Stories, sales pitches, and every other form of communication rely heavily on word selection, but there is another key ingredient in the recipe: body language. Our subconscious relies on more than just a string of words to interpret the meaning and depth of a story. We also use body language to determine the credibility of the speaker. The interesting thing about body language is that it has a similar effect on both the speaker and the audience. An article published by the Wall Street Journal says that striking a powerful pose actually changes a person’s hormones and behavior, giving the perception of real power. The power pose can be practiced before a meeting to start elevating the hormones conducive to a better performance and more confidence.
Professor Amy Cuddy of Harvard University presented a TED talk titled “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are” in which she elaborated on her research regarding the impact of the power pose. In one experiment that she conducted, individuals were asked to assume either a low power pose or a high power pose for 2 minutes. The results showed that after just 2 minutes, there was a change in the hormones testosterone and cortisol, giving the high power posing individuals a higher tolerance for risk and the low power posing individuals a lower tolerance for risk.
So what exactly is a power pose? According to Forbes magazine, a power pose can be as simple as standing with arms out, hands on hips, and legs spread open. The victory arm-pumping in the air is another example. Although very informal, sitting back in a chair with legs propped on a desk and arms folded behind the shoulders is a classic power pose. Basically, the act of expanding the body can create a power pose that triggers the brain to think bigger too.
There is a proper time to strike a power pose, whether privately in a bathroom or publicly in front of an audience. The mindset that is achieved through behavior is one of the most powerful tools that can be utilized in communication. Your business pitch might just depend on that extra little bump in hormones.
Jon
This is a fascinating concept, indeed, and I might need to try that before I present my project this afternoon! In all honesty, I have found that, either through a power pose, or simply through a deep understanding of the material being presented, once can build confidence. Confidence in oneself and one’s presentation seems to be a tremendous asset when speaking publically. I believe that the hormonal balance the article refers to can be adjusted in other ways as well. I prefer to practice presentations in the most difficult manner possible (for me anyways) – presenting to a lone individual. I will stand up and deliver as if there was a room full or viewers, but will focus solely on that one person and try to maintain as much eye contact as possible. It is extremely uncomfortable for me to do this, but by getting through this routine, I am able to build confidence in my skills and when the time comes, summon that confidence to strike a mental “power pose” and perform. When I think about how confident I want to be going into a presentation, I am reminded of a quote from Zig Ziglar I found last semester. “I am so confident that I would go after Moby Dick in a rowboat and bring the tartar sauce with me.” If you can remember to bring the tartar sauce, you will perform exceptionally.
Jon,
This is a great concept. I read about this about a year ago when I was going through interviews at Goizueta and year-end reviews with my boss.
While you feel silly at first, I found that implementing the poses for a few minutes alone before a meeting raises confidence. It gives you that little magical boost you just may need to excel a meeting.
I definitely recommend trying it.
Barry- I hope you did too!