I was standing at work the other day talking with some co-workers, and for some reason I was thinking of my posture. This actually happens often, as I know that women and men talk and move differently, and I am usually conscious of trying to appear not too feminine or too masculine. Taking on too many masculine traits can put people off, yet being too feminine and soft seems to make people not take you as seriously. There’s a fine line there that I find challenging to stay on.
I was reading this post last night, about the space women take up. It caused me to think more on the images women and men try to create, and how it affects how we are perceived.
Thinking back to my stance at work, I have noticed that I tend to stand with my arms crossed in front of me. The men don’t stand like this often, so when I think of it I uncross my arms. Then I don’t know what to do with my hands, so usually I put them in my coverall pockets and remind myself to stand up straight.
The article linked to above mentions the fact that girls and women are trained to take up less space and be smaller than men. It makes the point that being bigger and more muscular gives men more space, strength and power.
How we are perceived by others directly affects us. At work we want others to know we are competent and capable, strong enough to do the work required of us. We need our body language to reflect this.
I don’t stand around talking a lot at my work, usually I’m busy doing something that keeps my hands and mind busy. If I had a different job that involved more talking and meetings this would likely be even more of an issue to think about.
Related posts: How do others see you?
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