How to Look and Sound More Confident (Infographic) These quick tips will help boost your confidence in five minutes.

By Rose Leadem

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Morsa Images | Getty Images

Confidence is an integral part of success. Of course, there's a difference between confidence and ego, and it's important you don't develop the latter.

Related: Confidence, Humility and the Effective CEO.

So how can you look and sound more confident? To start, focus on body language. Keep your hands visible and don't put them in your pockets when speaking. Hiding your hands can suggest uncertainty and nerves. Also, be sure to make eye contact with the person you're speaking to and don't divert your eyes.

Related: 10 Things Confident People Don't Do

Another area to focus on is your voice. Make sure you don't mumble or shout, and instead keep your voice at a normal speaking level. The more clear you sound, the more confident you come off. That's why it's also important not to talk fast and rush your words. In fact, it's recommended to speak so slowly that it feels like a "snail's pace." When you speak slowly, you'll be more cautious of what you're saying and can make sure to avoid any "ums" or "likes."

Related: To Massively Increase Your Confidence, Plan to Spend Your Time Constructively

From offering a strong handshake to standing up straight, check out Pound Place's infographic below for more ways on how to look and sounds more confident.

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

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