
The Art of Charm 536: Amy Cuddy | Presence
Aug 4, 2016
Amy Cuddy, a renowned social psychologist and TED speaker, shares insights on the transformative power of presence. She defines presence as expressing your best self in high-stakes situations, explaining how body language influences confidence. Cuddy emphasizes that authenticity, not extroversion, is key to building trust and commanding attention. She discusses the effects of power posing and how posture can shift internal states, enhancing personal power. Her research reveals that presence can predict success in crucial moments, making it a vital skill for all.
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Presence Is A Moment, Not A Trait
- Presence is a momentary state of being attuned to and expressing your best self in high-stakes situations.
- Being present lets you engage with reality instead of anxious fantasies about others' judgments.
Car Crash That Changed Her Path
- Amy Cuddy described a traumatic brain injury and losing parts of her former identity and social circle at age 19.
- That experience made everyday challenges feel threatening and drove her interest in presence.
Body Posture Shapes Presence
- Our bodies mirror fear by contracting into protective, submissive postures and that undermines performance.
- Adopting expansive, open postures signals safety and allows access to skills and presence.






