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📞intro to public speaking review

Power posing

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Power posing refers to adopting expansive, open body postures that can affect one’s feelings of confidence and presence. Engaging in power posing is believed to influence hormone levels, reducing stress and increasing feelings of empowerment before speaking or presenting. This practice relates to the concepts of body language, managing anxiety, and boosting self-confidence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Research suggests that power posing for just two minutes can significantly increase testosterone levels and decrease cortisol levels in the body.
  2. The concept of power posing was popularized by social psychologist Amy Cuddy, who argues that body language affects how others see us and how we see ourselves.
  3. Power poses can be performed anywhere before a speech or presentation, making them an accessible tool for anyone looking to boost their confidence.
  4. Engaging in power posing is thought to enhance performance by shifting mental states from fear to empowerment, which is crucial during high-pressure speaking situations.
  5. Some studies have shown that individuals who adopt power poses feel more confident and are perceived as more authoritative by others.

Review Questions

  • How does power posing influence body language and its effects on public speaking?
    • Power posing enhances body language by encouraging speakers to adopt confident and open postures. This not only alters how speakers feel about themselves, boosting their confidence but also influences how the audience perceives them. By using power poses, speakers can effectively communicate authority and presence, which are critical elements for engaging an audience during public speaking.
  • In what ways can power posing serve as an effective technique for managing speech anxiety?
    • Power posing acts as a pre-speech ritual that helps reduce anxiety by promoting feelings of confidence and control. By standing in a powerful pose before addressing an audience, individuals may lower their stress levels and shift their focus from fear to empowerment. This change in mental state allows speakers to better manage their anxiety, leading to improved performance during public speaking engagements.
  • Evaluate the long-term effects of regularly practicing power posing on self-confidence and overall speaking abilities.
    • Regularly practicing power posing can lead to sustained increases in self-confidence over time. As individuals become more comfortable adopting these expansive postures, they may find themselves feeling more empowered in various situations beyond public speaking. This newfound confidence can translate into improved speaking abilities as individuals approach presentations with a positive mindset, reducing anxiety and enhancing their overall performance in front of audiences.