Body Language and Confidence
Amy Cuddy studies body language. In particular, she studies how our body language doesn’t just display our reactions and emotions but actually shapes them. That’s right – how you sit shapes how you feel – including how much stress you’re feeling – and how you stand not only influences how others perceive you but also how you perceive yourself.
The message of her TED Talk is that simple…and that powerful. And it has the capacity to shape how we interview, negotiate, communicate, and preach and teach. I won’t say much more, because she is such a fine teacher and her research is so interesting that I want you to experience it for yourself. It’s 20 minutes long, and definitely worth your time, as simply changing your stance could change your day, and maybe even, as Amy shares from personal experience, your life.
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So I just struck the 2-munite power pose. I couldn’t keep back a smile and certainly felt energized. (I’m sure my neighbors saw me, but I still wonder if my wife notice what a great job I did on the dishes.) And then it occurs to me, our prayer posture is so very different from this.
If our body language shapes who we are, it may be wise for us to discern which to take (and when to take it) all along the journey.