I had a great workshop with some students at the University of Minnesota, learning how to own professional interactions and public speaking with confidence.
One thing that surprised them was our focus on how they first
walked into the room or walked to the front to deliver a presentation. How we carry ourselves goes far beyond the image we present to others (although that is a crucial part of communication). Our bodies do not just take orders from the brain, they provide a feedback loop; literally adjusting our emotions to align with our posture.
When test subjects were told to sit slumped
down, brain scans showed a depressed mood and lower cognitive activity. As soon as the subjects sat upright, the scans showed a brighter mood and elevated brain function. How you sit, walk, and gesture decides whether you own a situation or it owns you.
Next time you enter a room or walk down the hall, open your chest to the world, direct your eyes forward, and walk with
purpose. Remember, your brain is waiting for your body to tell it how to feel.
Stevie’s keynote: Own Your Space: the secret to commanding an audience, leading a team, and connecting with others.
Stevie’s workshops: Improv that Works: how a centuries-old art form can help your organization engage employees, build teamwork, and
create a culture of innovation
