You can be on Entrepreneur’s cover!

How to Look and Sound More Confident (Infographic) These quick tips will help boost your confidence in five minutes.

By Rose Leadem

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Morsa Images | Getty Images

Confidence is an integral part of success. Of course, there's a difference between confidence and ego, and it's important you don't develop the latter.

Related: Confidence, Humility and the Effective CEO.

So how can you look and sound more confident? To start, focus on body language. Keep your hands visible and don't put them in your pockets when speaking. Hiding your hands can suggest uncertainty and nerves. Also, be sure to make eye contact with the person you're speaking to and don't divert your eyes.

Related: 10 Things Confident People Don't Do

Another area to focus on is your voice. Make sure you don't mumble or shout, and instead keep your voice at a normal speaking level. The more clear you sound, the more confident you come off. That's why it's also important not to talk fast and rush your words. In fact, it's recommended to speak so slowly that it feels like a "snail's pace." When you speak slowly, you'll be more cautious of what you're saying and can make sure to avoid any "ums" or "likes."

Related: To Massively Increase Your Confidence, Plan to Spend Your Time Constructively

From offering a strong handshake to standing up straight, check out Pound Place's infographic below for more ways on how to look and sounds more confident.

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

He Took His Side Hustle Full-Time After Being Laid Off From Meta in 2023 — Now He Earns About $200,000 a Year: 'Sweet, Sweet Irony'

When Scott Goodfriend moved from Los Angeles to New York City, he became "obsessed" with the city's culinary offerings — and saw a business opportunity.

Business News

Some Costco Stores Are Now Selling a Frozen Item That Looks Just Like a Trader Joe's Fan Favorite

The Frozen Kimbap is a Trader Joe's cult favorite, and now a version can be found at Costco, too.

Science & Technology

AI Will Radically Transform the Workplace — Here's How HR Teams Can Prepare for It

HR intrapreneurs are emerging as key drivers of AI reskilling, thoughtful organizational restructuring and ethical integration, shaping an inclusive future where technology enhances both efficiency and employee development.

Marketing

Why This One Unique Marketing Approach is the Key to Business Growth

Adopting this approach now will help you succeed and see consistent, measurable growth over the long term.

Health & Wellness

How This Millionaire Investor Overcame Opioid Addiction to Become the World's Fastest Marathoner Over 50

Ken Rideout shares five invaluable lessons for achieving peak performance physically and mentally.