Personal Narrative: Powerless Nonverbals

Growing up in an environment where I was different than the rest, looking back I realize I for the most part used powerless nonverbals. I do not think I felt powerless,I just did not feel comfortable which made me want to stay to myself. As I got into highschool and became familiar with a lot the students, I realized I began opening myself up. While in class I still remain to myself and around friends I am more open. Like Amy Cuddy mentioned, I sit openly, sprawled out, and even if I do not know what my friends are talking about I show confidence in my answers. This sometimes leads them to believe that what I said was right. I also believe like Cuddy, that the way we portray ourselves to others in a higher position puts us in a lot of stress, …show more content…
I have seen females putting their hands on their necks during stressful times and even crossing their arms when news about an upcoming test arrives. For myself, as far as the power nonverbals go, on the days that i am least stressed, I often find myself sprawled out in class, but other times it’s difficult for me to stay opened up like that because I am cold. Furthermore, when speaking in front of adults and I do not try to assert dominance but I do try to make my body language appear as though I care about what they are saying and agree with nods and confident smiles. When Cuddy mentions that you can fake it till you make it, I immediately said yes in my head, because that is what I have been doing for so long. I try to mimic the body language of those I know are confident because I see it in the way they sit and speak. After doing it for some time, you become accustomed to it where you no longer have to fake it because that’s just who you become. All in all, our non verbals portray how we feel inside, there are ways where you can train yourself to become powerful. At first it may feel fake, but as time goes on it will be a part of who you