How Confidence Affects Communication and Easy Ways to Boost It

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Most of us understand that how we perceive ourselves reflects in our actions, but do we really know how confidence affects communication? 

Today, we’ll go over how we can improve our communication skills with better interpersonal skills. However, before we do so, we should first work on improving our sense of self-worth.

Suppose I was to ask what you believed made a person effective in communicating. In that case, I assume your responses would be very varied. Some can imagine an individual who talks authoritatively and loudly. 

With that, others can envision one who can back up their assertions with a scope of the study. However, another person can expect a more reserved person whose presence makes its mark in a crowd due to their statement’s strength. 

With that said, confident communicators don’t take on a distinct shape, so don’t think that you can’t fit the bill

How Confidence Affects Communication

When we talk to other people, we don’t usually view confidence as an essential factor. We just notice that some people don’t listen to us as attentively as we need them to. This is when we need to know how confidence affects communication. 

When this happens, we think that there is something wrong with us. However, this is the wrong way to approach the situation. If you believe that how you communicate doesn’t reflect your confidence, then you’re sadly mistaken. 

In fact, you’ll be surprised how most of us can easily detect discomfort, insecurity, and a lack of confidence from people’s manner of speaking. While our hearing may not be as keen on it, the process begins in our brains. 

When people speak, we start to take note of the irregularities, and then we connect to their body language. This is how we get that “gut feeling” – that instance wherein we feel that someone is avoiding something, lacks conviction, or is straight out lying.

A group of people talking beside a lake - how confidence affects communication

With that said, we need to be able to diminish any dissonance between what we say and what we feel. In this regard, confidence strikes a vital role in affecting our communication. 

Simply put, if we become confident, we become better at getting our thoughts across. This is because we don’t have to deal with unnecessary anxieties when trying to convey our message.

Essentially, learning how confidence affects communication is similar to arming yourself before a battle. Therefore, we need this knowledge to enhance a fundamental life skill. With that said, we can start will some ways to boost confidence.

Top Ways to Boost Confidence for Communication

You should note that becoming an effective communicator takes time. It requires time, commitment, and practice. Moreover, these abilities are inextricably linked to job success. 

Without effective communication, even the most creative ideas will have a difficult time being discovered. On the other hand, those who devote time to honing these abilities will reap the rewards of a loyal and appreciative audience.

If you want to communicate confidently, you need to know that consistency is essential. There are an infinite number of approaches you can try so you can achieve communication consistency. 

With that said, try the following strategies for more effective communication:

1. Develop a Firm but Kind Inner Voice

Many people are aware of a voice inside us that offers a running monologue during the day about their lives. Whenever we practice self-talk, this inner voice becomes tangible. 

With that said, this inner conversation turns into a system through which the brain interprets and processes everyday experiences. It combines conscious thoughts with unconscious perceptions and prejudices. 

Some individuals feel they can attribute their performance to a powerful inner voice. In fact, in some cases, a vital inner voice can motivate individuals to succeed through the improvement of intrapersonal skills.

Basically, the way you treat yourself will ultimately reflect on how you communicate. While it sounds a bit like fake it ‘til you make it, a kind inner voice is not just praising yourself. 

It means recognizing the value in what you have to say, and it helps you become more confident when you do finally say it.

Regarding this concept, Deepak Chopra gave some thought to our inner dialogue and how it can open the doors to creativity if it is free from insecurity and judgment. Simply put, believe in yourself first. This way, people will find more reasons to believe in you as well.

2. Establish Rapport 

Rapport is the bedrock of positive, near, and harmonious human relationships. Rapport means that sense of connection you experience whenever you meet a like-minded acquaintance. This also happens when you talk to someone you trust or like. 

This connection is made concrete when the other person shares your perspective. It is the relationship formed when two people learn they share similar beliefs and interests in life.

When you speak, this means you should avoid staring at anything else for too long, especially exits and your watch. 

Still, you should note that being confident doesn’t always imply staring directly into the other person’s eye. It just means meeting the eyes just enough times to establish a connection.

With that said, when we build rapport, we have three main things to look out for that prove we’re doing it right.

