Power Posing: How Acting Confident Can Actually Make You Confident

3 “powerful” gestures everyone should know that can help them give off a confident vibe.

Lack of confidence is the number one problem that people face when going to a job interview, vying for a promotion, or even when dealing with their personal relationships. While some people have a natural confidence that irradiates from their personality, others have to make great efforts to give off an impression of confidence. If you are one of those who doesn’t know how to display your confidence or just plain doesn’t feel any, then there are several things you can do that just may help. These methods can not only make others see you as confidence, but will actually invoke the feeling within yourself.

Dana Carney, a psychologist from Columbia University, coined the term “power posing”. In her power posing theory, she suggests that using open gestures, like hands on hips and feet at a slightly wider stance, gives off a sense of power to other people. And what’s more, it actually causes a hormonal change in the body when you do this. Thus, if you act the part of confidence, you’re body physically undergoes a change that gives you confidence. This may sound like a fairy tale, but it’s a scientifically proven fact.

Acting and appearing confident will create a positive impact on others and will help you to BE confident

Here are some other “powerful” gestures that can send off a confident vibe to others and to yourself:

1. Straight back, head high. Posture is one of the first things we notice about a person. Many shy people and introverts are notorious for their hunched shoulders and efforts to make themselves look smaller. If you want to look and feel confident, all you need to do is straighten your back and hold your head high. Try it right now, even if you are sitting alone in your room or at your desk at work. You will be amazed at the change in your emotions and confidence level as you sit up straight and look the world head on.

1. Firm handshake. This is an oldie, but a goodie. You don’t want to give a muscle-man handshake and crush someone’s carpals, nor do you want to give the ‘dead fish’. Somewhere in between shows that you are sure of yourself, not cocky and not self-conscious.

1. Look others in the eye. Whether asking a question or responding to one, it is crucial that you look the other person in the eye. Making eye contact with someone builds their confidence in you and can make a huge difference in their perspective. We all are familiar with the old trick of looking up or down when we are thinking hard about the answer to a question. While this is a natural physical reaction, it also can show that we are unsure of ourselves. Keeping eye contact while trying to think can be a difficult skill to develop. You will need to fight the urge to look away. After some practice, you will get the hang of it and be able to answer smoothly while still looking someone in the eye. This talent will do wonders for making others see you as confident and making yourself have conviction in your responses.

About the Author

Natalie Clive writes for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers aids individuals in determining if an online education is right for them, and guides them in their search for online degrees which can help them have the career of their dreams.
Resource: Dana R Carney Psychologist Columbia University
Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net