Human Advantage Blog

Updated: 4/22/2026
Look of Confidence – “Fake it till you make it!”

Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy argues that "power posing" -- standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don't feel confident -- can boost feelings of confidence, and might have an impact on our chances for success.

Professional and assertive body language is smooth, balanced, firm, and open. It is about acting in a respectful manner by asserting rights without aggression and without submission.

The key to coming off poised and confident is to…
1. Stand/sit straight yet not stiff
2. Chin - even (and face with a slight smile)
3. Eyes forward
4. Body weight evenly distributed (feet under shoulders)
5. Hands comfortably at your sides (or on thighs or on table)

The “Look of Confidence” sends a message of respect and strength. To apply the look of confidence, position your body so that your legs are aligned with your shoulders and your feet approximately four to six inches apart (adjusting for your body size, shape, and personal comfort). Distribute your weight equally on both legs, keeping your shoulders back, and turning your body towards others. In other words, relax your shoulders, hold your head high, and spread your weight evenly on both legs.

Much of the perceived meaning in communication is derived from what we often call the unconscious communication or body language. Facial expressions, gestures, and body movement are therefore powerful tools for communication.

Send a powerful, confident message by using the LOC – the Look of Confidence.

A related article: Power Posing: Brief Nonverbal Displays Affect Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance by Dana R. Carney, Amy J.C. Cuddy, and Andy J. Yap (Columbia University and Harvard University, 2010).

A related Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are

Social psychologist Amy Cuddy argues that "power posing" — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don't feel confident — can boost feelings of confidence and might have an impact on our chances for success.


Vision

Create your vision. Let Human Advantage help.

  • Creative Problem Solving 
  • Creativity and Innovation 
  • Critical Thinking 
  • Managing Multiple Priorities 
  • Setting Leadership Priorities 
  • Strategic Thinking

By Suzanne Kondner

Brighter Together

Brighten your light with Human Advantage.

  • Team Building 
  • Professionalism in the Workplace—Business Etiquette 
  • Managing Diversity 
  • Mastering Meetings 
  • Facilitation Skills 
  • Essentials of Communicating with Tact & Finesse 
  • Emotional Intelligence 
  • Delegating for Results 

By Suzanne Kondner

The Way of the Leader

Find your way with Human Advantage.

  • Essentials of Leadership 
  • Leadership & Self-Awareness with DISC 
  • Leadership for Non-Supervisors 
  • Leadership Skills for Women 
  • The Leadership Journey Program Package

By Suzanne Kondner

Find Gratitude

There is happiness to be found. Gratitude awaits in these courses: 

  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Delegating for Results
  • Employee Engagement: Fully Engaging the Power of Your People
  • Energizing the Power of You
  • ProActive Management Program Package
  • Win-Win Negotiations

By Suzanne Kondner

Create Opportunities

Make it happen with these engaging courses; Let’s Do It!

  • Energizing the Power of You 
  • Assertiveness Training 
  • Creative Problem Solving 
  • ProActive Management Curriculum Series

By Suzanne Kondner

No Secrets to Success

Prepare. Work hard. Learn. Find success in these courses: 

  • Coaching Superior Performance
  • Communicating for Results
  • Energizing the Power of You
  • Managing Multiple Priorities
  • The ProActive Management Curriculum Series

By Suzanne Kondner

Imagine to Become

Let your dreams become reality with Human Advantage courses. 

  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Writing Performance Objectives

By Suzanne Kondner

Outside the Comfort Zone

Step outside your comfort zone with these dynamic courses: 

  • Advanced Briefing Techniques
  • Assertiveness Training
  • Developing High Performing Teams
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • The Leadership Journey Program Package

By Suzanne Kondner

Abundance

Acknowledge the good. Find abundance in these diverse courses: 

  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Facilitation Skills
  • Leadership & Self-Awareness with DISC
  • Successful Performance Feedback
  • The Invincible M.A.S.K.™ Curriculum Series

By Suzanne Kondner

Truly Understood

Say it so your heart will hear it. Are you ready to listen? Select from these dynamic courses:

  • Active Listening
  • The Power of Listening
  • Writing Performance Objectives
  • Successful Performance Feedback
  • Setting Leadership Priorities
  • Essentials of Communicating with Tact & Finesse
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Communicating for Results
  • Advanced Briefing Techniques

By Suzanne Kondner

Programs  |  Facilitators  |  Program Formats »  |  Contact Us  |  About Us  |  Blog

Office Location

20008 Downes Road

Parkton, MD 21120

Licensing

Human Advantage, Inc. is certified by the State of Maryland as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE/DBE #11-022) and by Baltimore City as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE # B-2248)


Copyright 2026 -  Human Advantage - All Rights Reserved.


Site Design and Hosted by
Sunken Treasure Design