How a posture can shift your mindset, your meeting – maybe even your life.
You have a pitch. A job interview. Or a moment when you want to be seen. And suddenly your body says: retreat. Small voice. Slouched shoulders. But why?
Welcome to the invisible school of self-minimization many of us were raised in. The good news: we can unlearn it. And it starts with your body.
Amy Cuddy & the Posture of Power
In 2012, a TED Talk went viral. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy showed that expanding your posture for two minutes can positively influence your biochemistry and self-confidence. The takeaway:
„Fake it till you become it.“
Sounds like a hack before your next presentation? Maybe. But in truth, it’s a micro-rebellion against generations of being taught to shrink.
The Body as a Feminist Space
Power poses hit differently when you’ve been socialized not to take up space. Girls learn early: sit with legs crossed, soft voice, don’t interrupt. Boys? Spread out. Claim space. The message:
„You belong here” vs. “Don’t be too much”
These patterns run deep. They show up in interviews, meetings, even on panels—and reinforce what’s called the Dream Gap: the disconnect between girls’ ambitions and their belief in their own abilities.
How to Power Pose:
- Stand tall. Feet hip-width. Hands on hips or arms in a V.
- 2.Breathe deeply. Hold for 2 minutes.
- Forget perfection. Focus on presence.
- Feel yourself take up space—inside and out.
Make it a ritual. Before that meeting. That pitch. Or any moment when doubt creeps in.
Power Posing as Microfeminism
So what happens when you take two minutes in a bathroom stall to change your posture? You interrupt the script. You practice microfeminism. You stand before you speak.
Because, just like with microfeminism…
it’s not about the big revolution in the boardroom.
It’s about small, repeated actions that retrain your system
and, in turn, the systems around you.
The Criticism? Yes, it's been there.
Some replication studies have questioned the biochemical effects of power posing—particularly changes in cortisol and testosterone levels. But what remains is its impact on self-perception and presence. Studies like that of Dana Carney et al. (2015) showed mixed physiological results—but in practice, many women report:
I feel different when I take up more space. And that’s enough.
What is a power pose?
A term coined by social psychologist Amy Cuddy, known for her 2012 TED Talk (with over 70 million views). It refers to an open, expansive posture intended to boost inner strength—such as standing tall, placing hands on hips, or raising arms in a victory “V” shape.
What does the science say?
- Participants reported feeling more confident after just two minutes of power posing.
- Some described increased risk tolerance and a stronger sense of presence.
- Initial studies also suggested hormonal effects (higher testosterone, lower cortisol) — though later replications called these findings into question.
- The subjective effects (confidence, presence) are robust.
- The physiological effects (hormones) remain contested.
Why still do it?
- Activates body memory
- Sends yourself a message of strength
- Interrupts socialized shrinking—especially useful for women who’ve been taught to make themselves small.
Why is it relevant to feminism?
- Women are socialized to take up less space—physically, vocally, socially
- It’s a tool against the Dream Gap and Impostor Syndrome
- It’s about reclaiming space, not about being perfect
It’s about more than just posture – but start there
Will power posing dismantle the patriarchy? No. But it can help you stop reinforcing it with your own body. And sometimes, that’s exactly where change begins.
Because, as so often, change starts quietly—with posture. With the courage to stand tall, even when your voice is still shaking. Because your body was never the problem—just your unused tool.
Belle&Yell says: Give it a try.
You don’t need permission to be seen. All you need is two minutes—and the courage to stop hiding.
So: chin up. Chest out. Own your space.
