We’ve all been there before: the moment before a big presentation and your stomach is aflutter with nerves. Your palms are sweating and you feel like crawling into a little ball to find your happy place. Whether you’re conscious of it or not, your body language is communicating this lack of confidence.
Our body language affects other people’s perception of us; but did you know that it can also influence how we perform in a stressful situation, like giving a presentation? Social psychologist and Harvard Business School professor Amy Cuddy’s Ted Talk on body language shows how standing like your favorite superhero (or “power posing”) can change our body chemistry.
“By holding these [power] postures for just two minutes before entering a high-stress situation, people can increase their testosterone (power hormone) by about 20% and decrease their cortisol (anxiety hormone) by about 25%.” This chemical reaction helps you prepare for stressful situations and improve your chances of success.
So before your next presentation, take two minutes to channel your inner superhero and strike a power pose! You’ll not only look more confident, but you’ll reduce your anxiety helping you to nail your presentation.
Interested in other speaking tips? Sign up for our next Executive Speaker Training course. Email us at info@redskypr.com to learn more.
