Body Language Expert Explains How to Show Confidence | WIRED

1. Characteristics of Confident People

"Confident people feel comfortable in a space the moment they walk in. They don't hesitate, they look around, and their gestures are smooth and expansive."

• Confidence is revealed through body language and attitude.
• Quoting actress Helen Mirren: "One of the hardest things to learn as an actor is how to walk into a scene."
• Confident people show differences starting from their gaze, posture, and walk.
  • Example: Colin Powell commanded the presence of the entire room even before stepping onto the stage.
  • This stems from knowledge and experience, the result of defining and shaping oneself.
• Important point: Confidence can also be quiet.
  • Example: Jane Goodall is gentle and quiet, yet she naturally draws attention wherever she goes.
  • "A person who controls themselves transmits that control outward."

2. Leadership and the Relationship with Time

"Confident people become masters of time."

• Confident people control time.
  • "I will walk out slowly. I will answer questions at my own pace."
  • This is an important element that demonstrates confidence and control.
• It's important to speak slowly, clearly, and confidently.
  • Example: Like Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech, use rhythm and pauses to capture and hold the audience's attention.
  • Winston Churchill also marked pause times in his speech manuscripts to guide audience focus.
  • "Pauses make people listen to your words."

3. Confident Gestures and Voice

• Confidence is not simply about "puffing out your chest, raising your chin, and pulling back your shoulders."
  • "Sometimes looking comfortable sitting in a chair can appear more confident."
• Gestures and use of space are important.
  • Interlacing fingers or steepling (touching fingertips together) are effective for conveying confidence.
  • "I'm here to deliver information, not to persuade."
• The harmony of vocal tone and gestures matters.
  • Even when saying "No," spreading your fingers wide while speaking delivers the message more powerfully.
  • Practice the difference between saying "No, stop" with and without confident gestures to build confidence.

4. Socialization and the Formation of Confidence

• Confidence is formed through socialization.
  • "We observe the words and gestures used by high-status people and imitate them."
  • The example of actor Cary Grant: "I became Cary Grant. I adopted the behaviors of upper-class people."
• Setting role models is also a good approach to building confidence.
  • Example: Observing actors like Cate Blanchett and learning from their confident demeanor.
  • "We're not born confident. It's something that must be developed and practiced."

5. The Importance of Small Actions

• Even small actions affect confidence.
  • Example: When pointing a direction with a finger, gently guiding with "this way" creates a more positive impression.
• Vocal tone matters too.
  • Saying "Stop, you're under arrest" in a high pitch can undermine credibility.
  • Saying "Stop right there, don't move" in a low, firm tone is more effective.

6. Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence

• Many people are afraid of speaking publicly.
  • "I was once afraid of speaking in front of people too. I still get nervous, but I have some tricks."
• Tips for building confidence:
  1. Acknowledge your fear: Honestly say "this is scary."
  2. Prepare: "If I study this material, I'll know it better than the audience."
  3. Practice: Practice enough before the presentation to become familiar with it.
  4. Warm up your body: Before going on stage, lean against a wall and spread your arms wide with force to release tension.
  5. Own the stage: Walk out with the mindset "this stage is mine."

7. Confidence Is Built, Not Born

• Confidence is not innate — it is something that grows and develops.
  • "I've seen people in wheelchairs, 90-year-olds, and little children with violins who were all overflowing with confidence."
• How to build confidence:
  • Know your material thoroughly,
  • Hone your skills,
  • Learn to control yourself.
• "Confidence comes from preparation, practice, and belief in yourself."

8. Closing: How to Express Confidence

• Confidence isn't just about external attitude — it stems from internal preparation and mindset.
• "I'm here to deliver information. I'm not trying to persuade."
• Building confidence requires practice, observation, and belief in yourself.
• "Confidence is an ability anyone can develop. Start now!"

This video is filled with practical and useful tips for building and expressing confidence. From small actions to large attitudes, it covers the entire process of developing confidence — a valuable resource for learning.