Sunday, June 29, 2014

Amy Cuddy: Power Poses and Fake It Til You Become It

In the music industry today I believe that language, specifically body language comes across to potential fans. This can be happening and the artist does not realize they are doing it. First impressions can either make or break what a potential fan will think of you. Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist that specializes in body language. In her TED Talk she says that body language shapes who you are.
            I believe that body language on stage for DJs comes across while performing. If you are close to the equipment and not looking at the crowd, there is a sense of being uptight. This also makes the DJ look like he or she is not having fun. When you see a DJ that jumps up and down, throws his hands in the air, and speaks to the crowd with the microphone, there is a sense of openness and confidence. This confidence will come through as showing that they love their craft and are passionate.
            Amy mentions to change your posture for 2 minutes a day. By doing this, you are more prone to success rather than failure. She states that by doing 2 minutes of power poses daily, this can affect the outcome of a job interview for example. If a potential boss comes out and sees you on your phone clinched together, this will portray a lack of self confidence. If you are sitting upright with good posture, then this will show the potential boss confidence. Amy mentions that the person with good strong posture will most likely get the job. The first impressions of body language to the potential boss can make his or her decision right away before the interview even starts.

            Amy’s TED Talk reveals valuable information. She instructs us to do power poses for 2 minutes before events of high stress. A power pose for example is throwing your arms up in a V shape. Another power pose is putting your arms up and flexing them. Doing these power poses will help boost your confidence, testosterone, and reduce your cortisol levels. Amy also mentions that you should “fake it til you make it.” She then goes on to change the saying. She says to “fake it til you become it.” The truth is everyone starts by knowing nothing and learns what they have to do.