In the world of professional advice for women, a common one often given to professional women is to rest their forearms on the conference table, especially if the men around them are also doing so. This physical posture, known as “leaning in,” unconsciously conveys a message of power to the group. However, there is another aspect that deserves more attention: the art of taking up space. The ultimate goal remains unchanged – “to appear larger and be taken more seriously”.
Although it may seem intuitive, even in modern office spaces, taking up more physical space creates an impression of confidence and power. Women can achieve this by sitting up straight, throwing their shoulders back, lifting their chin slightly, and keeping their arms open or at their sides (avoiding crossing them). Along with other factors such as dress, communication skills, and tone of voice, this is known as “executive presence.”
Executive Presence in Professional Settings
A recent Forbes article discussed executive presence and stated that more than two-thirds of executives surveyed considered it the primary characteristic of executive presence: the ability to exude gravitas (confidence, composure under pressure, and decisiveness). In addition, communication skills, such as assertive speaking, reading an audience or situation, and appearance, contribute to the perception of a person’s executive presence.
Unfortunately, many women unconsciously develop habits that make them appear smaller and diminish their executive presence. Examples include crossing their arms or legs, sitting with one foot tucked under them at their desks, or maintaining poor posture. These behaviors can give the impression of tentativeness. Women may not be aware of other common postures that communicate anxiety, such as thrusting shoulders or collarbones forward, tightly drawing arms to the sides, or touching the neck while hunching over a desk or table.
Expert Insights
“The balanced stance—feet firmly planted, squared shoulders, arms open and at the side—reflects strength derived from confidence and an open mind,” emphasizes Dr. Lily Tang, an MBA who founded the Everest Project, a non-profit dedicated to researching the role of women executives in corporate America.
Gretchen Hydo, an executive coach based in Los Angeles, underscores the benefits of confident body language, stating, “Women may not physically occupy as much space in a room as their male counterparts, but this can be compensated for with body language.”
Strategies for Enhancing Presence
Here are some strategies for women professionals to practice to take up more space and project authority (while also appearing approachable) through their posture:
- Arrive early to secure a favorable seat at meetings. This action demonstrates self-value, which encourages others to value you as well. When someone is speaking, lean in, nod your head to display active listening, make eye contact, and keep your hands folded on the table to convey engagement.
- Maintain good posture and sit up straight. “Always, always sit up straight,” emphasizes Gretchen Hydo. At your desk, practice sitting with proper alignment, ensuring your feet are flat on the floor. If you find yourself slouching, you can use a discreet device like Lumo Lift, which vibrates when you slouch and can be synced with your phone to set posture goals and track your progress. Sitting up straight creates the impression of power, authority, and attentiveness.
- Experiment with power posing. Dr. Amy Cuddy’s TED talk “How Body Language Shapes Our Lives” discusses studies that reveal individuals who physically expand and take up more space are perceived as more knowledgeable and competent. Power posing alters your physiology and emits an aura of authority. Before a meeting, spend a couple of minutes in a private setting striking a power pose—for example, raising your arms over your head in a victory pose or standing with hands on hips and elbows pointing outward. This practice can boost confidence, dominance, and height, leading to an overall sense of empowerment.
- Maintain a strong stance even during informal interactions at the water cooler or casual conversations with colleagues. Remember to embody executive presence in all situations. Stand with your weight evenly distributed on both feet instead of favoring one foot. This posture communicates professionalism and confidence. Nonverbal cues play a significant role in conveying confidence, establishing trust, and fostering satisfaction among peers.
By implementing these strategies, professional women can effectively occupy more physical space, enhance their executive presence, and command greater respect and influence in the workplace.