I used to think confidence was something you were either born with or without.
Some people just walk into a room and own it, while the rest of us hope no one notices how awkward we feel.
But here’s what I’ve learned—confidence isn’t some rare personality trait. It’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be practiced and improved.
In fact, psychology shows that small actions in public can instantly make you feel more self-assured.
The best part? You don’t need to fake it or become someone you’re not. Just a few subtle shifts in how you carry yourself can completely change how you feel—and how others see you.
So if you’re ready to step into any situation with more confidence, try these seven simple habits next time you’re out in public.
1) Make eye contact (but don’t overthink it)
Eye contact is one of the simplest ways to project confidence—and actually feel it, too.
Studies show that maintaining eye contact makes you appear more self-assured, trustworthy, and engaged in conversation. But more importantly, it signals to your own brain that you belong in the interaction.
The trick? Keep it natural. You don’t need to stare people down or force yourself into an uncomfortable gaze. Just aim to meet someone’s eyes when speaking or listening, then glance away occasionally to keep things relaxed.
If this feels intimidating, start small. Try holding eye contact for a second longer than usual in casual interactions—like when ordering coffee or passing someone in the hallway.
You’ll be surprised how quickly it starts to feel normal—and how much more confident you become because of it.
2) Stand tall (even if you don’t feel like it)
I used to have a habit of slouching without even realizing it—especially in public. Shoulders hunched, arms crossed, head down. It wasn’t until a friend pointed it out that I noticed how much smaller I was making myself.
So, I tried something different. The next time I walked into a room, I straightened my back, pulled my shoulders back, and lifted my chin slightly.
It felt a little awkward at first, but something interesting happened—I immediately felt more in control, more present. And people responded differently to me, too.
Psychologists call this “power posing.” Research suggests that the way you hold your body can influence how confident you actually feel. Standing tall signals both to yourself and to others that you’re comfortable in your own skin.
So next time you’re out in public, check your posture. A small adjustment can make a huge difference in the way you carry yourself—and how others perceive you.
3) Speak up (even when your voice shakes)
For a long time, I hesitated to speak in group settings. I’d have something to say, but by the time I worked up the courage to say it, the moment had passed.
I told myself I was just being thoughtful, but the truth? I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. Afraid of sounding stupid. Afraid of people judging me.
Then one day, I forced myself to speak up in a meeting—even though my heart was racing. And you know what happened? Nothing bad. No one laughed. No one called me out. In fact, people nodded along, and someone even built on my point.
Confidence isn’t about always knowing the perfect thing to say. It’s about trusting that what you have to say is worth hearing.
If you find yourself holding back in conversations, challenge yourself to speak up—just once. Even if your voice shakes. Even if it’s not perfectly worded. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
4) Slow down your movements
Rushed movements make you look (and feel) nervous.
I used to fidget a lot—tapping my foot, shifting my weight, speaking too fast. I thought no one noticed, but deep down, I knew it made me seem uncertain.
Then I started paying attention to confident people. They moved with intention. Their gestures were controlled. They took their time when speaking, walking, even just reaching for a glass of water.
So I tried it. I slowed down my movements, paused before responding, and resisted the urge to fill every silence. Almost instantly, I felt more composed—like I was in control instead of reacting to everything around me.
Confidence isn’t about being the loudest person in the room. Sometimes, it’s about having the patience to move with purpose.
5) Take up space
Ever notice how confident people don’t shrink themselves? They sit comfortably, they gesture freely, they walk like they belong.
That’s not an accident. Studies show that “expansive postures” actually change how we feel—widening your stance or spreading your arms can increase feelings of power and self-assurance.
For the longest time, I did the opposite. I’d cross my arms, tuck my legs under my chair, or press myself into the smallest corner of a room. I thought it made me less noticeable, but really, it just made me feel smaller—physically and mentally.
So I started making a small shift. Sitting with both feet planted firmly on the ground. Uncrossing my arms. Allowing myself to take up the space I was in.
And slowly, that feeling of confidence followed. Because when you move like you belong somewhere, your mind starts to believe it too.
6) Acknowledge people
I used to walk through public spaces with my head down, lost in my own world. Not because I was unfriendly, but because I assumed no one really noticed me anyway.
Then one day, I made a small change—I started acknowledging people. A nod to the barista handing me my coffee. A quick “good morning” to a coworker I didn’t usually talk to. Holding eye contact for just a second longer when passing someone on the street.
Something surprising happened. People responded. They smiled back, greeted me first the next time, and suddenly, the world felt less distant.
Confidence isn’t just about how you feel within yourself—it’s also about how you connect with others. And sometimes, the simplest way to feel more comfortable in your own skin is to remind yourself that you’re not invisible.
7) Act like you belong
Confidence isn’t about having all the answers or never feeling nervous. It’s about deciding—before anyone else does—that you have a right to be there.
I used to wait for permission. I’d scan the room, looking for some unspoken signal that I was welcome, that I fit in. But the people who seemed the most at ease? They weren’t waiting for approval. They just showed up and acted like they belonged.
So I started doing the same. Walking into rooms without second-guessing myself. Speaking without apologizing first. Sitting at the table like I was meant to be there.
That changed everything. Because when you carry yourself like you belong, people start to believe it too—including you.
The bottom line
Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s something you build.
And often, it’s the smallest shifts that make the biggest difference. Standing taller, making eye contact, taking up space—these aren’t just habits of confident people, they’re tools that help create confidence from the outside in.
The key is to practice. Not perfectly, not all at once, but consistently. Each time you speak up when you normally wouldn’t or carry yourself with just a little more certainty, you’re reinforcing a new way of being.
It won’t always feel natural at first. Growth never does. But confidence isn’t about never feeling doubt—it’s about moving forward anyway.
So start now. Show up as if you belong. Because you do.
