There is a fine line between confidence and conceit; body language can highlight the difference

confident body languageThe distinction between confident and conceited is sometimes difficult to articulate.  We seem to know on a gut level when someone is arrogant, often leading to an unpleasant taste in our mouth.  On the other hand, when someone is confident, we are naturally more drawn to them.  This also happens on a gut level.

I would describe confident people as those individuals who feel capable of achieving a certain task.  They believe in themselves and they believe they have the necessary competencies and capabilities within themselves to perform.  However, when someone is conceited, their self-pride becomes grandiose and self-righteous.  The focus is no longer just about the capabilities they possess, but instead the capabilities that they possess that someone else does not.  The line is crossed when they compare themselves to others and state, either overtly or covertly, that they are superior.  What makes this offensive, and rightly so, is that the conceited and arrogant person is demeaning those around him or her.  Ironically, this is caused by insecurity!

Take a look at these photos from People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive 2013.  Even though we seem to register someone as conceited or confident without truly knowing why, these photos provide some clues on body language and what we perceive.  You will notice that in one picture the thumbs are pointed up.  In another, the thumbs are tucked into the jeans, but the fingers are splayed.  And in the third, the elbows are out.  All of these are indicative of confident poses and the hands demonstrate this in a powerful way.

Whenever you can see ‘thumbs up’ – whether the hands are clasped or the arms are folded – it indicates confidence.  The splayed fingers highlight the genitalia, a strong gesture that indicates confidence and interest.  Lastly, arms or hips taking up more space are indicators of confidence.  People who are more confident generally take up more room.  It’s a sign of stature; hence the reason the boss has the largest office, biggest chair, etc.  Next time you want to be seen as confident, be conscious of the position of your hands and, in particular, your thumbs.

About the author

Robin Lavitch, MA, CPC, is the founder of Surpass Your Goals, a coaching practice for entrepreneurs, executives, tweens, school administrators, and more. Her capacity to connect with audiences, elicit thought-provoking ideas and clarify personal ambitions prepares people to apply that knowledge instantaneously to accelerate their own results in leadership, sales, and time management.

Related Posts