Kelly Millar

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Before a big meeting, interview or networking event, what’s the best way to prepare to be as confident as you can be?

In my experience, preparing to be as confident as possible requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, it’s crucial to do your homework and thoroughly research the topic, organisation, or individuals you’ll be interacting with. The more you know about the context and what to expect, the more at ease and self-assured you’ll feel walking into the situation.

Also, how you present yourself can provide a huge confidence boost. Choose an outfit that you’ve received compliments on and that makes you feel good. Ensure your first impression, is your best impression.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of positive visualisation and mental preparation. I always suggest to clients to spend time envisioning the event going smoothly, picturing yourself engaging confidently, and mentally rehearsing how you want to present yourself. Adopt a growth mindset and focus on a positive outcome – this empowering approach will boost your confidence, lead to a successful experience and enable you to make the impact you want.

‘Fake it until you make it’ is often repeated as a mantra when thinking about confidence – how true do you think this is? Is there a better way? 

I believe the ‘fake it until you make it’ advice for building self-confidence can be effective but is also limited. Whilst studies have shown that our outward behaviours and body language can actually shape our inner emotional states, the ‘fake it’ approach and constantly projecting confidence is exhausting. I think it can serve as a useful starting point for building confidence, but that a more sustainable solution is to focus on personal growth and to practice stepping outside of your comfort zone. I believe unlocking our true potential happens just outside of our comfort zone, so the more we practice confidence in challenging situations, the more we grow our capabilities, expand into our greatness and develop new skills that drive our success.

What do you consider to be the golden rules of first impressions?

First impressions can make or break an opportunity.

My golden rules are:

Always dress for the occasion: Whether it’s an interview, pitch to investors or business meeting, ensure you put your best foot forward, so give it some thought and dress appropriately for the occasion. When choosing your outfit, carefully consider the expectations and norms of your industry and target audience. Think of it as your formula for success. Being well dressed establishes trust and credibility before you even open your mouth. Select an outfit that makes you feel confident. When you look good, you’ll feel good too.

Always be polite: The power of politeness, goes a long way when it comes to making a memorable first impression. It enhances communication, shows respect and significantly contributes to professional success. It denotes leadership. Politeness and treating others with courtesy is the key to building positive relationships and fosters trust, co-operation and loyalty. Be the best version of yourself and inspire. You can always speak your truth with compassion.

Be Authentic: Being authentic is crucial when making a strong first impression. Rather than trying to craft a carefully curated persona, be true to yourself and your personal brand. You are your brand, so being genuinely yourself, allows you to forge a meaningful, lasting connection from the very start. Authenticity conveys confidence, comfort, and a sense of who you truly are. So focus on having a friendly, genuine, open exchange and you’ll stand out as unique and memorable.

A smile goes a mile: Our first impressions made in the opening moments of a new interaction establish the tone for what follows. One of the most powerful tools we have to convey warmth, confidence, and approachability right from the start is a genuine, friendly smile. When you smile naturally, you’ll come across as someone who is self-assured, sociable, and willing to engage. A smile has an almost magical ability to put the other person immediately at ease, setting the stage for a productive, enjoyable and successful interaction. So set the stage with a warm, welcoming smile.

Tailor your tone: The ability to read a situation and adjust your communication style accordingly is a key professional skill. By being attuned to the context, audience, and desired outcome, you can thoughtfully craft your tone and language to resonate most effectively. Use your experience, intuition and common sense to share your best self for the occasion. Mastering this situational awareness and linguistic flexibility takes practice, but the payoffs are worth it – improved connections, clearer understanding, and more influence. So be flexible and agile, which will allow you to navigate diverse professional interactions with finesse and maximum impact.

Kelly Millar is CEO & founder of KM Transformational Branding www.kmtransformational.com

READ MORE: style guru Amanda Wakeley on dressing for confidence