Millennia Atlantic University Take-Home Test Instructor Ray

Millennia Atlantic Universitytake Home Testinstructor Ray Lightburn

Millennia Atlantic University TAKE-HOME TEST INSTRUCTOR: Ray Lightburn, EdD COURSE DATES: 08/31//13/2020 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Class Sessions: Tuesdays: 6:30 p.m. to 8:38 p.m. / Thursdays: 6:30 p.m. to 8:38 p.m. NAME YOUR SCORE DATE In the video entitled Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are , Amy Cuddy argues that the way we position our bodies, influences not only how other people perceive us but how we perceive ourselves. After viewing the video, do the following: · Describe how the speaker used the elements of persuasion such as building credibility, constructing logical argument, and appealing to the audience’s emotions. · Give examples of the following from the video: Belonging Self-esteem Self-actualization · A popular expression that stands out in the video is “fake it till you make it.†Explain the meaning of this expression and most importantly, what was the final advice Cuddy gave regarding this expression at the end of the video? Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are

Paper For Above instruction

In the TED Talk titled “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are,” Amy Cuddy effectively employs various rhetorical strategies to persuade her audience of the profound impact body language has on personal perception and success. Her use of credibility, logical reasoning, and emotional appeal creates a compelling narrative that underscores the importance of adopting certain postures to enhance confidence and influence.

Firstly, Cuddy establishes her credibility by drawing on her academic background in social psychology and her research, which lends authority to her claims. She shares findings from her studies about how “power poses” can influence hormone levels related to confidence, thereby positioning herself as a knowledgeable expert. This builds trust with her audience, making her arguments more persuasive. Her logical reasoning follows, as she explains the scientific basis behind body language effects, demonstrating cause-and-effect relationships supported by empirical evidence. For example, she describes experiments where adopting expansive postures led to measurable increases in feelings of power and decreases in stress, making her argument both logical and compelling.

In addition to logical appeal, Cuddy masterfully appeals to the audience’s emotions by sharing personal stories and emphasizing universal desires such as belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. She discusses how body language can influence not just perceptions by others but also how individuals see themselves, tying this to fundamental human needs. Her narrative evokes empathy and motivates listeners to consider how small, deliberate changes in their body language can lead to meaningful improvements in their lives. Her emphasis on self-empowerment and overcoming insecurities resonates emotionally, encouraging the audience to take action.

Examples from the video reflecting these emotional themes include her discussion of belonging, where she notes that adopting confident postures can make people feel more included and accepted. Regarding self-esteem, she refers to how body language can boost confidence levels, making individuals feel more competent and assertive. For self-actualization, Cuddy suggests that by mastering body language, individuals can unlock their potential and achieve personal growth, aligning with the psychological concept of fulfilling one’s capabilities.

The phrase “fake it till you make it” symbolizes acting with confidence even when one does not initially feel it, with the hope that over time, genuine confidence will develop. Amy Cuddy discusses this expression by emphasizing that initially, “faking” confidence can lead to real feelings of empowerment if one persists consistently. However, her final advice refines this idea—she urges people not just to “fake” but to adopt authentic body language that genuinely reflects self-assuredness. She concludes that embodying confidence through body language can eventually lead to real confidence, making the act more sincere and effective rather than merely forced mimicry.

References

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• Cuddy, A. J. C. (2012). Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are [Video]. TEDx.
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