Myth: Two Minutes of Power Posing Changes Your Hormones
What's actually true: Standing tall may make you feel a little more confident, but it does not change hormones or risk-taking.
A larger replication found no hormone or behaviour effect, and the original first author said in 2016 she no longer believes the effects are real; a small felt-power effect may remain.
What the research found
The 2010 study had 42 people and reported changes in testosterone and cortisol. Ranehill's team tested about 200 and found no hormone or risk change, only a small rise in how powerful people said they felt. Carney then said publicly she did not believe the effect is real.
What to do instead
- Prepare and rehearse instead of relying on a pose.
- Use good posture because it looks open, not as a hormone hack.
- Calm nerves with slow breathing and a planned opening line.
- Reframe nerves as excitement before you go in.
What to say
I'd rather spend those two minutes running my opening line.
Good posture helps you look ready. It won't change your chemistry.
Avoid
Using a pose as a substitute for preparation.
Example
Before a pitch in Gurugram, Isha's team lead told everyone to power pose in the lift. She spent the time going over the client's three objections instead.
Practise it
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