Building Self-esteem and

Confidence

Jayne Bakewell
Objectives

 To consider the factors which contribute to

self esteem and confidence

 To enhance awareness of personal strengths

and build confidence

 To practise presenting a positive image

Self –confidence exercise

 Individually, fill in the sheet giving examples

of 2 situations in which you feel confident
and 2 situations in which you would like to
feel more self-confident.

 Working in pairs, reveal one of each to each

other.
The Chain Reaction

High self esteem  self confidence 

personal effectiveness  employability
Self esteem/inner confidence

 Self love
- be your own cheerleader

- reverse negative thoughts e.g.

“I am weak”  ”I can be strong if I try”
“I am powerless”  “ I can take control”

“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your

consent” Eleanor Roosevelt
Self esteem/inner confidence

 Self awareness

 Clear goals

 Positive thinking
Outer Confidence

 Effective communication

 Assertiveness

 Positive (and realistic) self presentation

 Sound emotional control

Practical tips for building self
confidence

 Learn to take compliments graciously

 Give up “toxic worrying” }

} SUMO
 Let any guilt go }

 Never go to “if only……..” land

Practical tips for building self
confidence

 Always ask for help

 Find a mentor

 Set your goals

 Do something outside your comfort zone

Practical tips for building self
confidence

 Convince yourself that it’s OK to make

mistakes

 Take responsibility for your own successes

and failures

 Be determined
Practical tips for building self
confidence

 Be self-reflective

 Be relaxed
Confidence in skills

 Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is

important

 Valuing your skills is also important

Skills rating exercise

 Individually, rate yourself on each skill listed in the

sheet

 Working in pairs(3s) choose one skill area that you

have identified as a high rating

 Working with your partner “BOAST” about your high-

rated skill to your partner, giving an example to
evidence the skill.
Skill rating exercise

 Whole group – present this skill to the whole

group
Presenting a positive image

 Dress – appropriate
 Body language
 Language
 Preparation
 Punctuality
First impressions are created by:

 What people see 55%

 What people hear 38%

 The words they use 7%

Summary

We can build our self confidence by making

sure we:
- know and value our strengths
- are “comfortable in our own skins”
- know where we’re going
- recognise failure as a learning opportunity
- practise using positive language
Summary

 Positive language is important in all

professional situations – writing applications,
presenting in meetings, being interviewed for
a job, pitching for business.
 Using dynamic and positive vocabulary
contributes to the image of a confident,
competent and professional individual