Maximize Your Physical Presence: I was taking a walk a few days ago when a neighbor stopped me with a compliment that made my day: “I was just thinking about you—actually, I was trying to stand like you do! Your posture is always so good!”
Her comment brought me back to a packed NYC dance studio years ago, where I first learned a life-changing lesson about posture, space, and confidence.
When You Shrink, So Does Your Impact
Back in my 20s, while training to become a professional actor, I squeezed my six-foot frame into a dance class crowded with leotard-clad bodies. I was so worried about bumping into others that I constantly reined myself in—pulling in my limbs, apologizing, and minimizing every movement.
Meanwhile, a woman even taller than me danced boldly in front of me, claiming her full space with no apology. After class, I asked how she did it. Her answer stuck with me forever:
“I just claim my space without apology. And when I do, people make room for me.”
That simple truth became one of the most powerful lessons of my career—and my life.
Physical Presence Is a Power Tool
Fast forward to today: I teach professionals how to own their presence in three dimensions—what I call the “three planes of presence”:
- Energetic – the vibe you give off
- Vocal – how you use your voice
- Physical – how you carry and move your body
Your physical presence sends a message long before you speak. Slouching, hunching, crossing your arms, or shrinking into yourself can undercut your confidence and how others perceive you. On the flip side, expanding into your natural body space—with your head high, shoulders back, and feet grounded—immediately communicates strength and ease.
The Science Behind “Standing Tall”
Social psychologist and TED speaker Amy Cuddy’s research on “Power Poses” backs this up. Standing like Wonder Woman or Superman for just two minutes—shoulders back, chest lifted—can increase your sense of power and reduce stress hormones. In other words, how you hold your body literally shapes how you feel and how others respond to you.
You’re Not Here to Shrink
How often do you make yourself smaller so others can feel more comfortable? Physically shrinking often leads to energetic and emotional shrinking too. You downplay your voice, your value, your ideas. And in doing so, you unintentionally limit your impact.
But here’s the truth:
You are not here to shrink to fit.
You are here to take up your rightful space—physically, emotionally, and professionally.
Maximize Your Physical Presence, Start Standing Taller—Today
Try this:
- Sit or stand with your feet planted shoulder-width apart.
- Imagine a string pulling up from the crown of your head.
- Lift your chest slightly by imagining another string pulling from your breastbone.
- Stretch your arms wide—this is the space you’re meant to occupy.
Then, breathe. Own it. Be unapologetically present.
Ready to Strengthen Your Presence?
If you want to amplify your energetic, vocal, and physical presence so you can lead, speak, and show up with magnetic impact, let’s talk. Your most confident self is just a conversation away.
In my upcoming book Charismatic Presence, I’ll show you how to access that magnetic quality within yourself—whether you’re leading a team, stepping onto a stage, or simply showing up as your best self.
Meanwhile, want to see Charismatic Presence in action and learn a bit about Morel mushroom hunting?
👉 Here’s the CBS Detroit story featuring Carrie Hensel.
And if you’re curious about expanding your own presence as a leader or speaker, let’s talk.
📘 P.S. My newest book Charismatic Presence: Five Principles for Magnetic Presentations launches on June 19th. Click here to get on the list for updates and the release party!
Follow me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenikelakos/
Eleni Kelakos, CSP The Speaker Whisperer®