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Hey Queens! It's been too long. Way too long since we've gathered here together. But you know what? This feels good. It feels right! Wanna know something else? This is our 60th blog post! That's a big deal! Thank you for being here and hanging in there with me!
Let's get right into it.
With so much going on in the world, it can be difficult to keep a level head. However, us boss queens still have places to be and things to do. So, I thought for our very first BOLD blog post, we'd discuss how to exude confidence even when you don't feel like it.
Queen Maree's 5 Jazzy Tips for Confidence
It's all in the posture
Queen did you know that 93% of communication is non-verbal? That means, your facial expressions, your presence, your posture, and other non-verbal cues speak louder than the words that are coming out of your mouth. If you want to project confidence when you're not feeling in the mood to, you can go along way by adjusting your posture.
Standing straight up with your shoulders back and your head held high communicates a person ready to take care of business. Even when you're sitting down, don't slump over. Plant your feet firmly on the ground and align your back with the back of whatever it is you're sitting on, hands folded in front of you. When you walk, same thing, make sure your back is straight and your head held high.
Not only will this make you look more confident, but it will also make you feel more confident.
Make eye contact
This is a lot easier said than done for many, I know. However, you will be able to get your point across a lot quicker and firmer if you were to look the people you're dealing with directly in the eye.
Think about it, would you be able to take someone seriously if they were speaking to you but looking at the floor?
You are a Queen, dipped in royalty. You are important and worthy enough to get what you want. The fact that you have an audience means that they want to hear from you. You're already doing something right. So, hold that beautiful head of yours up and look them in the eye when you speak.
Speak Up
Again, this is easier said than done, however just as important. If you have to take a moment to collect your thoughts do so. It's okay! There's no rush to say something right away. When you do have the words you'd like to say, speak up loud enough so that you can be heard. You are too important and worth to much to have your words get lost in the sauce.
If you're in a group setting where everyone is talking and you've said something but other people spoke over you, say it again. You don't have to raise your voice or get frustrated. Each conversation has a rhythm , a rise when the conversation picks up and a fall, when the conversation starts to die down. Find that sweet spot right when the conversation is destined to die, and repeat yourself.
Put your poker face on
Never show too much emotion Queen. Read the room you're in and act accordingly. If it's a professional environment, you want to keep your emotions off your face and out of your body language. In these situations you want to be calculated with every move you make. If you get too animated you will come off as unprofessional; as if you're not taking anything seriously.
This is especially true during a negotiation or a meeting that takes a heated turn. If other people raise their voice or start getting disrespectful with their tone, you stay calm. Not following the other people in the conversation, by remaining calm and keeping the volume of your voice leveled will help you retain your power during the conversation. Don't show them that they are getting to you. Save that for the car ride home or for your friends when you're retelling what happened. In the heat of the moment, you staying calm, cool, and unbothered will help the conversation along in your favor.
Stay true to you
Above all Queen, be yourself. When I say fake it til you make it, I don't mean walk into a meeting, or group pretending to be someone or something you're not. Be you! It's the easiest thing to do.
There's a lot going on in the world right now. A lot of uncertainty and a lot of foolishness. However, as Phorbe Queens, we understand that we must continue walking in our purpose if we are going to create any real positive change. Walking in your purpose means continuing to put your best foot forward, even when you'd rather lay in bed with the covers over your head. I hope these tips help you project the Queen that you are.
Be confident! Stay true! Step into the Queen you're meant to be and SLAY!
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JULY 21, 2020