10 Ways to Show Silent Confidence (Without Saying a Word)

You always want to make a lasting impression with your work, even when you don’t say a word. From keeping a small smile to growing how strong you feel inside, here are 10 answers to the question, “What are your top tips for projecting silent confidence?”

• Hold a Slight Smile
• Stand Proud
• Be Comfortable in Silence
• Practice Self-Awareness
• Listen More Than Speaking
• Own Your Decisions
• Have Faith in Your Skills
• Make Eye Contact
• Maintain Good Posture
• Cultivate Inner Strength

A person can communicate their silent confidence with a slight smile. Smiles indicate you are calm and comfortable, whereas if you’re anxious, a smile will feel unnatural. If you want to project your confidence, then simply smile as you enter the room, take your seat, or as you speak.

Logan Mallory, Vice President of Marketing, Motivosity

A top tip for projecting silent confidence is to focus on your body language. Nonverbal cues, such as posture, eye contact, and facial expressions, can have a significant impact on how others perceive you and your level of confidence. 

To project silent confidence, try to stand tall, maintain good posture, make direct eye contact, and keep a neutral or friendly facial expression. It is also helpful to speak clearly, use a steady and moderate pace, and avoid nervous gestures or fidgeting. 

By being mindful of your body language, you can convey a sense of calm, self-assuredness, and competence, even in situations that may make you feel nervous or unsure.

Trey Ferro, CEO, Spot Pet Insurance

A majority of one’s confidence is portrayed through body language. Looking people in the eyes during conversations and shaking hands firmly conveys confidence. Adopting a posture, whether sitting or standing or walking, that is both relaxed and strong. Don’t be afraid to take up some space, as making yourself small suggests insecurity. It is also important to hold silence comfortably while doing all these things.

Eric Chow, Chief Consultant, Mashman Ventures

I have struggled with anxiety my entire life, and confidence was a skill I learned later in life. For me, embracing self-awareness and mindfulness has been vital. You feel more confident by default when you listen to your body and pay more attention to being in the moment. It takes practice; it will not happen overnight. Have grace as you learn to embrace your inner strength and live more intentionally, and you will project silent confidence.

Kristina Bentle, Founder, Awakened Mom Life

Owning your decisions is a great way to project silent confidence. It means that you can stand behind the choice you made, no matter the outcome. It also shows that you are confident in yourself and have considered what is best for you and those around you. 

To own your decisions, take some time to reflect on your choice before committing to it. Consider any potential outcomes and ensure that you have a plan of action should things not go as planned. Once you are confident that your decision is right, commit to it fully by taking ownership and believing in yourself. Owning your decisions can be difficult, but it will also help you project an inner confidence that those around you will feel.

Mariusz Michalowski, Community and Career Expert, Spacelift

There are a lot of nervous talkers out there, so I’ve found that staying silent makes people assume you don’t need to fill the silence with random speaking, which projects confidence and makes others feel like they need to impress you. You do, of course, need to balance that out by saying something worthwhile when you do speak, however, so keep that in mind.

Kate Kandefer, CEO, SEOwind

Body language, tone of voice, and the words we use are just a few ways to express confidence. Silent confidence includes projecting a sense of calm assurance, even in the presence of difficulties or ambiguity. 

To convey quiet confidence, observe your breathing. Breathe deeply, hold your breath for a moment, and gently let it out. You can use your body language and energy to convey your feelings of calmness and centering. It is easier to exude confidence in a subtle, modest manner when you feel in control and at ease. Keep in mind that having confidence isn’t about acting brash or forceful; instead, it’s about being at ease with whom you are and having faith in your skills.

Natalia Grajcar, Co-Founder, Natu.Care

A person who is not afraid to look others in the eye when they speak to them always appears confident, assertive, and sure of themselves. Making consistent eye contact shows that a person has healthy self-esteem. They also appear more transparent, which helps to foster a sense of trust. Making steady eye contact with others is something we should all strive to become comfortable with.

Annie Ricci, Senior Manager of Digital Marketing, Prima

When you walk with your head held high and your shoulders back, you will have a confident air about you that others take notice of. A person who carries themselves with good posture seems to just command respect when they enter a room. It’s a stance that says, “I’m ready to conquer any obstacle that comes my way.”

Nabeel Abdullah, CEO, Sapphire

My top tip for projecting silent confidence is to take a deep breath, practice positive affirmations, and remember your worth. When you’re feeling fearful or intimidated, it’s important to remind yourself of all the things that make you special and valuable. This will help to center you in a difficult situation and exude confidence, even if it’s not portrayed verbally.

Also, be careful with your body language. Stand tall and straight, maintain eye contact when appropriate, and never slouch. These minor changes can make a big difference in how assertive and confident you come across. Ultimately, I believe silent confidence is about cultivating an inner strength that radiates outwardly, so don’t be afraid to embrace who you truly are.

Shaun Connell, CEO and Founder, Learn Financial Strategy