A valuable step in building self-confidence is projecting confidence even when you don’t feel it.

If you believe something long enough, it will come true. Balderdash you say? It might sound like fiction, but there is a bit of scientific truth to the efficacy of faking it until you make it.

How to build confidence in speaking

You may have been attending a presentation where it was evident that the speaker was unprepared. Perhaps you’ve given a presentation where you felt you weren’t adequately prepared. Some public speakers might even say they prefer this off-the-cuff approach. Still, with a little false confidence, you can transform an unrehearsed performance into a convincing speech.

Though this strategy might not work in every case (we don’t necessarily recommend showing up for meetings with a half-baked presentation), faking it can be highly beneficial for those who find themselves shy in social situations, unable to close a deal because of hesitation, or missing opportunities because of a lack of self-assurance.

You can start practicing this theory by first identifying the elements of your personality that are holding you back. Once you can figure out the obstacles, you can begin diminishing their effects. For instance, many people find it difficult to strike up conversations and will avoid socializing. But in business, sometimes it’s not enough to send an email or to make a call—you need to meet with people face-to-face—to achieve an outcome. Recognizing their reluctance puts them on a path to confronting it.

If you recognize yourself in the above example, practice approaching people and having conversations in situations that might not be as important to your career, like speaking to a stranger at a party or attending social gatherings you may otherwise be inclined to skip. Building confidence in social situations is largely about putting yourself out there and getting familiar with the discomfort. Barring any psychological condition, your uneasiness will eventually subside. As with public speaking, faking confidence in this area can pay off big, as people will be more likely to approach you and trust you. Your newfound confidence will eventually impact your participation in business meetings and presentations.

How to make a confident decision

Hesitation when making decisions can be another major bump in the road with business. Opportunities can be fleeting, and quick decision-making is sometimes necessary. You won’t always have all the data you need, requiring that you make a judgment call, but waffling or backpedaling are not good looks for a leader.

Often our hesitation in making choices doesn’t come from fear of the decision itself, but what may happen after the decision is made. You must resign yourself to the fact that none of us can predict the future and proceed the best you can with the information you have. The more confidently you make a decision, the more people are likely to place their trust in you and believe in your mission. Solid, assertive decision-making is a mark of a strong leader. When you do make a mistake (and we all do), own it, do what you can to rectify the problem, and take time to reflect and learn.

What’s recommended here is easier said than done. People aren’t born with confidence—it develops over time with learning and experience. Even the most confident person you know will occasionally feel doubt, but the difference is their ability to project their conviction to others. Once you learn how to do that, whether your coolness is real or mimicked won’t matter.