Dress and stand for how you want to feel: confidence from the outside in
Stylist Erin Walsh asks 'How do I want to feel?' before getting dressed, social psychologist Amy Cuddy explains postural feedback and expansive posture, and Vanessa Van Edwards teaches claiming space and using your hands to project and build confidence. Each treats clothing, stance and gesture as inputs you can set before a hard moment, which gives people something concrete to do when telling themselves to feel confident fails.
What question does stylist Erin Walsh ask before she opens the closet? Show answer
She asks how she wants to feel, and she answers in three words that guide what she reaches for.
Why does Erin Walsh warn against starting from how you want to be seen? Show answer
She says people who start there do not feel or act like themselves. Starting from how you want to feel lets your choices make you feel like that person.
Which three pieces does Erin Walsh rely on for a low-energy morning? Show answer
A pair of jeans that fits well, a crisp white shirt and a black blazer. She will not prescribe the three pieces for anyone else.
What name does Amy Cuddy now prefer for power posing? Show answer
Postural feedback. Her idea is that the way you carry yourself sends your nervous system a signal that you are either safe or not safe.
When does Amy Cuddy say to use a big, expansive posture? Show answer
Before a stressful event, in a private space, in whatever way feels comfortable. In everyday life she asks for good neutral posture.
How is 4-7-8 breathing done? Show answer
Inhale for four counts, hold for seven, exhale for eight, and repeat a few times. It is Amy Cuddy's favorite tool.
Why does Amy Cuddy say that telling yourself you are great can backfire? Show answer
When you feel self-doubt, she argues, you are lying to yourself and you end up trusting yourself even less. She recommends affirming your values instead.
What two measurements does Vanessa Van Edwards say everyone misses? Show answer
The distance between your earlobes and your shoulders, and the distance between your torso and your arms.
How does Vanessa Van Edwards check her phone without hunching over it? Show answer
Up and out: phone raised, chin up, elbows wide. Hunching your shoulders toward your ears is what she calls turtling.
Which hand gesture was rated the most charismatic in the research Vanessa Van Edwards describes? Show answer
The steeple, with fingertips touching lightly and space between the palms. She warns not to drum the fingers.
How many times does Vanessa Van Edwards say to try a body-language cue before giving up on it? Show answer
Three times, in three different situations.
What does Amy Cuddy say personal power cannot replace? Show answer
Skills and knowledge. She says personal power reveals the skills you already have.