Your Secret Weapon to Instant Confidence?
Written by Monique Jordan-Cave
Your Career Bestie
How to Project Confidence in Any Situation (Even When You Want to Run for the Hills)
Hello, fellow Soul Leader,
Confidence Is Not a Personality Trait — It’s a Skill
Let’s get one thing straight, fellow soul leader: confidence isn’t something you’re born with.
It’s not a magical fairy dust sprinkled on a select few who glide into rooms like Zendaya with a latte in one hand and a keynote speech in the other.
Confidence is a choice. A skill. A muscle.
And like all muscles, it gets stronger with use (and a little sweat).
Whether you’re pitching a new campaign, walking into a writing room with execs who look like they eat scripts for breakfast, or simply trying not to look like you googled “how to do your job” five minutes ago — this guide is for you.
We’re going to unpack how to project confidence in any situation (yes, even that one), so you can show up like the soul-led creative leader you already are — without the imposter syndrome whispering lies in your ear.
1. Own the Room Before You Enter It
Yep. You heard me.
Confidence starts before you even show up. It’s in your thoughts, your prep, your posture — not just in your outfit or killer playlist on the way to work (although those help).
Here’s how to pre-own that room:
Set an intention: Before you walk in, ask yourself, “What energy am I bringing?” Choose power. Choose clarity. Choose purpose.
Stand tall: Shoulders back, chin up, spine lengthened. Not like a robot. Like a legend.
Visualise success: This isn’t fluff. Visualisation activates the same neural pathways as doing the thing. See it. Feel it. Then go do it.
And remember: people mirror energy. If you walk in like you belong there, guess what? Everyone else will believe it too.
2. Talk Like You Mean It (Even If You’re Nervous Sweating)
Let’s kill the myth: confident people still get nervous.
The difference?
They’ve learned how to ride the nerves instead of letting them ride them.
When you speak with confidence, you’re not performing. You’re connecting.
Here’s what helps:
Drop the disclaimers: “This might sound silly…” or “I’m not sure, but…” Nope. Out. Toss them in the bin.
Pause often: A well-timed pause makes you sound composed. It also gives your words room to land (and gives you a second to breathe).
Speak slower: Not dragging-it-out-like-an-awkward-voice-note slow, but deliberate. This screams confidence — especially in high-pressure settings.
Also, pro tip: Your voice doesn’t need to go up at the end of every sentence like it’s a question.
Say it like it’s a fact. Own it like you mean it.
3. Confidence Is a Vibe (And Your Body Speaks First)
Your body talks louder than your mouth. Wild, right?
You could be saying “I’m thrilled to be here” but if your arms are crossed tighter than a pretzel and you’re hunched like Gollum, no one’s buying it.
Let your body send the right memo:
Open posture: Uncross your arms. Relax your hands. Take up space.
Eye contact: Not creepy-stare-in-their-soul mode. Just intentional. Look at people when you speak. Then look away naturally.
Stillness equals strength: Fidgeting screams discomfort. Ground your feet. Own your space. Let your movements be purposeful.
You don’t need to do the whole power pose in the bathroom (unless you want to — go off). But the way you carry yourself tells the story before you even open your mouth.
Make it a good one.
4. Confidence Is Not Perfection — It’s Resilience in Action
You will mess up. Forget your words. Say something weird. Stumble. Sweat. Be awkward.
And guess what? That’s not the opposite of confidence. That’s the proof of it.
Confidence isn’t pretending to be perfect — it’s knowing you’ll bounce back even when things go sideways.
Here’s how to roll with it:
Laugh at yourself: Self-deprecating humour (used lightly) shows humility, not weakness.
Keep going: Don’t spiral. Don’t apologise. Reset and continue.
Reframe failure: Every “oops” is a stepping stone to “nailed it.”
Because people don’t remember the slip-up — they remember how you recovered.
And the way you show up in moments of discomfort?
That’s real confidence. That’s leadership.
SECRET WEAPON INCOMING…
3…
2…
1…
5. Prep Like a Pro, Then Let It Go
This is the secret sauce.
Confident people are usually the most prepared ones in the room. But they don’t carry their prep like a security blanket — they wear it like invisible armour.
Here’s the formula:
Do your homework: Know your material, your audience, and your objective.
Practice out loud: Yes, out loud. Hearing yourself speak makes it real.
Have a go-to ritual: Whether it’s a playlist, a mantra, a deep breath, or a quick walk — get your energy right.
Then — and this is key — let it go.
Because true confidence isn’t in the script. It’s in your ability to be fully present, to adjust, to connect.
You’re Already More Confident Than You Think
Let me hit you with the truth bomb you didn’t ask for but totally need: you already have what it takes.
You’ve already survived awkward meetings, surprise pitches, blank-screen brainstorms, creative chaos, tight deadlines, and “Can you just jump on a quick call?” when you’re still in your dressing gown.
And yet — you’re still here. Still rising. Still showing up.
That’s confidence, fellow soul leader.
It’s not about being loud. It’s not about knowing all the answers. It’s about being grounded in your worth, clear on your message, and brave enough to speak it — even with shaky hands.
So, the next time you feel self-doubt creeping in, remember: you’ve got this. You’ve always had this. Now go own it.
💡 Where in your life or work are you shrinking when you could be showing up, fully?
Be honest. Be bold. Then choose to shift.
Let me know in the comments below.
Over to you!
MJx
Please feel free to share this article with a loved one, friend or colleague.
🔥 If you’re ready to keep levelling up your confidence, energy, and visibility — hit that subscribe button on my YouTube Channel!
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Let’s rise together. ✨
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