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When we walk in public, we want to look self confident and composed. We want to come across as powerful and purposeful. But the reality is that most of us don’t.
We walk with slumped shoulders, a hunched back, swaying from side to side, often giving of the impression of a lack of confidence.
But what if I told you that you can transform your walk in a few simple steps? Wouldn’t you be interested in knowing how to walk with confidence? If so, then you’re in the right place.
How To Walk With Confidence
1. Posture
Great posture is often mentioned in public speaking or business forums but it is just as important when it comes to walking with a purpose. A confident walk is, in a large part, the result of good posture. So how do we get there?
Firstly, to prevent poor posture we need to ́straighten the back. That means we need to make sure that the natural curve at the small of our back is straight and not bent.
But there’s more. We need to make sure that the head is straight too. It should also be in line with the spine. This helps us to hold our head in a position that looks confident.
Don’t forget the shoulders! Make sure they are pulled back. Slouching makes you look vulnerable and indecisive and isn’t the posture of a confident person.
2. The right pace
You might have heard the saying, “The slower you go, the farther you get.” That’s absolutely true when we’re talking about walking with a purpose.
Confident people don’t walk to fast, it looks agitated and can even look angry.
A confident walk is calm, steady and measured. It is not slow, but it is not rushed either.
If you can find a slow song that you like then synchronize your ́walk with that. It might be a little bit goofy at first but you’ll get there.
3. ́Eye contact
Confident walkers make eye contact with those around them. If I had to name one major factor that makes someone look confident when they walk, it would be good eye contact.
The ability to hold eye contact makes you look confident and in charge. It is great for establishing rapport. And on the flip side, a lack of eye contact can make you look shy and weak.
So work on maintaining eye contact with those around you. Sneaking a quick glance every now and again is fine. As long as you’re not avoiding people’s gaze.
4. Dress for the Occasion
A confident walk starts with a confident outfit. Make sure that your clothes fit well and that they are clean and ironed.
You want to look good. When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you walk with a purpose and confidence.
5. Your Shoe Choice Matters
Remember that you’re wearing shoes too. You don’t want to wear shoes that are scuffed or worn out. Nor do you want to wear shoes that are too big for you. A good fit is essential.
The type of shoe you choose can make a big difference to the impact that your walk has, so be sure to pick shoes that ́suit the occasion.
6. Be present in the moment
Being in the present moment is a good way a to help you walk with confidence It means that instead of having negative thoughts about the past or the future, we are aware of what is going on around us.
This is something that a lot of us struggle to do. We’re always thinking about the past or the future. We’re always worrying about things.
But if you can eliminate that habit, then you will feel a lot more confident in your walk and your life. You’ll walk with a purpose.
7. Smile
This is your chance to shine. Make sure that you allow yourself to smile. Smile at those around you. It might be a bit of an odd suggestion but a smile makes a huge difference to the impression you give when you walk.
If you’re scowling, you’re looking very serious, and not at all confident. A smile is the most positive facial expression you can give, that makes you look approachable and friendly. People will warm to you much quicker.
So the next time you walk through the office, school or shopping mall, or wherever, ensure that you make eye contact with those around you, and smile. That will make you feel good, and it will make them feel good too.
8. Use Confident Body Language
As I mentioned above, confident walkers make eye contact. But they also have confident body language and use it to their advantage.
So they won’t cross their arms. Or put their hands in their pockets. They’ll keep their posture upright and their arms at their sides.
They will move with purpose and focus. They will move in the direction they want to go.
9. Practice Makes Perfect
As with many skills, walking with confidence takes time to master and a conscious effort. Just like practicing your public speaking or your golf swing, you need to practice walking with a purpose.
Go for a walk and pay attention to the way you move. Do you make eye contact? Do you have the right pace? Does your posture need work? By focusing on these things, you will learn how to walk with confidence.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. A step-by-step guide on how to walk with confidence.
Walking with self confidence can make you feel like a new person. You’ll feel more in control, and people will notice. Whether it’s your boss, your peers or friends, people notice a confident walker.
