehrabian’s 55-38-7 communication rule, named after the psychology professor at the University of California. Mehrabian explains that 55% of communication is based on body language, 38% on tone of voice, and 7% on the message.
“Sometimes we spend all night preparing the pitch, but you only generate impact from 7%, these are rough numbers, but they help us understand the relevance of confidence and body language in connecting with others,” she adds.
When someone doesn’t move while speaking or makes jerky movements, has a very low tone of voice, or speaks too fast, it’s a sign of nervousness. Although understandable, this can also transmit lack of confidence.
5 Tips to Convey Confidence
Lorena Martínez argues that several factors help the brain feel secure, just like projecting a good image. Here are five tips to increase confidence:
- Tone of Voice: Speak calmly with short pauses to refresh ideas and take a breath. Also, ensure the information is precise without beating around the bush.
- Posture: Avoid standing straight. Although it helps feel more confident, it’s not recommended. Instead, maintain a straight posture but avoid exaggerating, as people will perceive it as inauthentic.
- Movements: Use harmonious hand movements to maintain attention and show confidence. Facial expressions, like smiling, are also crucial as they express empathy.
- Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact reinforces confidence. When someone lies or feels insecure, they tend to avoid eye contact. Balance your gaze and try to look at everyone involved.
- Attire: Clothing influences the message you want to convey. Dark tones project authority, while light colors are ideal for openness and empathy.
Experiment with styles in a casual setting, like a casual outfit or staying at home. Avoid wearing something new for the first time in crucial situations, like investment rounds or important meetings.
Mistakes Are Not the End of the World
One fear when interacting with people is making mistakes, whether by saying the wrong data or accidentally tripping over words. However, this is not the end; it’s also an opportunity to connect more with people.
Accept what happened and take it positively. “We’re all human, and at some point, we’ve misspoken a word, but we should work on improvisation, which will help you relax,” advises Lorena Martínez.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How does body language impact business interactions? A: Body language plays a crucial role in business interactions, as it accounts for 55% of communication according to Albert Mehrabian’s rule.
- Q: What are some tips to convey confidence through body language? A: Maintain a calm tone, use harmonious hand movements, maintain eye contact, and dress appropriately to project the desired message.
- Q: How should one handle mistakes during business interactions? A: Accept the mistake, learn from it, and remember that everyone makes them; improvisation skills can help you stay relaxed.
