Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” -- standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident -- can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.
To see the entire video, go here
I've dedicated several not-very-successful diaries to the idea that many of us are going about this wrong. Rational reasoning only goes so far. Exposing lies only goes so far. Unfortunately a large portion of our species seems to be hard-wired to respond to certain things and messages.
If you do not have time to watch the video talk at the link above, let me summarize. You can raise your testosterone (ladies too) and lower your cortisol (the stress hormone) by assuming certain physical poses for about two minutes. Some of them are: stand tall, legs slightly apart, hands on hips (Wonder Woman pose); arms up in the air like a victory pose. The idea is to claim space.
Hunching up, looking down (what Obama did in the debate) has the opposite effect. It both makes you look weak and makes you feel weak. Testosterone drops and cortisol rises.
I want everyone here to assume a pose of power for about two minutes, and then start working on their GOTV, etc.
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That's one thing we can do to make us (and Obama) feel powerful. But what can we do to make Romney look and feel weak?
I don't know if there is a way to make him look down during the debates. I can imagine that someone showing cartoons of him being chased by angry muppets could do the trick, but someone with that could be removed from the room.
But there are other things that could throw him off his game. Themes I'd suggest
Big signs: Romney's a Liar and a Loser
Romney: Weakest Candidate
And then, just perhaps, Obama should challenge Romney as to whether he is losing his mental ability. Surely Romney will contradict himself in a future debate. Obama can challenge him along the lines: "You're contradicting what you said before. Either you are lying about it, or you don't remember what you said, which makes us have to question your mental fitness."
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Sorry for the rant! Everyone, stand tall!
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If you like Greek mythology go here.