Presence

Introduction

Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist formerly at Harvard Business School, gave one of the most watched TED talks ever, about body language and 'power posing'. Presence, published in 2015, expands on the idea of being present and authentic in high-pressure situations.

She draws on research, personal stories, including recovering from a serious brain injury, and letters from people who watched her talk.

Who should read this book?

People facing interviews, presentations or challenges that make them anxious, and anyone working on confidence.

Helps with: Build confidence, Calm stress and anxiety

The central message

Presence, being attuned to and able to express your true thoughts and values, helps you perform at your best under pressure, and body and mind influence each other.

Key ideas and concepts

1. Presence

   A state of being attuned to your true self, which others perceive as confidence.

2. Self-affirmation

   Reflecting on core values before a challenge can reduce threat.

3. Body shapes mind

   Cuddy argues that open, expansive postures can make people feel more powerful.

4. Impostor feelings

   Many people feel like frauds; she shares her own experience.

5. Self-nudges

   Small changes in posture and behaviour can gradually shift how you feel.

Deeper analysis

Presence is warm and encouraging, and its advice on self-affirmation and authenticity before challenges is useful. Cuddy's personal story of rebuilding confidence after injury is moving.

The research on power posing became a major case in psychology's replication debate: later studies didn't confirm effects on hormones or risk-taking, though some still found effects on how powerful people feel. Cuddy has continued to defend the feeling-of-power findings. Readers should treat posture tips as a modest confidence aid, not a scientifically proven transformation.

Practical applications

• Before a challenge, write about a value that matters to you.
• Stand or sit in an open posture before a stressful event.
• Notice and name impostor feelings without believing them.
• Prepare thoroughly so you can be present.
• Focus on connecting with your audience rather than impressing them.

Your 7-day action plan

1. Day 1

   List your core values.

2. Day 2

   Write about one before a challenge.

3. Day 3

   Try an open posture.

4. Day 4

   Name an impostor thought.

5. Day 5

   Practise being present in a meeting.

6. Day 6

   Prepare for a challenge.

7. Day 7

   Reflect on how you showed up.

Outcomes to expect

What readers who apply this book can realistically take away from it:

• Calmer approach to challenges
• Greater authenticity
• Awareness of impostor feelings
• Simple confidence practices

Strengths and limitations

Reflection questions

1. When do you feel least present?
2. What values ground you?
3. Where do you feel like an impostor?
4. How does your body reflect your mood?

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About the author

Book details (title, author, year) are factual. Everything under the headings above is MindsetProdigy's own editorial analysis and interpretation, written to help you decide whether to read the book and how to apply it. It is not a substitute for reading the book itself. Last updated September 30, 2026.