I am reading “Presence”, a book by Amy Cuddy. You can also find Amy presenting on Ted Talk, as she holds the distinction of the 2nd most viewed talk, called “Your body language may shape who you are” She is a Harvard Business School professor + Social Psychologist. Amy uses science research and numerous body mind effect studies to teach us how to use simple techniques to liberate ourselves from high pressure moments; like presentations and board room sales pitches.
The key message I want to get across today is, that we actually can influence our emotions and our hormones by how we hold ourselves in different postures throughout our day! The more upright and open your stance…. Like the wonder woman pose or the champion pose the more you activate deep breathing and testosterone, the power hormone.
Authors Neffinger + Kohut in their book, “Compelling People”, offer a few recommendations for us to take into our day.
Stand or walk around as much as you can at work, especially on important phone calls- you will project your voice better
When sitting, keep shoulders and your chest open, keep your feet grounded, no ankle wrapping
Adopt open gestures, outstretched arms with palms up or mid body level, it is welcoming, signals trust. Avoid holding your arms, clasping or wringing hands
Take your time, pause in your conversations, along with your open physical space pose
Be aware of your posture through the work day, use headsets so you can stretch out while talking on the phone..avoid the ihunch pose..
As Maya Angelou reminds us, “stand up straight and realize who you are, that you…. tower over your circumstances. “