2 minute read
Gestures matter: Power Stances
High Power Stance
BENEFITS: In research studies, after just a 2-minute “high power pose” the risk tolerance of high-power posers soared, their testosterone levels significantly increased (testosterone is one key chemical for power), and their cortisol levels fell sharply (when cortisol levels drop, we are better able to handle stressful situations).
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—Amy Cuddy, social psychologist
Feel the power!
Social psychologist Amy Cuddy and many subsequent researchers have shown that “power posing” (adopting expansive postures) causes people to feel more powerful.
Low Power Stances
Check it out for yourself. Try one or two of these poses for 2 minutes.
High Power Stances
Take a look!
Now how do you feel? What are your most usual stances? How do you feel about your own habits? Would you like to adopt a more powerful stance, at least some of the time? Maybe you’d like to practise regularly — both at home and “out there”. See what happens!
