It is a simple fact that if you look good you will feel good, so if you are wondering how to increase self confidence, your personal appearance is a good place to start. You don't need fancy designer gear to look good, just make sure your clothes are clean and neatly pressed, that they suit you and fit you well, and that they are appropriate for whatever you are doing that day. Clothes should make you feel good and express your personality as well as being warm and comfortable.

Grooming is also important if you are trying to discover how to increase self confidence. Taking a shower and washing your hair each morning is a great way to feel refreshed, and invigorated, and will increase your self confidence. You don't need lashings of hair gel or make-up, but just enough to emphasize your best features can be a real confidence boost. Brushing your teeth is a simple way to increase confidence; no one wants to smile when they have bits of breakfast between their teeth!

As well as clothes and hygiene, the way you stand and walk can have a big impact on the way you feel. There are some people that exude confidence as soon as they enter the room, purely by the way they walk. Stand tall with your shoulders pulled back and your head held high, and you will feel an immediate difference. Walk with long strides as if you have somewhere you really need to be, and look ahead rather than at your feet.

Step two - Think about what you say

If you are finding out how to increase self confidence, stop for a while and think about the way that you speak and what you say. Try to speak slowly, clearly, and loud enough for people to hear you easily. As soon as people have to ask you to repeat yourself you may become shy and embarrassed rather than confident and self assured.

Speaking slowly will give you time to think about what you are going to say, which will reduce the number of filler words, such as 'um' and 'ah' that you use. If you don't know the answer to a question somebody asks you, don't mumble and try to think of something to say, simply say that you will find out the answer and get back to them later in the day.

Try to make eye contact with people when you speak to them. Seeing someone's reactions to what you say will help you know how to steer the conversation with confidence.

Step three - Believe in yourself and recognize your achievements

Make a list of all the things you have achieved in your life so far and look at it every time you need picking up. Don't be afraid to tell people what you have done. As long as you don't go on and on about it they won't think you're boasting. Even the smallest look of surprise or admiration in someone's eyes when you tell them one of your achievements is a real ego boost.

Set yourself goals and targets, including small every day achievements as well as the bigger things you really want to do. Just working towards your goals can increase your confidence, and actually reaching your goals can give you a real feeling of self worth.

Many people put themselves down because they are afraid other people will insult them and they want to get in first. Maybe you think that if you tell people you're slow or stupid they won't expect too much from you and won't be surprised if you make a mistake.

If you want to know how to increase self confidence, stop being self depreciating and putting yourself down. Emphasize your strengths not your weaknesses, and accept that from time to time you will make mistakes but people won't think any less of you for it. If someone pays you a compliment, believe it and remember it, and don't forget to smile and thank them or they may not do it again.

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