Boost Confidence In Two Minutes

Scientific research says this technique can help you ace any interview.

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You don’t have to be in a power posture during an actual interview or presentation in order to reap the effects. (Sitting with legs spread apart while wearing a pencil skirts definitely sends a nonverbal cue … but it isn’t “Hire me.”) Cuddy found that the beneficial effects of power posing last for at least 15-30 minutes after the pose is finished.

Here’s how to harness the power of posing:

A couple of minutes before you need to bring your A-game, go into a bathroom to start posing. In a stall, stand with your legs spread apart and reach your arms above your head. Think expansive. Hold for at least two minutes.

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If you’re in your own office, hold the classic pose mentioned earlier: Feet up on desk, hands behind head. Alternately, you can do the “Wonder Woman”: feet apart, hands on hips. Once again, two minutes should do the trick.

Don’t negate the positive effects of power posing by closing yourself off once you’re in an interview or giving a presentation. If you’re sitting, square your shoulders and keep your arms on the armrest to avoid crossing your arms or folding your hands in your lap. Don’t touch your face, your hair or your neck, which are classic signs of powerlessness, says Cuddy.

If you’re standing up, take up more space by leaning one hand on a whiteboard ledge or resting your hands on a table.