Dear Amilia Emberhart,
Are you feeling powerful and dominant today—or shy?
I want to share something powerful with you—an insight into how we present ourselves to the world and, more importantly, how that shapes who we become. This is inspired by Amy Cuddy’s groundbreaking TED Talk, Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are. Her research offers incredible lessons about the connection between our body language, our minds, and how others see us. Let us explore these lessons in three key insights.
Amy’s Insights on Harnessing Body Language…
How Others Judge Us Based on Body Language: Our body language profoundly influences how others perceive us. When we are open, expansive, and assertive, people see us as confident, competent, and trustworthy.
These judgments have tangible consequences, affecting who gets hired, promoted, or included in opportunities. For example, an open posture signals readiness and engagement, whereas behaviors like folding arms or touching the neck signal insecurity or hesitation. This makes others less likely to view us positively or as leaders. Women are much more likely than men to adopt such closed-off behaviors. Women often feel chronically less powerful than men, so this is an important idea to focus on.
How Our Body Language Affects Ourselves: We often think of body language as something external, meant for others to interpret. However, Amy’s research reveals that nonverbal communication also shapes our internal state. Adopting expansive and confident postures triggers changes in our hormones and mental state, making us feel more powerful, assertive, and optimistic. Conversely, closed-off postures amplify fear and insecurity, making us feel smaller and less capable. This self-reinforcing cycle highlights how body language is a powerful tool for shaping our self-perception.
Power Posing as a Tool for Change: The most exciting discovery is that we can consciously use body language to change how we feel. Amy’s concept of “power posing,” such as standing like a superhero, demonstrates that holding expansive postures for just two minutes can trigger measurable changes in our brains and bodies. Scientific data supports this: participants in her studies experienced a 20% increase in testosterone (the hormone linked to dominance and confidence) and a 25% decrease in cortisol (the hormone linked to stress). This hormonal shift made them more assertive, resilient, and willing to take risks. On the other hand, participants adopting low-power poses saw a 10% decrease in testosterone and a 15% increase in cortisol, leaving them feeling less confident and more reactive to stress. These figures underscore how even small changes in posture can prepare us for challenges and elevate our performance.
Applying This to Real Life: Boosting Self-Belief
Let us now take these insights and apply them to two real-life situations to see how they can make a difference:
The Workplace Example: When I have been at work in situations where I am not fully committed or interested, I notice myself shrinking. I touch my neck or cross my arms, which signals hesitation and insecurity—not just to others but also to myself. This posture creates a feedback loop, reinforcing my lack of engagement.
After learning about power posing, I now understand that by consciously adopting a more open and confident posture, I can disrupt this cycle. Before a meeting, I can take two minutes to stand tall, expand my arms, and breathe deeply. This simple act changes how I feel, helping me engage more confidently and authentically.
We can consciously use body language to change how we feel. Amy’s concept of “power posing,” such as standing like a superhero, demonstrates that holding expansive postures for just two minutes can trigger measurable changes in our brains and bodies.
Amilia’s School Scenario: Amilia, I have noticed how shy you sometimes feel during student development discussions with your teacher. You tend to look down, cross your arms, or fold into yourself. These gestures not only show your shyness but also make you feel more nervous and unsure of yourself.
Here is what we can try: before these meetings, take a moment to do a power pose. Stand tall with your hands on your hips or stretch your arms wide as if you are celebrating a victory. Hold this pose for two minutes. You might feel silly at first, but it will help you approach the discussion with more confidence and presence. By showing openness in your posture, you send a powerful message to your teacher—and to yourself—that you are ready to engage and share your thoughts.
The Journey to Becoming
Amy’s final message is one I want you to hold onto: “Fake it till you become it.” The idea is not about being inauthentic but about practicing confident behaviors until they feel natural. This is an important remark—we will later discuss why I do not believe in “faking it till you make it” at all. Tiny tweaks in how you hold yourself can lead to big changes in how you feel and how others see you.
Remember, Amilia, confidence is not about being perfect—it is about showing up as your true self, ready to embrace challenges. Before you go into the next stressful evaluative situation, take two minutes to try this—power posing.
This is your moment. Take command and show us the path.
For those who are with us on this path
Take two minutes to try power posing. After that, feel free to ask questions or share your perspective. Reach out to us for more details, insights, or anything you need to know. Email us today, and let us start the conversation!