Take Up Space – A Surprising Way to Build Humble Confidence: Element 4

Research suggests that communication is about far more than the words we speak. Our posture, facial expressions, gestures, and overall presence communicate messages long before we ever open our mouths. In many ways, our body language is a reflection of what is happening in our minds.

A closed posture, avoiding eye contact, and making ourselves physically smaller can often reflect a lack of self-confidence. On the other hand, an open posture, strong eye contact, and standing tall may signal confidence and self-assurance.

In the blog, Humble Confidence: The Quiet Power Behind Real Leadership, we explored what humble confidence is, why it matters, and practical strategies for developing it. Those strategies included catching the inner critic, building a support system, and taking small acts of courage.

This series continues with another powerful way to grow humble confidence: learning to take up space.

If you missed the earlier posts, here are some quick links:

• Element 1: Catch the Inner Critic
• Element 2: Build Your Support System
• Element 3: Take Small Acts of Courage

Now let’s talk about how our physical presence can influence our confidence from the inside out.

What Does It Mean to “Take Up Space”?

When people hear the phrase “take up space,” they sometimes assume it means dominating conversations, drawing attention to yourself, or somehow making yourself more important than others.

That is not what we’re talking about.

Taking up space is not about pushing others aside. It is about giving yourself permission to fully show up.

Think about the difference between these two images:

One person sits with their shoulders hunched, arms crossed, head down, camera off, saying very little during meetings. Their posture communicates hesitation, uncertainty, and a desire to remain unnoticed.

Another person sits or stands upright with shoulders back, feet planted firmly on the floor, head lifted and camera on. They contribute ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and speak clearly enough to be heard. They are not overpowering others, but neither are they hiding.

The second person is taking up space.

Taking up space can look like:

• Standing tall instead of shrinking yourself
• Maintaining eye contact
• Uncrossing your arms
• Sitting or standing with an open posture
• Speaking clearly and confidently
• Turning your camera on during virtual meetings
• Sharing your perspectives and ideas
• Allowing yourself to be visible

Notice that none of these behaviors require arrogance. They simply communicate that you believe you belong in the room.

And you do.

Think of a leader you admire. Chances are they have an open posture, are easy to hear, and project confidence. They may not be the loudest person in the room, but they have a presence that communicates strength, conviction, and credibility.

Now imagine a leader who avoids eye contact, barely speaks, constantly slouches, and appears uncomfortable in their own skin. Most people would have a difficult time trusting that person’s leadership. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we often associate closed body language with insecurity, uncertainty, or lack of confidence.

So what does posture have to do with improving humble confidence?

Quite a bit, actually.

How Taking Up Space Can Improve Confidence

Social psychologist Amy Cuddy explored the connection between body language and confidence in her research and later shared many of her findings in her book Presence.

One of the most interesting concepts from her work is that our bodies do not simply reflect our emotions. They can also influence them.

In other words, confidence is not only something we express. It is also something we can practice physically.

When we intentionally adopt an open, expansive posture, we send signals to our brains that we are safe, capable, and prepared. Rather than reinforcing feelings of fear or inadequacy, our bodies begin supporting a mindset of confidence and possibility.

The physical act of stretching your arms wide, standing tall, and creating more space with your body can interrupt the habit of making yourself small. It reminds your brain that you belong where you are. Instead of focusing on self-protection, you begin to focus on contribution.

Likewise, speaking more clearly and projecting your voice can influence your internal beliefs. When we speak quietly or hesitate before every sentence, we often reinforce our own self-doubt. But when we practice speaking with strength and clarity, we begin to experience ourselves as someone worth listening to.

Over time, these small actions create a powerful shift.

We stop asking ourselves, “Do I deserve to be here?”

And begin asking, “How can I contribute?”

That shift is at the heart of humble confidence.

The Power of Practice

Of course, stretching your arms wide in the middle of a board meeting or speaking significantly louder than everyone else may not be socially appropriate. That’s not the goal.

Instead, these are exercises you can practice privately.

• Before an important presentation, stand tall and open your posture for a minute or two.
• Before a networking event, lift your head, roll your shoulders back, and take a few deep breaths.
• Before a difficult conversation, remind yourself physically that you have every right to occupy the space you are in.

These simple practices help rewire your brain over time. They reinforce the belief that you belong in the room, deserve respect, and have something valuable to contribute.

Because you do.

The more often you practice taking up space physically, the easier it becomes to take up space verbally, intellectually, and emotionally.

You become more willing to share an idea.

More willing to ask a question.

More willing to volunteer.

More willing to take a risk.

More willing to lead.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Humble confidence is not built overnight. It grows one intentional step at a time.

Sometimes that step is challenging your inner critic.

Sometimes it is leaning on your support system.

Sometimes it is taking a small act of courage.

And sometimes it is as simple as standing tall with arms stretched out and yelling at the top of your lungs.

Don’t underestimate the power of these small actions.

As for taking up space, build these practices into your morning routine. Practice them between meetings. Use them before presentations, interviews, or important conversations. Incorporate them into your daily rhythm.

As you do, you may notice something remarkable happening. You become more confident. More courageous. More willing to step outside your comfort zone. More prepared to take meaningful action.

And with that comes greater impact.

The world does not need more arrogant leaders. It needs more leaders who are grounded, self-aware, and confident enough to fully show up.

So today, give yourself permission to take up space.

Not because you are better than anyone else.

But because your voice, your perspective, and your leadership matter.

 

I help leaders develop the humble confidence to navigate change, overcome self-doubt, and lead with greater clarity, courage, and purpose. If you’re ready to grow your leadership from the inside out, I’d love to help you discover what’s possible.