The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

LOOKING CONFIDENT / 339

Establishing your presence

You can win the attention and respect of

an audience before you begin simply

through your posture, and by the way you

occupy the space around you. Even if

you cannot rearrange the seating in the

room, you should become familiar with

the room, your position, and the lines of

sight—“owning” the space will make you

feel more comfortable and confident.

Give yourself room to move, and make

sure the audience can see your hands;

don’t trap yourself behind a desk or use

the lectern as a shield—the audience

may interpret your position as defensive.

USE PROPS

If nerves deter you from

using your body, hold a

prop—such as a pen or

wireless remote—in one

hand until you find your

comfort level and confidence.

Tip

ASK YOURSELF...

Do I appear confident? YES NO

When you are confident,

you behave naturally,

and in the full expectation

of a positive outcome

1 Is my eye contact strong? ..........................................................

2 Am I projecting my voice? ..........................................................

3 Am I maintaining good posture? .................................................

4 Are my hand gestures natural? .................................................

5 Is my language conversational? .................................................

6 Are my movements purposeful? .................................................

7 Do I appear calm and in control? .................................................

of a second is all it takes for

people to assess each other

1/10

US_338-339_Looking_confident.indd 339 31/05/16 5:29 pm