How To: Build your self confidence

No matter who you are, a little self-confidence can go a long way toward making your dreams come true.

You Will Need:

* A role model who exudes confidence
* A video camera
* A pad and pen
* A playful attitude
* And a few positive thoughts
* A full-length mirror
* And a tape recorder

Step 1: Consider someone confident
Think about someone who you feel radiates self-assuredness. Consider all of his or her traits and mannerisms, and then write down those that project confidence.

Step 2: List your positive traits
List all of your positive attributes, both personal and professional. Maybe you're a good listener or a dependable employee. Review your list a few times and give yourself a big pat on the back.

Step 3: Record yourself
Set up a video camera and record yourself role-playing an entire situation that requires confidence. Focus on your role model and your personal strengths.

Step 4: Review your performance
Review your performance, starting with your posture to your gesture. Anxiety often comes through in non-verbal clues, like hand-wringing or slumped shoulders. Come up with ways to handle these habits.

Step 5: Listen to yourself
Listen to your voice. Confident people speak at an audible level while those who speak in a hushed tone are perceived as insecure.

Step 6: Watch what you say
Pay attention to your choice of words. Replace wishy-washy terms like "sort of" and "maybe" with more definite words like "certainly" and "definitely."

Step 7: Practice
Reevaluate all of your observations and continue to practice being "the new you." Your confidence, as well as your communication skills and persuasiveness, will rapidly grow.