Name: Amaya Tillman
The University of Louisville
Sport Administration Program
“Your body language may shape who you are” TED Talk by Amy Cuddy
1. What is the main idea that Amy Cuddy is trying to express?
The main idea Amy Cuddy is trying to express is what your body language expresses to
not only the people around us, but also ourselves. An individual’s body language can
determine another person’s perception of you – sweeping judgements, inferences,
predicting life outcomes.
2. Explain how your body language might determine what you think about yourself?
Your body language might determine what you think about yourself because when you
are in a power pose ‘pretending’ to be powerful your testosterone levels will go up and
your cortisol levels will go down. This will result in higher confidence which will help
feelings of imposter syndrome and the ability to put yourself out there.
3. What are some of the terms discussed in the TedTalk? Discuss at least two:
Two terms discussed in the TedTalk include feeling powerful and powerlessness. When
you feel powerful and dominant your nonverbals are big and stretched out. When you
feel powerlessness, you close and wrap yourself up. I found this especially interesting
because Amy Cuddy explains that when your feel intimidated by someone you do not
mirror them, you do the opposite.
4. Explain how your body language might determine what others think?
Your body language can determine what others think because it is someone’s first
impression of you. People will make assumptions and judgements about the way you
carry and present yourself. It will determine your likeability and niceness. They are
subconsciously asking themselves, “do I like this person and how they interacted”?
5. Who is influenced by non-verbals? How? What are some of these non-verbals?
Everyone is influenced by nonverbal. Including us and our peers. Nonverbals include
facial expressions, eye contact, posture, and gestures.
6. What are two animal behaviors people exhibit in their behaviors?
Two animal behaviors people exhibit in their behaviors is pride and being powerless. For
example, after winning a sporting event athletes have their head held high with their arms
open, this is similar to dominance and ‘taking up space’ in the animal kingdom.
Powerlessness is shown in humans when we feel small and more self-conscious about
ourselves. This is compared to more vulnerable species and prey in the wild.
7. What does “fake it till you make it mean” in this context?
In this context, fake it till you make it means that when you pretend to be powerful you
are more likely to actually feel powerful. Our bodies change our minds, and our minds
can change our behavior. “Fake it until you become it”.
8. What did you learn about “high power” and “low power” in interviews?
Amy Cuddy explains how people who did a high-power pose before a stressful interview
were seen to have stronger presence than the low-power posers. This includes being
passionate, confident, enthusiastic, authentic, comfortable and captivating, resulting in a
higher evaluation and chance of being hired.
9. How will this video help you in your professional development?
I found this TedTalk being beneficial to my growth as a student and a future working
professional. In class, it takes me a while to feel comfortable enough to speak up and give
an answer or opinion. However, I am learning to get out of my comfort zone and not be
afraid to be wrong. When I feel ‘powerless’ or intimidated the best thing I can do is
mirror another person’s confidence and fake it until I become it. This video also taught
me the influence of using power poses before interviews or speeches.