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Strike Your Power Pose

3/18/2014

For years we’ve spoken and written about the profound impact of nonverbal communication on our ability to persuade. In a recent Ted talk, Harvard Business School professor and researcher Ann Cuddy presents evidence for a direct link between body, mind, behavior, and outcomes.

Not feeling powerful? Cuddy says “Fake it ‘til you make it—or, better yet, ‘til you become it.” Before entering a high-stress situation where others will evaluate you—like a job interview or presentation—Cuddy suggests striking a “power pose,” such as Starfish (arms up in victory pose) or Superman/Superwoman (hands on waist/chest out). Doing this for two minutes (in private:) will lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. According to Cuddy: “You’ll feel better about yourself and others will experience you as more dynamic. The end game: more success!”

We want to hear: Give power-posing a two-minute try. Does it boost your confidence and up your game? Share your responses to the weekly discussion question here.

13 Comments

Merry link

3/18/2014 02:52:17 am

Ok, I tried this idea. May I suggest that you put a warning label on that? I tried both poses, and frankly, my arthritic back, neck and shoulders are all protesting my efforts. lol Maybe people over 65 should not do this with a lot of enthusiasm. I don't feel empowered, I feel pain. I am sure for the young and healthy that is a great idea and could well work. From my point of view, I'm afraid my "Wonder Woman" pose was more of a cartoon than reality. lol I DID get a great laugh out of it and that is always good. Life is much easier with a sense of humor. I am very grateful no one with a camera phone or Facebook saw me do that!

Susan

3/19/2014 08:41:33 am

Agreed: No camera during power posing!

Wayne Wilson

3/18/2014 12:43:14 pm

After graduating and attending a number of interviews for an entry level HR job, my daughter watched this presentation and tried it at her next interview. May have had nothing to do with it but she got the job.

3/19/2014 08:31:11 am

Really cool Wayne. Based on what we know about your daughter, probably more than the power pose got her the job. Still this is great feedback. Glad it worked for her.

ann

3/18/2014 01:46:05 pm

Thank you for this very practical advice. Any more ideas for non-verbal behavior at meetings, where one is trying to persuade others, would be appreciated!

3/19/2014 08:34:38 am

Here is one more piece: take up extra space -- for example an arm draped on an empty chair next to you. Most people shrivel non verbally under stress. So expanding is a preferred alternative.
Maybe some of our readers have additional suggestions.

Fabienne Peter-Contesse

3/19/2014 02:46:36 am

Love a power pose and use them often! I also have a sticky note on my desk (can't recall where I saw it on Facebook...) that I read frequently but make a point of saying out loud right before a challenging meeting or phone call:

I have the strength, the talent, the friends, the resources, the qualifications I need for today.

And I do. Or I fake it!

3/19/2014 08:39:22 am

Thanks for this Fabienne. You remind me of the researcher's quote: Fake it until you ARE it! I think you have gotten to a place where you mostly ARE it.

Sally

3/19/2014 07:08:01 am

As a Toastmaster, I have learned to do that very thing. I am amazed at the difference in my confidence from 3 years ago when I joined.
Thanks for the messages.

3/19/2014 08:40:20 am

You are welcome Sally. Thanks for this connection with Toastmastwrs.

Kristen

4/1/2014 03:38:03 pm

I have used this technique in the past with a person having anxiety while taking calls in a call centre. He watched Amy's video clip and it has significantly helped him cope with difficult callers. He poses the strong pose when he feels the anxiety coming on and this helps him settle and cope. Great to see it in use

Joyce Long

12/30/2015 07:53:32 pm

I agree about the impression the "slouch" gives us. However, if you look at older pictures of adults and children reading books or newspapers, you see the same slouch. I was having some pain issues and also vocal issues and my speech therapist suggested Alexander Technique lessons. This has helped how I carry myself, my balance, my poise and my pain. It does take some groundedness to be more aware of our body use but very well worth it. Interested? google Marjorie Barlowe and FM Alexander.

1/5/2016 02:51:47 pm

Thanks for this, Joyce. Makes sense that slouching not only signals our powerlessness to the world but also affects our physical well being. We actually have a marital agreement to remind each other to stand straight!

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