First impressions are formed in seven seconds. Here are five ways you can not only appear confident, but also feel more confident when you do them. Do all five, and you are sure to make that first impression with confidence!

1. Initiate warm eye contact: When you don’t know someone, it can be uncomfortable to make eye contact until the moment you absolutely have to. Understand that by averting your gaze, you are conveying either discomfort or you are not interested in engaging with them. Keep in mind that your eye contact needs to be “warm” and not intense. Intense eye contact is a sure way to make someone feel uncomfortable.How do you portray warm eye contact? Maintain a curious mindset about the person or group you are approaching, and it will result in warm eye contact.

2. Smile: ​We all know the importance of a smile; however, some people have a constant smile glued on their face. When you have a static smile, it does not appear confident; it makes you appear ill at ease. And your static smile is not received as genuine and personal. Others may not smile at all because they feel uncomfortable approaching a person or a group, so develop a “thinking” face which looks anything but friendly. Instead, when approaching others, break into a smile. It will feel much more genuine and personal. 

3. Approach others: Do not wait for others to approach you. You be the one to move towards others first. When you wait for others to approach you, it’s as if you are waiting to be chosen, which is not a signal of confidence! Choose who you want to approach, and move towards that person with warm eye contact and a smile.

4. Introduce yourself:: Confident people introduce themselves first. Some people never introduce themselves, or do it only if the other person goes first. Confident people take the initiative! The longer you wait, the more awkward it feels. Introduce yourself often and early in the conversation.

5. Focus conversation on others: By focusing your topic of conversation on the other person, you are tacitly relaying that you are not there to try to impress them. When you start verbally talking about your own achievements and value, it appears that you lack self confidence and are there to seek their approval. Instead, focus the conversation around the other person, which shows that you are taking an interest in them rather than seeking their approval.

Want to know how to leave a positive impression on others when a conversation ends? Watch this video