The Tiny Adjustment That Could Change The Course Of Your Next Interview

In one sentence

You can improve your performance in high-pressure situations like interviews or negotiations by intentionally adopting "power poses"—expansive, open body postures—just before the event to trigger a psychological and physiological shift in confidence.

Why read this (and who it's for)

This is for anyone who has ever felt the paralyzing nerves of a high-stakes performance: the job interview, the big presentation, or the difficult negotiation. It solves the problem of "performance anxiety" by providing a physical, actionable tool to override self-doubt. After reading this, you will know exactly how to prime your body to project—and feel—authority before you walk into the room.

The big idea

The central thesis is that "fake it till you make it" is not just a cliché; it is a biological reality. Berger argues that our physical posture has a direct, bidirectional relationship with our internal state of mind. While we often think that our feelings dictate our actions, the research shows that our physical actions can actually dictate our feelings.

The logic follows a clear chain: Posture $\rightarrow$ Physiology $\rightarrow$ Psychology $\rightarrow$ Performance.

When you adopt expansive, open postures (like standing tall with your hands on your hips), you signal to your brain that you are in a position of power. This triggers a physiological response: increased testosterone and decreased stress. This internal shift makes you feel more in control and assertive, which then translates into a better external performance—specifically, more polished and confident presentations that lead to more favorable evaluations from others.

Key ideas

The "Fake It" Reality

• What it is — The concept of "fake it till you make it" is grounded in the fact that enacting powerful poses can actually make a person feel more powerful.
• Why it matters — It shifts the focus from trying to "think" your way out of nerves to "acting" your way into confidence.
• In the book — Berger notes that while people often worry about whether they have enough experience or charisma, the physical act of standing tall can help them muster the conviction needed to succeed.

The Biological Basis of Status

• What it is — In the animal kingdom, higher-status individuals use expansive, open postures to assert rank and dominance.
• Why it matters — Humans share these biological signals; we use our bodies to communicate status and authority to others.
• In the book — Berger cites examples of chimpanzees puffing themselves up to seem larger and peacocks fanning their tail feathers to attract mates.

The Physiological Mechanism

• What it is — Expansive, open body postures are not just "acting"; they influence your internal chemistry by increasing testosterone and decreasing stress.
• Why it matters — This provides a scientific "why" for the technique, moving it from a "life hack" to a biological tool for self-regulation.
• In the book — The author explains that these poses make people feel more in control and assertive by altering their internal state.

The Performance Loop

• What it is — The ultimate goal of power posing is to improve the external evaluation of your performance.
• Why it matters — It bridges the gap between "feeling good" and "getting hired." The goal isn't just to feel confident; it's to give a better presentation.
• In the book — Research shows that holding these postures for just a few minutes led to people being evaluated more favorably and increased their chances of getting hired by 20%.

The Privacy Rule

• What it is — Power posing is a preparation tool, not a performance tool.
• Why it matters — Doing it in front of the interviewer might be awkward or counterproductive; the goal is to prime yourself before the interaction.
• In the book — Berger explicitly advises doing these poses in the bathroom, backstage, or before leaving home.

Frameworks & tools

The Pre-Performance Power Pose Routine

Use this routine 2–5 minutes before any high-stakes interaction (interview, speech, or negotiation).

1. Identify the Setting: Find a private space where you won't be interrupted (a bathroom stall, a private office, or a quiet corner).
2. The "Superman/Wonder Woman" Pose: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, hands on your hips, chest out, and chin up.
3. The "Desk Lean": Alternatively, lean over a desk or sink with your hands firmly placed on the surface to assert presence.
4. The Duration: Hold these expansive postures for 2 minutes.
5. The Transition: Take a deep breath, then walk into your meeting/presentation.

Memorable examples & stories

• Chimpanzee Dominance: Chimpanzees puff themselves up to appear larger and assert their rank in the wild. Lesson: Physical size and expansion are primal signals of status.
• Peacock Displays: Peacocks fan their tail feathers to attract mates and show off. Lesson: We use physical displays to communicate internal status.
• The 20% Success Rate: Research showed that people who practiced power poses were evaluated more favorably and had a 20% higher chance of being hired. Lesson: Small physical changes can lead to significant, measurable career outcomes.

Key quotes

• "Powerful people tend to be more successful and get what they want... But some intriguing research shows that how you stand (or sit) can actually make anyone feel more powerful."
• "Expansive, open body postures can increase testosterone, decrease stress, and make people feel more in control."
• "Faking it might just help you make it." (paraphrased)
  • Why it matters: This summarizes the shift from internal anxiety to external action.

How to apply it

This week

• The Bathroom Test: Before your next important meeting or even a difficult phone call, spend 60 seconds in a "power pose" (hands on hips, chest out). Notice if your heart rate or level of anxiety changes.
• Identify your "Power Pose": Choose one specific posture (like the Superman/Wonder Woman pose) that feels natural to you and practice it alone in front of a mirror.

Ongoing

• The Pre-Game Ritual: Make it a non-negotiable habit to "power pose" before any presentation, interview, or high-stakes negotiation.
• The Privacy Principle: Always perform these poses in private. The goal is to prime your internal state, not to perform for an audience.

Common pitfalls

• Public Performance: A common mistake is trying to do "power posing" during the interview. Berger warns that this might not go well; it is a preparation tool, not a performance.
• Over-thinking the "Fake": Some might think this is just "pretending." It's important to remember that the physical act actually triggers a physiological change (hormones/stress), making it a legitimate biological tool.

Connects to

• Body Language (Non-verbal Communication): This extends the idea that our bodies communicate what our words might not.
• Stress Management: This challenges the idea that stress can only be managed through meditation or breathing; it can also be managed through physical posture.

If you remember only three things

• Power posing (expansive, open postures) can physically reduce stress and increase confidence.
• The goal is to improve your performance (better presentations) to get better results (getting hired).
• Do it privately before the event—not during.

Internalize it

• Reflection questions

  • When was the last time I felt "small" or intimidated in a professional setting? How would a more expansive posture have changed my internal feeling in that moment?
  • Which specific high-stakes event is coming up in the next 30 days where I can apply the Power Pose routine?
  • How can I incorporate "expansive" body language into my daily habits, even when there is no immediate "performance" required?

• Flashcards Q: What is the primary physiological effect of "power posing"? A: It increases testosterone and decreases stress.

Q: Why do animals like chimpanzees use expansive postures? A: To assert rank and status in the wild.

Q: What was the measurable result of power posing in hiring studies? A: It increased the chances of getting hired by 20% because the individuals gave better presentations.

Q: Where should you perform power poses? A: In private (bathroom, backstage, or before leaving home), not in front of the interviewer.

Q: What is the "Fake it till you make it" logic in this context? A: Enacting powerful poses can actually make anyone feel more powerful, which improves performance.

Fidelity note

This summary is based entirely on the provided blog post. I am confident in the "20% hiring increase" and the "testosterone/stress" mechanism as they are explicitly stated in the text. The summary does not include any specific "types" of power poses beyond the "Superman/Wonder Woman" and "leaning over a desk" examples provided in the text.