To get a good introduction to body language and power poses I suggest viewing this TedTalk (Amy Cuddy – Your body language shapes who you are).
In Summary, Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” (standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident) can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.
“Merely practicing a “power pose” for a few minutes in private—such as standing tall and leaning slightly forward with hands at one’s side, or leaning forward over a desk with hands planted firmly on its surface—led to higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in study participants. These physiological changes are linked to better performance and more confident, assertive behavior; recent studies show (WSJ.com).”
I use this technique before negotiating, job interviews, teaching, and presentations. It sounds a little ridiculous but it really does work. Pretend you are rocky climbing up the stairs with your hands raised high and the song "eye of the tiger" playing in the background! I highly suggest you give it a try the next time you’re in a situation that can benefit from it.
Drew Patterson, MBA
In Summary, Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” (standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident) can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.
“Merely practicing a “power pose” for a few minutes in private—such as standing tall and leaning slightly forward with hands at one’s side, or leaning forward over a desk with hands planted firmly on its surface—led to higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in study participants. These physiological changes are linked to better performance and more confident, assertive behavior; recent studies show (WSJ.com).”
I use this technique before negotiating, job interviews, teaching, and presentations. It sounds a little ridiculous but it really does work. Pretend you are rocky climbing up the stairs with your hands raised high and the song "eye of the tiger" playing in the background! I highly suggest you give it a try the next time you’re in a situation that can benefit from it.
Drew Patterson, MBA
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