Amy Cuddy’s power pose, a concept introduced in her famous TED Talk, has become a widely recognised technique for boosting confidence and influencing how we perceive ourselves and others. It’s a simple yet powerful gesture: standing in a posture of strength, with arms raised or hands placed on hips, as if you’re asserting your dominance in a room. But the reason I love this power pose goes beyond its simplicity—it’s because it can truly transform how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us.
- It’s a Quick Confidence Boost
One of the main reasons I love Amy Cuddy’s power pose is because of how quickly it can provide a surge of confidence. Many of us have experienced moments of self-doubt or nervousness, especially before a big presentation, job interview or difficult conversation. In these moments, it’s easy to feel small or unprepared, and our body language often reflects that. We hunch our shoulders, lower our heads and shrink in our seats.
Power posing, on the other hand, forces us to stand tall and occupy space. By simply adopting an open, expansive posture – whether it’s standing with your hands on your hips or raising your arms in a “V” shape – you signal to yourself that you’re in control and capable. Even in the most stressful situations, a few minutes of power posing can give you the mental clarity and internal strength to tackle whatever is ahead with a newfound sense of confidence.
- It Influences How Others Perceive You
The power pose doesn’t just influence how we feel internally—it also affects how others perceive us. When we stand confidently, we exude an aura of competence, trustworthiness and leadership. People are naturally drawn to those who carry themselves with confidence. Whether you’re entering a room for a meeting, giving a presentation or having a conversation, power posing allows you to project authority and competence.
I love how this simple gesture can instantly shift the way people respond to you. By physically changing your posture, you’re altering the dynamics of any interaction, often leading to more respect and acknowledgment from others. When you appear more confident, others are more likely to believe in your abilities and trust you, creating a positive feedback loop where your confidence continues to grow.
- It’s Backed by Science and Research
Amy Cuddy’s research, in collaboration with her colleagues, showed that adopting power poses for just two minutes can increase levels of testosterone (the dominance hormone) while reducing cortisol (the stress hormone). This biochemical change helps us feel more confident and less stressed, making us better equipped to handle high-pressure situations.
In Cuddy’s studies, participants who practiced power poses reported feeling more powerful, in control, and less anxious before important tasks. These findings aren’t just theoretical—they’re backed by concrete data. Knowing that this practice has been scientifically proven to impact our mental and physical state makes me trust its effectiveness even more.
- It’s a Simple Tool for Everyday Life
The simplicity of the power pose is one of its most appealing aspects. It doesn’t require any special equipment, complicated instructions or a lot of time. You don’t need to attend a workshop or seminar to learn how to use it—you can start right now, wherever you are. Whether you’re standing in front of a mirror, waiting for an interview or preparing for a public speaking engagement, adopting a power pose can be done in seconds.
Its simplicity means that it’s accessible to anyone and it’s something that can be done in private or in front of others, depending on the situation.
- It Reinforces the Mind-Body Connection
Finally, I love the power pose because it reinforces the profound connection between our minds and bodies. Often, we think of confidence as something purely mental—something we either have or don’t have. But what Cuddy’s research highlights is that we can actively shape our mindset by adjusting our physical state. When we stand confidently, our brains receive the message that we are in control, which boosts our mental state.
This mind-body connection is empowering. It reminds us that we are not passive participants in our emotions but active agents in shaping them. By using our bodies in a way that promotes power and confidence, we can directly influence how we feel and how we perform in various situations.
By Simon Coleman, co-founder of 1948
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