Bringing your
professional voice to
the Microsoft table
How to build confidence
Microsoft Virtual Internship Platform
Introduction to this Model Answer
This Model Answer is designed to illustrate a complete professional presentation on this topic.
You were not asked to provide this level of detail. We hope you see the content of your answer
represented throughout the presentation.
It has been designed to provide you with more guidance and helpful information to apply in the
workplace.
What is confidence?
Why is it important to
demonstrate it at work?
What is confidence?
Comes from a latin word ‘fidere' Essentially, it is knowing
which means ‘to trust’; therefore, what you’re good at,
having self-confidence is having
trust in one's self. the value you provide,
and acting in a way
It is a belief in oneself, the that conveys that
conviction that one has the ability to those around you.
to meet life's challenges and to
succeed—and the willingness to act
accordingly.
Projecting confidence in the workplace enables you to:
Gain credibility
Make a strong first impression
Deal with pressure
Tackle personal and professional challenges
Put others at ease
Be taken more seriously if your words and action have conviction
Experience more as you’re more likely to engage in challenging, but manageable projects
Push the boundary of your comfort zone and increase your performance
Communicate more effectively, as confidence allows you to speak concisely and with clarity.
Projecting confidence contributes to professionalism
which is helpful for your advancing job and career.
What are the key
characteristics of
someone who
demonstrates
confidence?
I chose Satya Nadella as the person who demonstrates
confidence because he…
Believes in himself and his ideas Speaks with certainty
Obtains his happiness from within Takes risks
Is grateful Isn’t afraid to be wrong
Exercises to help focus the mind and keep fit Applauds other people
Is always positive Listens more than he speaks
Is very prepared for everything Is modest
Never gives up Isn’t afraid to ask for help
Dedicates time to what matters
Communicates clearly and passionately
How to demonstrate
confidence and bring
your voice to the table.
Start by building confidence through:
Identifying strengths and capitalizing on them
Identifying weaknesses and working on them
Identifying what is most important to you
Undertaking activities that develop mental and physical energy
Believing in yourself
Replacing negative self-talk with positive inner dialogue
Asking for help and guidance
Observing the behaviours of confident people around you and learning from them
Seeking feedback and being open to constructive criticism
Seeking encouragement from others
Praising yourself
Adopting an optimistic attitude
Committing to being more courageous
Standing tall, being proud and enjoying what you do
Then practice demonstrating more confidence by:
Being aware of how you hold yourself and the signals your body language is giving out
Being clear on your views
Being well prepared
Being genuine, open and warm
Being authentic
Starting communication with a strong, confident ‘I’ statement
Warmly acknowledging the other’s persons point of view when confronted or questioned
Expecting to be challenged at times and showing conviction in your ideas
Using evidence and research to support your views
Encouraging innovative and critical thinking to achieve a better outcome
Celebrating your successes and telling others about them
Practising your skills. Speaking up is a skill and practicing ahead of time with trusted friends or colleagues will build
your competence and confidence.
Sharing your ideas with a trusted colleague or two and asking them if you should share your idea with the larger
group. This allows you to find an advocate for the idea before you even bring it up with others which will help build
your confidence.
Then confidently bring your voice
to the Microsoft table by:
Expressing what you are passionate about so it inspires and motivates others
Using confident and assertive language. Avoid phrases such as ‘sorry for raising this’, ‘I’m not sure’ and ‘this may not be
important’.
Being clear, concise and impactful
Displaying positive body language at all times
Being adequately prepared to enhance your credibility and demonstrate importance of the topic to you
Identifying as many opportunities as possible to share your ideas, views and questions
Believing that your voice is valuable and the organisation wants to hear it.
At Microsoft we want
to hear your voice.
© Copyright Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
