Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are

Amy Cuddy’s talk on power posing sparked both widespread enthusiasm and scientific debate about the relationship between body and mind. Her research suggests that holding expansive, open postures for just two minutes can increase testosterone, decrease cortisol, and boost feelings of power and confidence. While subsequent research has questioned the hormonal effects, the talk’s core insight—that our physical state influences our psychological state, not just the other way around—remains compelling and has helped millions of people approach high-stress situations with greater presence.

The talk’s most memorable moment comes when Cuddy shares her personal story of recovering from a traumatic brain injury and feeling like an imposter in academic settings. Her vulnerability in admitting “I’m not supposed to be here” resonates with anyone who has experienced imposter syndrome. The advice she received—“fake it till you become it”—reframes self-doubt as something you can work through not just mentally but physically, by quite literally taking up space.

Whether or not power posing produces the specific hormonal changes Cuddy initially reported, the talk has value in highlighting the feedback loop between embodiment and emotion. For anyone preparing for a job interview, presentation, or difficult conversation, the simple practice of adopting an open, confident posture before walking in is a low-cost intervention worth trying. The talk’s broader message—that presence is accessible through practice, not just innate—offers hope to those who feel chronically powerless or anxious.