You walk into a room. Your heart is racing. Your palms are sweaty. You feel small. But guess what? No one needs to know.
Confidence is 10% internal and 90% external. You can hack your brain (and others' perception of you) simply by changing how you stand. Here is how to own the room instantly.
1. The "Power Pose" (The Wonder Woman)
Before a big meeting, go to the bathroom and stand like a superhero (hands on hips, chest out) for 2 minutes. Harvard research shows this lowers Cortisol (stress) and raises Testosterone (confidence). It literally changes your blood chemistry.
2. Taking Up Space
Insecure people try to shrink. They cross their legs and hunch their shoulders. Confident people expand. Use the armrests. Spread your papers on the table. Claim your territory.
3. The Eye Contact Rule
When talking, look at them. When listening, look at them.
The Hack: If eye contact scares you, look at the color of their eyes. It distracts your brain from the fear and makes you look intensely interested.
4. The Steeple Hands
Have you ever seen Kevin O'Leary (Mr. Wonderful) or Donald Trump sit? They touch their fingertips together in a triangle shape. This is the universal sign of "I know what I am talking about." Try it.
