Change Your Physiology with Power Poses
“Our nonverbals govern how other people think and feel about us.” Amy Cuddy
Amy Cuddy, in her excellent TedX video on youtube, shares some fascinating information about body language and positions of power. Many people collapse in on themselves during periods of stress, demonstrated physically by crossed legs, ankles, arms, hunched shoulders, hands in front of body. Confident people, resilient leaders, spread out, open up, take up space.
To gain more power, stand in the Wonder Woman pose (or Superman) for 2 minutes before a stressful event like a big meeting, speech, interview, etc. Standing in an expansive posture for two minutes before a stressful event can increase your sense of confidence and presence, helping to prevent burnout before it spreads. While later research has debated the hormone findings, many leaders report that intentional posture shifts improve their focus and emotional steadiness under pressure. Other power poses are the victory pose (arms in air shaped like v) or arms crossed behind your head. Stretch out, open your body up, breathe deeply and take up more space. Try it and see what a difference it makes.
Leaders communicate before they speak. Your posture signals certainty, anxiety, authority, or hesitation long before your first word. Managing physiology is one small but powerful way to lead yourself before leading others.
©2026, 2012 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication or reprinting without permission and author reference
