A confidence expert shares a simple body language gesture that signals if a person is trustworthy and confident

Key Points:

• A 2021 YouGov study found that 37% of Americans feel "not very confident" in new social groups, highlighting common challenges with confidence in social settings.
• Confidence expert Dr. Shadé Zahrai emphasizes the importance of "neck flexion," the distance between the chin and chest, as a key body language cue that signals confidence and trustworthiness.
• Research published in Psychophysiology (2025) shows that lowering the head (neck flexion) correlates with decreased feelings of power and mood, while elongating this distance can boost confidence.
• Additional confidence-building strategies recommended by the American Psychological Association include self-affirmations, celebrating successes, and building resilience through connection, wellness, healthy thinking, and meaning.
• Dr. Zahrai's advice underscores that small physical adjustments, like lifting the chin naturally, can influence both self-perception and how others respond, making confidence more accessible in social interactions.