3-Minute Guru
Monday, Aug. 22, 2011
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Why good posture is a powerful lesson
BY SHERRY THOMAS
Posture is powerful!
Politicians and athletes know this. They spend thousands of dollars on coaches, like myself, who hammer home the importance of presentation and the tweaking those first few moments when an impression is formed.
Posture checks and posture discussions should begin at an early age. The earlier it is discussed, the easier it is for the discipline to become a natural part of a child’s body language.
A 2009 study at Ohio State took the importance of posture to another level. The study found that students who sat up straight and were asked to hold that posture, wrote down more positive thoughts about themselves and rated themselves more favorably in the area of likelihood for success in the future. Once these same students slumped over, and not knowing the nature of the study, they rated themselves more
negatively.
"Most of us were taught that sitting up straight gives a good impression to other people," Richard Petty, co-author of the study and professor of psychology at Ohio State University said. "But it turns out that our posture can also affect how we think about ourselves. If you sit up straight, you end up convincing yourself by the posture you're in."
In my Etiquette and Life Skills classes, I ask my students how they feel when they walk with a "board up your back," and inevitably, the answer is "more confident." Good posture = a higher level of confidence, and our own confidence translates into others feeling more confident about us. Only good things can come from that.
There is something appealing about a person who stands tall and straight, lending the impression of "confident" or sometimes defined as "having a regal air" about them. I call it the "it" factor. From the time someone enters a room, it takes only seven seconds for an impression to be formed. It takes about 17 times to alter that impression.
Posture is a huge factor in that first impression. It speaks volumes and packs a powerful punch when doling out awards, during interview processes and when our leaders or politicians are chosen. Our kids say we’re nagging, but in actuality, this lesson is one of the most rewarding gifts that we can give our children.
The next time the kids give you grief about your repeated insistence that they stand up straight with their shoulders back, blame it on me.
Tell them the @EtiquetteQueen said that she works with celebrities and athletes. They take this seriously. They understand how it affects their endorsements and paychecks. Just let the kids know that they’re in good company.
A tiny little tweak such as standing up straight can have a huge impact on how we’re perceived. Amazing! It’s free. It’s easy. It’s simple.
Sherry Thomas is president of The Palm Beach School of Etiquette and Life Skills and a professor of etiquette and life skills at the Lifestyles College of Development in Delray Beach. She is also an image coach and consultant for celebrities and professional athletes. Follow her on Twitter @EtiquetteQueen.
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