Your body language may shape who you are - Amy Cudy

Video Link: Amy Cuddy: Your body language may shape who you are | TED Talk

I chose to watch the TED Talk by Amy Cuddy titled "Your body language may shape who you are". In this talk, Cuddy explains how our posture and gestures can affect not only how others perceive us, but also how we perceive ourselves. She argues that by adopting more confident and powerful poses, we can boost our self-esteem, mood, and performance.

One of the main points from the video is that our body language is a form of communication that can influence our hormones, emotions, and behavior. Cuddy cites research that shows that people who assume high-power poses (such as standing tall, spreading arms, or leaning forward) experience higher levels of testosterone (the dominance hormone) and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) than those who assume low-power poses (such as slouching, crossing arms, or shrinking). These hormonal changes can make us feel more confident, assertive, and optimistic.

Another main point from the video is that our body language can also change how others see us and treat us. Cuddy gives examples of how people who display confident and powerful body language are more likely to be perceived as competent, trustworthy, and likable by others. They are also more likely to succeed in various situations, such as job interviews, negotiations, or public speaking. Cuddy suggests that we can use this knowledge to our advantage by preparing ourselves with high-power poses before facing challenging or stressful scenarios.

The video was very inspiring and informative for me. I learned that our body language is not just a reflection of our inner state, but also a tool that we can use to shape it. I realized that I often adopt low-power poses in my daily life, especially when I feel nervous or insecure. I decided to try out some of the high-power poses that Cuddy demonstrated in the video and see if they make a difference in how I feel and act. I hope that by practicing these poses regularly, I can improve my self-confidence and achieve my goals.

Author

Saad Aftab