Earlier this year, I contributed to a Woman & Home article about positive body language and how it can boost your confidence—Can positive body language boost your confidence? Find out what the experts think. In a similar vein, in this article, I share the secrets to appearing confident through positive body language, eye contact and voice, and equally as important, how to use your body to feel more confident.

Just because someone speaks, it doesn’t mean they will be heard. Unfortunately, some people feel like their comments and verbal contribution go unheard–they might be physically heard and even acknowledged, but they aren’t given much attention. This article shares five simple vocal tips to help you be heard, captivate your audience and gain influence.

Research shows that first impressions are formed within seconds–before you speak! They tend to be lasting as your future performance is typically enhanced or tainted by the initial perception. If you’re freaking out at this, don’t, because by putting a little extra effort into how you look and how you come across nonverbally, you can positively influence perceptions. This article provides six tips to make a great impression.

I don’t want to increase anybody’s anxiety, but a recent study found that people with high levels of anxiety were rated less positively by conversation partners. To add insult to injury, conversation partners have a reduced desire for future interactions with people with social anxiety disorder. Before you slump into defeat, let’s get to the bottom of this, then look at some practical solutions.