How to Feel Self-Confident Instead of Self-Conscious
Some people are born confident, and then there's the rest of us. Public speaking, interviews, and even social mixers can feel like the Inquisition.
I've heard of various psychological techniques for boosting self-confidence and quashing stage fright. There's the old "pretend everyone in the audience is in their underwear wearing Groucho Marx noses" trick. There's my mother's Worf Field: when she has to tackle salespeople, she pretends that her "good friend" Mr. Worf, the intimidating Klingon from Star Trek, is looming next to her.
I have a magic cloak. Okay, I have a real cloak. A few, actually. People who do medieval reenactment in college wind up with interesting wardrobes. But I can't wear them to job interviews (I guess I'm not looking at the right jobs). Still, I can visualize my magic cloak quite easily, since I know just how it would sweep along behind me looking dashing and dramatic (yes, I have a lively imagination).
You, too, can have a magic cloak. It's got more flair than a Dumbo feather, after all.
(Unless otherwise noted, photos on this page may be reused for non-commercial purposes, with a link to this page.)
Your Magic Cloak
YOU Aren't Invisible; It is!
Your magic cloak is invisible -- only you can see it. But it's got the power to help you feel a little taller, a little more special, and a lot more able to confront dragons like customer service and car dealers.What does your magic cloak look like? Is it long? Short? Purple? Gold? Jester's motley or Zorro black? Dignified or flamboyant? Heavy and imposing, or swirly and fluttery? Imagine yourself wearing it and looking bold and free: a few inches taller, with arms and legs swinging confidently. Walk as if you're wearing that cloak, with your head high. Nevermind that you're actually in business clothes or dress cubicle casual.
Some cloaks are showy. Others are practical. I miss my wool cloaks, which kept me toasty and shed rain. Cloaks are like a Flag of the Nation of YOU! telling the world that you're Somebody. At the same time, they're a shield, concealing and protecting you.
Imagine the type of cloak that suits you. Mentally put it on like a hero donning armor before you head out. Enjoy wearing it. Cloaks are fun!
Other People's Cloaks (Photo Gallery)
Click on thumbnails to see full-sized photos. Check out the photo gallery of medieval seamstress Pixie Stitch for many more fabulous cloaks.
Copyright note: The following images are Creative Commons images posted on Flickr by various photographers; check the "Some Rights Reserved" link on their pages for permitted uses.
Your Own "Psyching Yourself Up" Tricks
Have you got a Dumbo feather or other psychological trick to deal with stage fright, job interviews, public speaking or social nervousness? Share it here! Vote on the best. Funny is great -- if you're smiling inside you're less likely to be anxious.
If You're Nearsighted, Don't Wear Glasses
Audience? What audience? This helped me a lot in school plays! The ten-meter diving board was a lot harder after I had LASIK.0 points
Cloaks For Sale on Amazon
Blue Velvet Cloak
For the "I'm Really Very Mysterious and Deep Despite the T-Shirt and Jeans" set.
Opinion Poll:
Medieval Cloaks For Sale on Amazon
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victoria_neely
Nice lens, visit my lens about-- kidding, kidding. :) Cloaks really do add some flair. I have one myself. Feels great. Why can't we get away with wearing them to job interviews? Posted March 30, 2008 |