  • Being in sync or coordinated with the person
  • A cheerful and positive atmosphere of understanding
  • Mutual focus or attentiveness.

Once you notice these three things coming into play, you will find that talking with other people becomes more manageable. While this connection doesn’t happen all the time, it’s always best to do our part during these situations.

two men having an informal meeting - how confidence affects communication

3. Empathize and Actively Listen

Listening to others is an essential aspect of communication. It allows you to broaden your perspective on the world and bridge gaps between you and others. Listening can also demonstrate that your belief in oneself is firm enough to accept different points of view.

Active listening entails more than just hearing what another person has to say. When you practice active listening, you concentrate on the words said.  This entails giving the speaker your complete attention.

This accomplishes two goals: gaining others’ confidence and aiding you in understanding their situation. Active listening requires a desire to comprehend and a willingness to assist and empathize with the one who speaks.

It differs from critical listening. The latter means that you’re not empathizing with the other person’s message to articulate your own point of view. Instead, the goal is to ensure that the other person is heard. Moreover, it may be necessary to assist them in addressing their own issues.

This approach can improve our confidence, enhancing our communication skills because of the fundamental fact that it makes our connections genuine. You see, it is not enough that we get our message across. The real goal is to establish a connection, which harkens back to rapport.

4. Incorporate Humor Effectively

Humor is an essential component of creative thought. It allows people to experiment with ideas, reduce their inner critic, and eventually view things in different ways due to this. 

Humor and imagination are all about finding new ways to look at problems and creating correlations you’ve never considered before. However, when used in communication, it can be a helpful tool.

When something is important to us, it can be challenging to talk about it in a lighthearted manner. However, laughter will help relieve anxiety and demonstrate that you are at peace with yourself.

Humor also helps you appear more approachable, which can be beneficial if you want to communicate with your listeners. 

It also makes it easier to listen to those who have the same quips and banter as you. If understanding persists, it will eventually pave the way for more truthful and transparent interactions.

Since humor often exposes the actual individual lurking underneath the professional mask, it can help you create confidence. 

Furthermore, laughter is an excellent icebreaker and can be used to break down barriers and help people form relationships at home and work.

5. Always Express Your Gratitude

Arrogance is not the same as confidence. Someone self-assured will show appreciation to others. The fact that showing appreciation is among the most efficient ways to improve relationships is a bonus. 

When you are grateful, it shows that you value what other people bring to the table. In turn, they will be more compelled to connect with you.

You can do this by mentioning other people in the conversation. Some examples are as follows:

  • Sharing some information and telling them from whom you learned that from
  • Praising other people’s talents, skills, and accomplishments
  • Express gratefulness for another person’s kindness and how it has helped you
  • Recommending some reputable and skilled experts that can help them
  • Commending the person you are talking to and thanking them for their time

You may also call a nearby friend and introduce a new person into the group in the process. This can be an opportunity to learn new knowledge and even expand your already growing circle.


Communicate Confidently with the Right Tools

Learning how confidence affects communication and how to apply the principles mentioned above effectively can be challenging. However, with the right tools, it won’t be as tricky or complicated.

My book,  Communication Skills Training: How to Talk to Anyone, Connect Effortlessly, Develop Charisma, and Become a People Person, is the ultimate guide to boosting your confidence and improving your communication skills. 

How to talk to anyone about anything james w. williams

It covers everything you need to hone your communication skills and details how you can apply them in your daily life. Whether it’s to inform or persuade, this book has you covered.

Get a copy today and discover everything you need to boost your confidence and hone your communication skills. 


Closing Summary

It is not solely a matter of the spoken word. When speaking face-to-face, non-verbal communication, such as body language, stance, motions, facial expression, and gestures, is essential.

We must all confront our fears squarely if we are to solve them. There is no alternative, and no degree of planning will eliminate all the anxiety. At some point, we simply go at it and practice interacting with others daily before becoming accustomed to it.

Now that you understand how trust influences communication and what behaviors to avoid, consider practicing with people you trust. You can also have great discussions on how confidence affects communication and have some fun in our comment section.

Also, don’t forget to share if this has helped you.


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