If you feel like people don’t respect you, there must be a reason for it.
You’re certainly smart, strong, capable, and worthy of being held in high regard, but maybe you’re not doing that great of a job making other people see that. Lucky for you, it’s not all that hard to change people’s perception of you — you just need to start doing thee things. Once you do, it won’t be long before everyone’s attitude towards you changes for the better, and you start getting the respect you deserve.
1. Stand up straight and own your space.
Body language speaks volumes. Slouching or making yourself small can give off an unsure vibe. When you stand tall, it communicates confidence and authority. Keep your shoulders back, head high, and claim your space — people notice and respond to that. Even when you don’t feel confident, faking good posture can trick your brain into feeling more powerful.
2. Make eye contact when speaking.
If you avoid eye contact, it can come across as shifty or insecure. Steady eye contact shows you’re engaged and self-assured. It doesn’t mean staring them down, just being present. A few seconds of genuine connection makes a world of difference. If eye contact feels awkward, focus on looking at the bridge of their nose instead — it helps.
3. Stop over-apologising.
Apologising for things that aren’t your fault makes you seem unsure of yourself. Save “sorry” for when it really counts. Instead of apologising unnecessarily, try phrases like, “Thank you for your patience.” It keeps things polite but assertive. Constantly apologising can chip away at your confidence, so catch yourself before you say it automatically.
4. Speak clearly and avoid filler words.
“Um,” “like,” and “you know” can weaken your message. Speaking clearly and confidently makes people take you more seriously. If you need a second to gather your thoughts, pause instead of filling the silence. Pausing adds weight to your words. Practising what you want to say beforehand can help reduce filler words naturally.
5. Set boundaries and stick to them.
People respect those who respect themselves. If you let people push your limits, they’ll keep doing it. Learn to say no when needed, and don’t feel the need to justify it. Boundaries show people where you draw the line. The more you practice setting boundaries, the easier and more natural it becomes.
6. Don’t be afraid of silence.
Rushing to fill every quiet moment can make you seem anxious. Letting a moment of silence settle shows confidence. It gives you time to think and makes your words more impactful. Sometimes, less is more. Plus, people often respect those who don’t feel the need to fill every gap with chatter.
7. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident.
You don’t need designer clothes, but wearing outfits that make you feel good can boost your presence. When you feel put together, it shows in your attitude. People respect someone who takes pride in how they present themselves. Even small touches like wearing a favourite accessory can give you a confidence boost.
8. Stop explaining yourself too much.
Over-explaining decisions can make you seem unsure. State your choices clearly and confidently. If someone asks why, a brief explanation is enough. You don’t need to justify everything you do — your decisions are valid. Excessive explanations can invite people to question you further, so keep it simple and to the point.
9. Use a firm handshake.
Source: Unsplash A limp handshake can send the wrong message. A firm (but not crushing) handshake conveys confidence and strength. It sets the tone for how people perceive you. Pair it with a smile and eye contact for maximum impact. Practising your handshake with a friend can help you get it just right.
10. Show up on time.
Being punctual shows you value your time and other people’s. Chronic lateness can make people think you’re unreliable. If you’re consistently on time, it builds trust and respect. Plus, being early gives you a moment to collect yourself. Treat timeliness as a way of showing you respect both yourself and those around you.
11. Don’t let people interrupt you.
If someone talks over you, don’t just stop talking. Calmly say, “I wasn’t finished,” and continue. It’s a polite but firm way to remind them you have a voice. Interruptions can happen to anyone, but how you handle them sets the tone. Respect starts with making sure you’re heard.
12. Give compliments sparingly and genuinely.
Over-praising everyone can seem insincere or like you’re trying too hard. Genuine, thoughtful compliments are far more powerful. When you speak, let it come from an authentic place. Your words will carry more weight and be respected. Thoughtful compliments show you’re observant and confident enough to uplift people without seeking approval.
13. Be decisive and stick to your choices.
Waffling on decisions can make you seem unsure. Once you’ve made a choice, own it. If you’re wrong, that’s okay — you can adjust. But being decisive shows confidence, and people respect someone who knows their mind. The more you trust your instincts, the more other people will trust you, too.
14. Respect yourself first.
If you don’t respect yourself, other people won’t either. Treat yourself with kindness and hold yourself to your own standards. Self-respect is the foundation for how people treat you. When you believe you’re worthy of respect, everyone else follows suit. Remember, respecting yourself doesn’t mean being perfect — it means valuing who you are, flaws and all.
