5 Confidence boosting tips to help make you realise that you are your own worst enemy and that nothing is truly impossible if you work hard enough at it 
1. Stand tall
Don’t let shyness get you down. Keep your shoulders square and stand at your full height, it elongates your frame and helps you project a clear confident voice. Don’t cross your arms! This is a habit of mine because I’m so often cold 
. Crossing your arms can give off the impression that you’re closed off from others or opposed to what they’re saying. Rather keep your hands in your lap or at your sides.
2. Speak clearly
Being nervous about speaking in public or being interviewed is normal. Take control of 
your nerves and the conversation by speaking slowly. You’re less likely to make mistakes and it ensures that others understand you and listen to everything you say. Know your audience and have some points in the back of your mind to fall back on if you feel stuck.
3. Visualise the outcome
Everything that you are or will ever be starts with your state of mind. Motivate yourself by imagining the end result of a situation or goal. It really boosts your confidence and is also know as “the secret of the lake” technique whereby you look into a pool of water or cup of liquid for example, and you actually imagine watching yourself achieving the goal you have in mind. In this way you ‘trick’ your mind into believing that what you desire is achievable – as you’ve watched it being achieved & seen the positive outcome before! For example, when I was stressed about plans for my wedding I visualied myself walking down the isle looking radiant and smilling as though I was happier than I’d ever been before, feeling genuinely satisfied with the wedding taking place around me. Needless to say the technique worked for me. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking! 
4. Make the first move
If you’re standing in a corner or feeling uncomfortable with the small talk at places where you don’t know everybody, be brave and make the first move by smiling and introducing yourself with a firm handshake. The people you’re interacting with will mirror your actions and warm to you. This will also put you in control of the conversation and will help stop nervousness.
5. Don’t tell people your age
I never volunteer this information. Sometimes my work clients figure it out but they usually say “I can’t believe you’re only 25″ and are genuinely surprised. This isn’t one of the most conventional pieces of style advice but CEO’s are seemingly getting younger and younger & I just wanted to put it out there. Remember, you should never have to make excuses for who you are
Memorial Park in Kloof, Durban, South Africa 6 May 2012
