3 Quick Hacks That Will Boost Your Confidence In Seconds 

You may think that confidence is something that comes naturally—either you're born with an unwavering sense of self-esteem, or you're not. But according to globally recognized speaker and charity auctioneer Lydia Fenet, author of the aptly titled Claim Your Confidence, that mindset couldn't be more false. 

"You should never walk into a meeting or a presentation without having lined up the first sentence of what you're going to say," says Fenet. Why? Well, she says that nervous public speakers often fall short when it comes to connecting their introduction to their presentation or speech. "They think about the presentation, but they don't think about that connecting line," she adds. 

For example, Fenet always starts off by saying: Good evening, everyone. My name is Lydia Fenet. I'm so delighted to be here this evening. "Then I usually throw in a joke, but that first sentence for me…it doesn't matter what is happening in the room," she adds. "It puts me at ease immediately." 

Perhaps you've heard this tip before: Get out of your comfort zone! The more you practice things that make you feel uneasy, the less power they'll ultimately have over you. "Try things that you are scared of, and if it doesn't work out, it's not that deep," Fenet explains. 

Of course, this is way easier said than done, but you can start small. For example, if you dread public speaking, try participating more in work meetings, sign up for a panel, or join a committee. "Something that will force you to speak in front of other people," Fenet shares. "If you're a stay-at-home parent, the PTA is an easy way to speak every single week." 

Fenet's No. 1 hack for in-the-moment anxiety? Move the energy out of your body. "It's just adrenaline more than anything," she explains. That's why you might notice someone clicking a pen, flipping their hair, or even stretching before hopping onstage. "If I get really nervous, I'll just bounce lightly on the balls of my feet, just to keep the energy moving, and wiggle my fingers," she notes. "Get your body flowing. It's the easiest way to get rid of those nerves."