Confidence tricks from the stars; If the thought of mingling and making small talk at the Christmas parties fills you with dread, take some tips from these charming celebs and you'll be the star of the night.

It's that time of year again when everyone is going out and having fun but social gatherings are a shy person's nightmare.

"Parties can be good fun, you meet up with old friends and make new ones. But they can be agony for some people, leaving them feeling awkward, exposed and wishing that they could run for the door," says voice coach Caroline Goyder, who trains actors at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. "It may surprise you but many actors are shy, playing a role gives them a way to hide how they're really feeling."

For her new book The Star Qualities, Caroline spoke to numerous A-listers such as George Clooney, Kate Winslet and Dame Helen Mirren to discover how they overcome their nerves to radiate confidence.

Here are some of their top tips for faking fabulousness...

GEORGE CLOONEY

"My dad said, 'Look people in the eye when you talk.' I remember that specifically, allowing them to be human beings. I once had lunch with a movie producer who was completely dismissive and rude to our waiter, which told me all I needed to know about him. I thought 'I'm in a position where he wants to be nice to me, since he needs something from me. But what happens if I'm not in that position any more? If he treats everyone else dismissively, he'll treat me dismissively.'"

EXPERT TIP: MAKE EYE CONTACT

Caroline says: "Make an effort to look people in the eye, it says, 'I'm listening to you'.

"And being a good listener is incredibly sexy."

DAME JUDI DENCH 

"If you're going to be inhibited in front of everybody and not dare to make a fool of yourself, then you will never move forward. Unless you can push the boat out, there's no point in calling it back."

EXPERT TIP: LET GO

Caroline says: "If you feel like everyone is watching you your face will show your fear and will put people off talking to you. You'll give out a frightened energy that will push people away.

"Instead, tell yourself to smile and your paranoia will fade as partygoers start chatting to you. Remember to think, 'What the hell' and start enjoying yourself - stop taking everything so seriously."

KATE WINSLET

"On those days when you wake up and you think, 'I'm fat, I'm ugly, I have spots on my face and bum,' you have to play tricks on yourself. Don't doubt yourself, even when that hideous ugly devil voice inside starts telling you, 'I've got the wrong shoes on and I shouldn't be here.'

"Just close your eyes for a moment and make yourself think you're great. In your darkest most terrifying moments when you have zero confidence, sometimes there's no one else who's going to tell you. You only have yourself to rely on at the end of the day."

EXPERT TIP: TELL YOURSELF YOU'RE GOOD ENOUGH

Caroline says: "We all have an inner critic which says things like, 'My hair looks awful' or 'My shoes don't go with this outfit'. Listen to your inner critic before the party, but once there only think positive things about yourself. This will help you to relax and smile, if you're radiant no one will be looking at your shoes."

DAME HELEN MIRREN

"I hate being looked at. But in my job you have to meet people and deal with people you don't know. It can be torture. I had panic attacks. I'd feel ill, my hands would shake, get the sweats, the whole thing. I was incredibly nervous.

"You have to be yourself. If you're in a place of terror it's useful to drop the level of your voice consciously and keep your shoulders low and open. I was taught by a policewoman at Holloway, don't fold your arms, stay open, keep your arms relaxed. It was a great tip."

EXPERT TIP: USE THE RIGHT BODY LANGUAGE

Caroline says: "Body language tells people how you feel about yourself and others.

"So create a relaxed, open stance. When people are nervous they hunch in on themselves. Opening up says, 'I'm having a good time' and will make you more approachable and friendlylooking."

!! Adapted by Monica Cafferky from The Star Qualities: How to Sparkle With Confidence by Caroline Goyder is out now.