How to RADIATE confidence

Psychologist Dr Hamira Riaz suggests we “play the part of the winner, regardless of how we feel inside”. Our body language, speech and even our clothes can all radiate confidence – or the opposite. And there’s scientific backing behind “faking it ’til you make it”. One study took a group of chronically shy people and asked them to pretend they weren’t shy. After two weeks of pretending, they actually felt less shy. This is because when you’re doing the things a confident person would do, you gain skills and your confidence grows.

Know your worth, and wear clothes that make you feel fantastic. And, yes, put on that bright red lipstick and get your nails done too. “When I get my hair blow-dried I feel a hundred times more gorgeous and confident than when I don’t,” says Warrell. “It’s easy to say it won’t make a difference, but when you spend time making sure you look great, it really does shift how you feel.”

And watch what you say. Don’t over-apologise or talk yourself down. Often when someone gives us a compliment we’ll say, “Oh I got lucky.” But when we talk ourselves down that can subliminally shrink our self-worth. Dr Riaz advises clients to prepare for stressful conversations by prepping in front of a mirror. Rehearsing will help you control the power dynamic and hold your own. “The idea is that you see yourself in action and you’re aware of how your posture and facial expressions change as you speak.”

DO IT Stand tall and take up space. Research has shown that confidence is non-verbally displayed through height and space, so keep your posture straight, your shoulders back and your head held high. Also, when women adopt more classically male seating postures such as taking up more space, our testosterone levels rise along with our confidence levels. w & h