Lesson 22: Stand Tall Before You Speak – The Secret Power of Your Posture
“When our body language is confident and open, other people respond in kind, unconsciously reinforcing not only their perception of us but also our perception of ourselves.”
— Amy Cuddy, Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges
Your Body Tells a Story Before You Say a Word
Imagine stepping onto a stage—or into a crucial meeting.
You haven’t spoken yet.
But the way you stand—the way you occupy space—has already started telling your story.
Are you confident? Uncertain? Defensive? Open?
Audiences read these signals immediately, often without realizing it. And surprisingly, so do you.
Your posture doesn’t just communicate outward—it shapes your inner state.
That’s the real power behind how you stand.
What Science Reveals About Power Posing
Research led by Dr. Amy Cuddy at Harvard brought wide attention to a simple but transformative idea:
The way you position your body changes how you feel—and how others feel about you.
In her studies, participants who stood in “high-power” poses for just two minutes experienced measurable changes:
Higher testosterone levels (linked to confidence and assertiveness)
Lower cortisol levels (linked to reduced stress)
Stronger first impressions from observers (seen as more competent and engaging)
Even beyond hormones, neuroscience suggests that when we adopt expansive, open postures, we activate brain areas associated with resilience, presence, and emotional regulation.
In other words: How you stand affects how you lead.
What Exactly Is a Power Pose?
You’ve seen it—maybe without even realizing:
Feet grounded firmly, about shoulder-width apart.
Spine tall but relaxed.
Chest open.
Hands either confidently at your sides or resting lightly on hips (“Superman” stance).
In contrast, contracted postures—like hunched shoulders, arms tightly crossed, or eyes cast downward—signal uncertainty, both to your audience and back to yourself.
How to Use Power Posing to Your Advantage
Before You Speak:
Find a quiet space. Stand in a strong, open stance for 1–2 minutes.
Breathe. Imagine the space around you as yours to claim.
During Your Talk:
Stay open. Avoid shrinking into yourself when facing tough questions or big moments. Return to an upright, grounded posture.
If Nerves Hit Mid-Speech:
Anchor yourself. Plant your feet again, open your stance, breathe into your presence—silently telling your body: I’ve got this.
A Real-World Snapshot
Think of two speakers at a leadership retreat:
One approaches the podium hunched over, arms tight against their body.
The other steps forward, shoulders relaxed, standing tall.
No words have been spoken yet.
But the room already knows who feels ready to lead.
A Word on Criticism
It’s true—some of the early hormonal claims about power posing have faced challenges in replication studies.
But the broader principle remains solid:
Expansive, open posture shapes how you feel—and how you’re seen.
Power posing isn’t magic. It’s preparation.
It’s the way you tell your body: I belong here.
🧠 Knowledge Check – Fill in the Gaps
Prompt:
Power poses are known to increase ___ and decrease ___, helping speakers feel more confident and reduce stress before taking the stage.
Correct Answers:
Increase: Testosterone
Decrease: Cortisol
Final Reflection
In high-stakes moments, you don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to the level of your preparation.
Taking just two minutes to stand tall—to claim your space—can shift everything.
Not by changing who you are, but by letting the most confident version of yourself step forward.
The next time you have a room to walk into, remember:
You can choose your story before you ever say a word.
