Smiling Makes You Happier

It’s easy to acknowledge that our own body language impacts how other people view us.  Did you know posture and posing can impact how we feel about ourselves?

I watched a fascinating TED talk video today by Amy Cuddy, a researcher and professor at Harvard Business School, about the surprising impact of body language on our own psyche.  In brief, certain open body language is associated with power and confidence, while closed postures are linked with insecurity and powerlessness. In open body language, one takes up more space and spreads out, rather than crouching, slouching, or crossing legs or arms. By standing in a position of power (feet apart, shoulders spread, hands on hips) for just 2 minutes in private ahead of a key meeting or job interview, you can influence your own hormones, feel more positive, and thus modify your own demeanor in that important interaction.

In the talk, Professor Cuddy goes on to say that her recommendation is not “Fake it ‘til you make it”, but rather, “fake it ‘til you become it” because eventually, the new body language will become routine and your behavior will change.

Open posture sends a message of approach-ability and confidence, whether sitting or standing. Here’s how to maintain it.

• Keep your arms and hands unfolded.  
• Open your leg stance to avoid crossing your angles or legs.  
• Try to take up more space rather than less space.  
• Lean forward slightly. 
• Keep your palms visible (never clasped together).

I’m going to challenge myself to be more aware of my own posture, how I pose myself in team meetings, and my body language in client meetings.