Amrut Vagal says, "The ability to make your presence felt usually manifests from birth. However, the degree to which you seek to be centre stage varies - it depends on your basic nature, culture and family background. But remember that it can be acquired because it is a natural instinct." Casting off your 'invisibility cloak' is a positive change and a life skill that will make you more confident, win you respect and fast-track your career.

Here are a few tips:

Identify Roadblocks

Zero in on habits that weaken your personality. This means you have to observe your behaviour patterns under a microscope. Give honest answers to these questions:

• Do I sound/act immature (giggle like a schoolgirl and use overly-expansive gestures)?
• Am I too casual (Do I use frivolous words or colloquial language)?
• Do I always sound frightened and skittish?
• Do I become flustered easily?
• Do I apologise too often (say sorry even when it is not my fault)?

Once you've isolated those pain points, start correcting your "image breaking" habits. With a little effort, you can evolve to become a more authoritarian and visible person without completely changing the "real you".

Watch Your Body Language

Some people seem naturally to have a fascinating presence - they walk into a room and jaws drop! Others can simply floor an audience with a charismatic blend of voice, words and gestures.

Experts say that 75 percent of all communication is through body language. Your gestures, movements, poses and expressions speak volumes about your confidence levels.

Body language can be your ally (if you use it well) or your enemy (you may be an expert in your field, but if your body language is weak or self-effacing, you'll fail to impress).

Some pointers for Effective Body Language:

• Don't cross your arms or legs: It makes you seem defensive or guarded.
  
  
• Make the right amount of eye contact: Make eye contact with the people you are talking to - look at everyone in the room for an equal length of time. If you stare, they'll end up feeling uncomfortable. If you don't make eye contact with your audience (instead stare at the floor or at the wall above your audience's head), you'll appear shifty and diffident.
  
  
• Relax your shoulders: When you're feeling tense it always shows up as rigid shoulders. Loosen up by shaking your shoulders a bit and move them back slightly.
  
  
• Sit up Straight: Never slouch - it gives you a defeated look.
  
  
• Lean, but not too much: Leaning towards a person shows that you are interested in what she is saying. People who are comfortable in their skin tend to lean back just a little bit. Leaning in too much might make you seem needy or desperate for approval. On the other hand, leaning back too much might make you appear haughty.
  
  
• Don't touch your face: It will make you seem nervous. It can also be extremely distracting for a listener or onlooker.
  
  
• Hold you head up: Don't keep your eyes on the ground; it makes you appear shy and uncomfortable.
  
  
• Use your hands confidently: Never fidget with your hands (for example, wring them, scratch your face or pick at something). Use your hands in a controlled manner to describe something or to reinforce your point of view. Avoid letting your hands flail around aimlessly.
  
  
• Watch personal space: Don't stand too close to people and invade their personal space. Keep a distance of about two feet while talking to someone - that way you won't get "in their face".
  
  
• Modulate your voice: Don't drone on an on in a soporific tone or use a high pitch when talking to people. Maintain an even pitch, keep your volume down and watch your pace - especially when you're feeling tense.
  
  
• Don't be a mirror image: Often, when we start talking to someone, we tend to unconsciously mirror each other's body language. For example, if he leans forward, you might do the same. If she claps her hands on her lap, you might too.
  
  This tendency generally makes the connection between both people better. However, don't react too fast and mirror every change in body language - this can put the other person on edge (nobody likes someone policing their mannerisms and actions).