Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not an advocate of the ‘fake it till you make it’ tactic. I do know there are times when we need to appear confident even if we’re not particularly feeling that way.
One body language tip that not only helps us appear confident but can actually work on the sub-conscious mind to make us feel confident has to do with the eyebrows.
Used properly, it can assist in demonstrating Executive Presence.
Folklore about the Underdog becoming the Top Dog that raised Eyebrows in Court
Back in the days when my diplomat father was posted in Kabul, the long winter season meant staying at home and reading books. It was too cold to go out and play.
It was around this time that I was presented with a book full of folklore from all over the world. I read a story about how an underdog Japanese Hero fought the Fiercest Warrior in the Kingdom to transform from underdog to Top Dog. He won the hand of the princess in marriage which was the main prize.
I must have been 10 years old at the time. Having long forgotten the name of the story, the eyebrow part remains evergreen in my memory.
Apparently, the Ladies of the Court had, according to the fashion and standards of beauty of that time, shaved and painted high eyebrows which went up in amazement.
At one point in the story, they disappeared into their hairline when the underdog Hero was making mash of the Fiercest Warrior in the Kingdom.
Looking back, I suspect that was the beginning of my fascination with facial expressions in general but certainly eyebrows!
Since children are normally treated as flies on the wall, it was easy to observe the adults.
This included my parents and teachers. The school principal was a good object of study because his mustache moved too along with his eyebrows.
I didn’t spare the house help or parents of my friends. My sample included just about anybody who qualified as ancient from a 10-year-old child’s perspective.
I even recruited my younger sister and friends, and we had fun.
What was meant to be a fun game ended up teaching me quite a bit about the role of eyebrows as expressions of confidence and assertive body language.
Indicating assertiveness with your eyebrows
Step 3 in my book Self Confidence in 8 Steps, shares 2 self-coaching exercises to implement confident attitudes.
In this post, we’ll look at a few ways to exhibit confidence and assertiveness to support the inner work that is required for change with our eyebrows.
Believe it or not but eyebrow control is absolutely crucial during the early days of imbibing self-confidence and an assertive stance. If the eyes are the mirror of the Soul, then the eyebrows can help you wing it until you get the hang of being assertive.
An assertive person’s eyebrows are relaxed and will match the tone of voice. A person who is passive would raise their eyebrows indicating lack of assurance and a desire to please. Eyebrows that are pulled downwards indicates aggression or lack of clarity.
Try it. Go to the mirror and try out expressions based on your inner feelings and see what happens with your eyebrows. Better yet, observe others. You’ll get the drift.
Make your assertive and confident stance even more effective by maintaining good eye contact with the person that you are talking to. Take it a step further by standing tall in a relaxed manner.
In my post Executive Presence & Professional Brand needs a Strong Vocabulary I mentioned that body language comprises 55% of effective communications.
Practicing eyebrow control is winning more than half the battle right there.
Supplement your body language with a steady, firm, medium pitched tone of voice. Stress on your key words delivered in a warm, clear and sincere manner using your Signature Voice.
Apply these tips and you can exude self-confidence and assertiveness even on a day when you are far from feeling it.
How do you cover up your moments of passive behavior?
Additional Assertiveness Resources
There are lots of posts to help you with your assertive behavior at my blog. Here is a small selection including my book Self Confidence in 8 Steps.
You can also visit Amazon India
Executive Presence & Professional Brand needs a Strong Vocabulary
Karmic Ally Coaching’s Executive Presence Checklist
When your time management is not enough
Japanese Warrior Picture Credit: Pixabay
Disclosure: If you purchase a product through a link on my site, there’s a good chance I’ll receive some kind of “thank you money” from the company or person I referred you to. For more details, check out my full disclosure policy (link is also available at the bottom of every page).
Vatsala is a dynamic professional with a human touch. She was instrumental in assisting me through a challenging phase a year ago and I still put to use the techniques she generously shared for ensuring personal well-being in the humdrum of life. I wish her the best.
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