In a series of chapters in which she approaches the idea of status from different perspectives –for example ‘be like final-scene Sandy and Danny’ – Viv Groskop gives a mixture of friendly encouragement, deep dive psychology and practical tips such as ‘leave a gap and a space for a thought to land with the other person.’ She tells Viv how important it was for her to share insecurities with a mentor about facing confident male colleagues from the established western markets.

Happy high status is a new way of thinking about confidence and how you relate to yourself. It's how actors and comedians enhance their presence on stage and screen. And in this inspirational guide, Viv Groskop explains how we can access it at any time to lend strength and energy to our interactions, big and small. For some of us, this quality could be about channelling quiet calm, reassurance and diplomacy. For others it could be bringing the wow factor, exuding charisma or even being slightly seductive. Or it could be about bringing one of any of these: curiosity, warmth, a questioning nature, generosity, intensity, focus, ease, dynamism, wit, kindness … There is no right answer. Everyone wants to be able to face challenging situations without feeling daunted, intimidated or stressed. But no-one wants to be labelled over-confident, arrogant or smarmy, or to get caught up in their own hype. So how can you feel authentically confident - without the cringe, and without pretending to be something you're not?This class is for anyone who wants to improve their confidence, presence and public speaking, whether in formal contexts, such as a job interview or work presentation, or simply whilst talking to friends or speaking on screen during a Zoom call. This course is for … Happy high status is a new way of thinking about confidence and how you relate to yourself. It's how actors and comedians enhance their presence on stage and screen. It lends strength and energy to your interactions, big and small, and is a way of projecting status, minimising self-doubt and moving effortlessly through life.

If you have to speak in front of others, you could choose, for example, to be clear, concise and succinct. If you have to approach someone who intimidates you, you could be decisive, steadfast or (not for the faint of heart) optimistic. Ask if this is ‘internal’ or ‘external’ for you This week I am really excited to finally unveil my new book…. HAPPY HIGH STATUS: HOW TO BE EFFORTLESSLY CONFIDENT! This book is coming out on June 29. The “externals” are what others see: how you present to the world, how you stand or sit, how you enter a room, what you’re wearing. Because we cannot possibly all have the same energy or confidence. Which is why some people hate some comedians that others love. And why some people find certain politicians charismatic and exciting, and others regard that person as insufferable and narcissistic. (Important: part of confidence is about accepting that you cannot be loved – or even liked – by absolutely everyone.)It can help to ask whether there is another quality – or combination of qualities – you could bring to this situation that are more specific and easily applied. So if you’re going to a party, instead of trying to be confident, you could decide to be helpful to the host, open-minded or companionable.

Confidence gets a bad rap. We struggle to define what it really is. We envy it in others and want it for ourselves. And yet also we despise people – and even ridicule them – when they have “too much” of it. Not that we can agree on how much confidence is too much. One person’s version of smooth self-assurance can come across to someone else as the worst kind of smug. It’s something we’ve all heard contradictory messages about since we were children. She had a tip about using written notes or prompt cards. If you’re going to have anything written – or printed – on a piece of paper in front of you, then only use the top third of the paper. Oates said: “I have found Viv Groskop’s authoritative yet compassionate guides immeasurably valuable, so I’m thrilled to be publishing her new book on something we all want a bit more of: confidence. A trusted voice in the personal development space, Viv’s smart advice will help so many readers embrace their own innate and authentic confidence, not only boosting their performance, but improving the way they feel about themselves too.” This is, in fact, the fastest route to being annoying. If you take the focus away from yourself and put it onto others, this has two useful consequences. And in case you missed the picture of Margaret Atwood giving her blessing to the first manuscript copy of Happy High Status, here it is.This also serves as a reminder that people care way more about how you say something and the level of authenticity of your connection than they care about the actual content of what you’re saying. (Although obviously make the content excellent too.) Get out of your head