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Presence by Amy Cuddy

Like many I am sure I first came across the work by Amy Cuddy through her TED Talk, linked to below, and thought this could be great for pre race routines. A way to focus, be in the moment and raise testosterone. Just need to use power poses. Well I have just finished her book and it has some interesting points but most probably don't need to read it.


My Score: 6/10
Key things covered: Power poses and how to be at your best.

Amy Cuddy's "Presence" is a potent cocktail of science, self-help, and personal anecdotes that explores the fascinating link between body language and our inner potential. It delves into how small tweaks in our posture and movement can dramatically impact how we feel, how others perceive us, and ultimately, how we perform in all facets of life.

Strengths:

  • Science-backed approach: Cuddy seamlessly blends research and relatable examples, illustrating the power of body language through studies and compelling stories. This creates a solid foundation for her advice, making it feel more than just motivational fluff.
  • Practical actionable tips: The book offers specific "power poses" and techniques, like the Wonder Woman stance or the CEO stretch, to cultivate confidence and presence. These actionable tools make the book immediately applicable and empower readers to put theory into practice.
  • Focus on authenticity: Cuddy emphasizes the importance of being your authentic self rather than adopting a superficial façade. This resonates deeply with readers seeking genuine connection and impactful personal growth.
  • Inspiring narratives: Cuddy's own journey, marked by personal struggles and eventual professional triumph, offers a relatable and inspiring narrative. This lends authenticity to her message and resonates with readers seeking to overcome their own obstacles.

Potential points for consideration:

  • Repetitive exercises: While the repetition of key concepts reinforces learning, some readers might find the constant reiteration of power poses and breathing exercises slightly tedious.
  • Limited applications: The book primarily focuses on professional settings and personal interactions. Readers seeking broader applications to artistic expression or athletic performance might find it less comprehensive.
  • Individual response: The effectiveness of body language cues can vary depending on cultural contexts and individual personalities. The book could benefit from acknowledging this nuance.

Overall:

"Presence" is a powerful and insightful guide to unlocking your hidden potential through the seemingly simple act of standing tall and embracing your space. Whether you're a seasoned leader or someone grappling with self-doubt, Cuddy's book offers practical tools and valuable insights to cultivate confidence, presence, and impact in all aspects of life. I personally found the middle of the book to contain little actionable insights with some useful bits at the beginning and quite a few takeaways at the end.


What difference will this make to my training? Well I plan to come up with a presence board, my like a Grit board or a confidence board, assuming I can find enough to flesh it out. That being said I plan to add power poses to my pre race CBA (see confident mind) routine and who knows if I am a good responded maybe I will get some testosterone boosts and perform better. I certainly think some beginner runners or those feeling bullied over the dietary choices could sometimes do with presenting themselves powerfully and confidently when they know what they are talking about.

There is also a section on visualisation, again much like in other books it highlights the body mind and mind body connection and how we can not only use the power poses to influence our body but also use our mind to visualise power poses to influence our bodies.

If you find all of this interesting and want a confidence boost from some easy actions and didn't feel you got enough out of the TED Talk then the book is well worth a read.

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