Meeting Confidence

When going into a meeting, the most important thing you can take with you is confidence. Without this essential tool, you can’t get what you want, you can’t give others what they need, and overall productivity may suffer, as a result. Below are a few tips to approach business meetings with confidence in order to be your most effective.

1. Ask questions.

This may seem counter-intuitive, but, in order to direct the conversation, ask pointed questions aimed at clarifying ideas for both yourself and your work mates. By asking questions, you allow the other person to express their ideas, which is a deposit in the good-will bank and, often, leads to some very smart ideas. Listen to their answers and make notes if necessary. Everyone’s ideas are important.

2. Breathe deeply.

Too nervous to speak? Breaking out in a cold sweat? Stop and breathe deeply. Deep breathing is scientifically proven to lower your blood pressure, relax you and make you more alert and focused. People tend to rush when they’re nervous. Forcing yourself to stop, take stock, and breathe will halt this uncomfortable experience.

3. Don’t justify your existence.

When introduced to people, don’t give the short form resume. Instead, look them in the eye, give a firm handshake, say hello and give your name, but nothing more. If you give more than your name, you sound like you’re trying to convince others that you have a reason to be there. It comes off as a lack of confidence, which can be the kiss of death.

4. Don’t look down.

Looking down indicates a couple of things-shame, boredom, lack of confidence, lack of interest, none of which you want to convey when you’re in an important meeting. When you need to look away, make sure it’s at something eye level or higher-but not the ceiling. Body language can make or break a business deal.

5. Do your research.

This includes two things: first, knowing everything you can know about the person you’re meeting with beforehand, their company, etc. Use Google to find out about this person. Secondly, if you’re nervous about speaking with people, if you’re shy, it’s sometimes hard to make small talk. Stay up on current news and events, and cultivate an interest in a range of topics, so that you can find something in common with nearly anyone.

6. Drink chamomile tea.

If you’re feeling nervous and keyed-up, break out the chamomile… it is a natural relaxant that serves double-duty as a prop, something to do with your hands when you’re not taking notes, so you’ll appear more confident and engaged.

7. Exercise.

You know all the benefits, but an extra one is that you’ll be less tense when it comes to stressful situations. As a bonus, exercise gives you extra confidence. Whether it be taking a walk around the office once an hour, or a full-on workout, burning some of your extra nervous energy will leave you more focused and, ironically, more energized. Which means less fidgeting.

8. Personal hygiene.

Make sure you have a stash of personal care items with you at all times. Deodorant, dental floss, toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, lint roller, fabric stain wipes-having all these things at your disposal in case of mishap or halitosis will work wonders on your confidence! Without that nagging feeling that there are salad greens in your teeth, or that your breath smells funny, you can concentrate fully on the meeting at hand.

9. Eye contact confidence.

Eye contact is extremely important. While sometimes it’s hard to do, it’s crucial in order to convey confidence and interest. If you have a hard time with this, describe the person’s eyes to yourself, which will keep you looking at them. But be sure to blink normally… staring makes everyone uncomfortable.

10. Posture and body language.

Good posture gives the appearance of confidence, even when you don’t feel confident. You don’t want to appear stiff, but make sure your shoulders are back and your head is held upright. In addition, watch your body language. Crossing your arms tends to look like you’re disagreeing. Keep an open posture to make the best impression.

Meeting Confidence