You may be used to “positive affirmations,” where you stand in front of a mirror and say things like, “I am confident” or “I am powerful!” But the issue here is whether you believe it. And we can do this by starting with our bodies instead of our minds. Cuddy finds that we don’t have to struggle to convince others of our potential. Body language is essential, not just in how we present to others but also in how we present to ourselves. The studies presented throughout the book are fascinating and deserve a read-through. No, Cuddy suggests setting yourself up for success by letting your body, quietly and privately, lead your mind into more authentic power. Through conducting and accessing multiple scientific studies, Cuddy has found that the answer is simple: “fake it ‘till you make it.” But it is not about heading into a terrifying situation with a (possibly strained) big smile and chin held high, telling yourself mentally that “you got this!” I know I have heard this nugget of advice over and over, and yet it’s never seemed to do anything but make me worry about how crazy I must look. But we all know it’s not easy, so what does Amy Cuddy suggest in “Presence?” By being able to put your best foot forward, even when you are not feeling at the top of your game, you reveal your true potential to those around you. If being poised and present in these critical moments was easy, we wouldn’t cover the topic all month long. The book itself is about accessing this state of presence in our most challenging, nerve-wracking moments.

In nearly every situation, being able to “comfortably express our true thoughts, feelings, values, and potential” is what we are all trying to do, right? Though she first defines it as “the state of being attuned to and able to comfortably express our true thoughts, feelings, values, and potential.” I found Cuddy’s definition of presence to be even more empowering than the definition of poise, though they are very similar. The Merriam-Webster definition of poise is “easy self-possessed assurance of manner” and “a particular way of carrying oneself.” Cuddy offers multiple definitions of Presence throughout the book. I was curious to see how close the concept of presence was to poise. However, when I was choosing a book to feature this month, I couldn’t find anything that read specifically “How To Be Poised at Work,” so I started looking for something that held a similar value and stumbled upon Amy Cuddy’s “Presence: Bringing your Boldest Self to your Biggest Challenges.”

Throughout May, we’ve been focused on Poise.

Presence amy cuddy review