People who exude confidence and authority are more likely to be respected, and to get ahead in life. So, here’s how you can become more confident:

• First: When you’re on an important phone call, stand up. Experts say that standing instead of sitting helps you breathe more deeply, which adds power to your voice. Standing also allows you to gesture, which makes you sound more energetic.
• Another way to sound more confident: Don’t turn statements into a question. Career coach Ginny Clarke says that when your voice rises at the end of a sentence – like you’re asking a question – it undermines your authority. Dropping your voice at the end of a sentence makes you sound decisive and deliberate, like you’re telling people what you’re thinking, instead of asking.
• Also: Make eye contact. It tells your audience that they’re important – and what you’re saying is important. Studies show that people are more likely to remember and respect those who really pay attention to them.
• The final way to boost your confidence: Don’t second-guess yourself! In other words, don’t say things like, “I don’t know if this will work, but...” That gives the listener a reason to second-guess your ideas, too. Instead, say something like: “I think we should try blah-blah-blah” – and let them decide what they think.