5 Ways to Project Instant Confidence and Credibility

Posted by in Career Advice


 



I recently came across Cara Hale Alter’s book, “The Credibility Code: How to Project Confidence and Competence When It Matters Most” and I thought it would be really valuable for today's job seekers. After all, when it comes to job interviews, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. And first impressions are key in today’s highly competitive  job market.

 
So how do you project confidence and credibility? Alter has summarized two decades of research and identified 25 specific visual and auditory cues—explicit “codes of conduct” for posture, gestures, vocal skills and eye contact—that affect the perception of credibility. Most importantly, unlike many other cues, such as gender, age, or physical features, these 25 cues are “within your active control,” says Alter. 


I’ve summarized the top five cues to get you started:


  1. Keep your head level. One of the best ways to project “executive presence” or alpha status is to keep your head level when speaking. Raising or dropping your chin can appear aggressive or submissive. Stillness is also an authoritative behavior, so try not to let your shoulders twist with the movement of your head. 
  2. Keep your hands in the “gesture box.” As in poker, your gestures can be “telling” to others. The most effective hand gestures happen inside the “gesture box”—no higher than your sternum, no lower than your hips, and no wider than your shoulders. The sweet spot is your navel, where gestures tend to look the most natural. 
  3. Speak with optimal volume. In business settings, a common problem with volume is speaking too softly or dropping volume at the end of sentences. The good news is that volume is the easiest vocal skill to adjust. First, however, you must know the difference between adequate volume and optimal volume. Most people err on the side of merely adequate. If you want to be a powerful voice, speak with a powerful voice. 
  4. Hold eye contact for three to five seconds. Eye contact is a key indicator of confidence and credibility. Still, there is a difference between making eye contact and holding eye contact. Duration is critical, and in the Western world, holding eye contact for three to five seconds is considered optimal. 
  5. Listen actively. Your credibility can be won or lost when you’re simply listening. You should never look bored or disconnected, but always respectfully engaged.  Attentive listening means you’re an active partner. It’s not enough to pay attention; you have to look like you’re paying attention. Keep your posture open, your head up, and your navel pointing toward the speaker. 



Well, there you have it, a brief synopsis of Alter’s 25 specific visual and auditory cues—boiled down to the basic five. To get the full benefit of Alter’s research, pick up a copy of her book. For more information, check out her website—complete with an informative video—at thecredibilitycode.com


 

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  • Alex Kecskes
    Alex Kecskes
    Great suggestions.  Thanks Mike and Michaelene.
  • MIKE S
    MIKE S
    GREAT INSIGHTS. AS I HAVE LEARNED YOUR INTRODUCTION AND EXITS TO AN INTERVIEW MAY END UP BEING WORTH UP TO 30% OF THEIR OVERALL RATINGS OF YOU. THAT MEANS THAT THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW MAY BE WORTH ONLY 70%. YOU HAVE TO NAIL THE INTRODUCTIONS AND EXITS. FURTHER INSIGHTS INCLUDE MANNERS AND THE ABILITY TO, PROJECT CONFIDENCE. THE INTERVIEWS MAY PURPOSELY HAVE THE CHAIR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE TABLE WHEN THEY SAY PLEASE HAVE A SEAT. ARE YOU CONFIDENT ENOUGH TO SQUARE THE CHAIR UP?? OR DO YOU JUST SIT DOWN. THEY MAY HAVE A WINDOW WITH THE SUN SHINING RIGHT IN YOUR EYES. ARE YOU CONFIDENT ENOUGH TO ASK IF YOU CAN MOVE OR THE BLINDS BE CLOSED?? IF YOU'RE RIGHT ON TO THIS POINT EXPECT A QUESTION LIKE, HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS??  THE BEST ANSWER TO THIS ONE THAT I'VE HEARD IS, ONE CUSTOMER AT A TIME. THOSE 5 WORDS SAY ALOT.
  • Alex Kecskes
    Alex Kecskes
    Good tips, Michaelene.
  • Michaelene L
    Michaelene L
    Always have your hands visible.  When sitting at a desk or at a conference table, always have your hands on the table or gesturing in the "sweet spot" (if your hands are not in view it appears as though you are hiding something).  Hold the gaze for 5 seconds; anything longer begins to look spooky and will make the interviewer uneasy.  Temple your hands occasionally:  it makes you appear thoughtful, even wise.  DO NOT FIDGET:  it makes you look nervous.  If you are nervous, say so.  Do not cross your arms or your legs (at the knees):  it appears as though you are shutting out the interviewer (crossing your ankles is acceptable).  Don't touch yourself (patting your hair, rubbing your face, etc.):  those are sexual signals and are not acceptable in an interview setting.  Best of luck to you!
  • Alex Kecskes
    Alex Kecskes
    Thanks, Janette. Cara Hale Alter has some great tips for improving one's image.
  • Janette C
    Janette C
    great reminders.  I enjoyed the review.

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