Body language techniques to make you more successful

Start with self-confidence, add a hefty dose of energy, angle your body, gesture appropriately, toss in a dash of props—and you’re well on your way to winning over your audience.

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Whether we think about it or not, we’re all students of body language.

Too bad we’re not students of our own body language.

Here are some tips to help ensure your body language works for and not against you:

1. Prep with a power pose.

It turns out Leo DiCaprio was on to something: According to Harvard professor Amy Cuddy, two minutes of power posing—standing tall, holding your arms out or toward the sky, or standing like Superman, with your hands on hips—will dramatically increase your confidence.

Try it before you step into a situation in which you know you’ll feel nervous, insecure, or intimidated. (Just make sure no one is watching.)

It may sound strange, but it works.

2. Dial up your energy level. (This tip is based on Brad Phillips’ outstanding book, “The Media Training Bible“)

Imagine you’ve just led a meeting. Now rate your energy level during that meeting on a scale of 1 to 10.

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