Body Language and Biochemistry of Power

Biochemical Feedback

Traditionally, we understand body language as a communication tool towards others: our posture influences whether we are hired or trusted.

However, we often ignore that communication is also internal. Our body sends constant signals to our brain that shape how we feel about ourselves.

There is a clear physiological correlation in effective leaders: they tend to have high levels of testosterone (dominance and assertiveness hormone) and low levels of cortisol (stress hormone).

When we feel powerful, we instinctively expand to take up more space (V-arms, high chin); when we feel powerless, we shrink and shut down.

The revolutionary thing is that this relationship is bidirectional: if we force the body into a posture of expansion, the mind begins to believe it has power.

The Two-Minute Protocol

Scientific evidence suggests that minimal postural changes can alter our brain chemistry.

In controlled experiments, it was shown that holding a "power posture" for just two minutes caused dramatic hormonal changes: testosterone increased by 20% and cortisol decreased by 25%.

In contrast, postures of weakness reversed these effects, increasing stress and reducing assertiveness.

This chemical shift had tangible behavioral consequences: 90% of those who adopted power postures were willing to take risks, compared with only 20% of the weak posture group. The practical application is the "fake it till you make it" concept.

Before a critical negotiation or public presentation, instead of frantically reviewing notes hunched over a phone, a leader should find a private space and adopt an expansive posture for two minutes.

This sets up the brain for confidence, allowing the person to not only appear confident, but actually feel and act confident.

Summary

Body language not only communicates outwardly, it sends internal signals that shape how we feel. There is a physiological correlation in effective leaders, who tend to have high testosterone and low cortisol levels.

This biological relationship is bidirectional: intentionally adopting a posture of expansion or power for just two minutes can alter our brain chemistry. This increases testosterone and reduces stress, predisposing us to take risks more safely.

The practical application is to set up the brain before critical events using these postures. It is not simply a matter of feigning safety, but of provoking a real chemical transformation that allows us to feel and act with genuine confidence.