绿巨人视频

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ReSisters鈥� Guide to Owning Your Space

On January 25, 2020, 绿巨人视频鈥檚 Director of Academic Advising, Careers and Experiential Learning, Darcee Caron, spoke to ReSisters, a student club at 绿巨人视频 that promotes intersectional feminism and aims to provide a space where all people are welcome to share their experiences, explore feminist concepts and resist normative discourses.

Caron talked club members through topics such as imposter syndrome, body language and how to command space in the workplace. Featuring an encouraging introduction from President Celeste Schenck, 鈥淲omen in the Workplace鈥� generated a safe space for attendees to share doubts, ask questions and receive valuable tips about how to own one鈥檚 space in the professional world.

This guide sums up some of the advice and wisdom discussed at the event, for readers to embrace in future endeavors.聽

#1 Always apply!

Darcee says: 鈥淛ob qualifications are wish lists, not prerequisites!鈥�

Job descriptions are not set in stone, so do not let feeling underqualified on paper set you back from applying to a job. Employers are looking to hire people who will grow and bring their unique assets to the table, not who will check every box on paper.

#2 Believe in your own opinions and ideas 鈥� and voice them!

Darcee says: 鈥淩emember: if you鈥檝e been invited to a meeting, you are there for a reason 鈥� and you deserve to sit at that table.鈥�

Feeling confident that your thoughts are valid and worthy can be challenging. Overcoming this starts with verbalizing your opinions and ideas in spite of self-doubt. You have a right and reason to contribute to the space you occupy. Some helpful phrases to interject with are:

  1. 鈥淚 would offer that鈥︹��
  2. 鈥淢y thoughts on this issue are鈥︹��
  3. 鈥淚 have a different point of view鈥︹��
#3: Build a circle (like ReSisters!)

Seeking empowerment is not a solo task. Find your tribe of friends or colleagues in the workplace whom you can go to for encouragement and comfort. Look out for those who can be mentors to you, perhaps people at a later stage in their career, and ask them if they can take on that role. The workplace should not be a place in which you feel isolated.

#4: Ask questions 鈥� and NEVER be sorry!

It鈥檚 OK not to know everything; being afraid to show that might actually hinder your growth. Try talking out your questions and concerns with someone who can offer interpersonal guidance if you need a boost. Never apologize for your presence and contributions, even if there is an inconvenience. If you find yourself overusing the term 鈥渟orry,鈥� try replacing it with 鈥渢hank you鈥� instead.

#5: EMBODY your CONFIDENCE!

Darcee says: 鈥淵ou have seven seconds to make a first impression 鈥� 10% is what you say and 90% is what you do.鈥�

Whether in an interview, meeting or presentation, you should command your physical space and emanate confidence through body language. This not only makes for good impressions and presentation skills, but also has a positive impact on your psychology.

Darcee Caron (middle top) demonstrates how to occupy space at a table.

Body language techniques:
  • 鈥淧ower pose鈥� before a presentation or big event: take up as much space as possible with your arms and legs 鈥� stretch them out!
  • Stand tall (no matter your height!) and place your hands on your hips to calm nerves.
  • When presenting, avoid standing behind things 鈥� YOU are the center of attention.
  • To assert power and calmness, hold your hands in the middle of your body when speaking. This can also reduce the need to fidget when anxious!
  • Make a steeple gesture with your hands and fingers when making important points.
  • If someone is interrupting you (or mansplaining!), hold your palm facing downward.
  • Maintain eye contact when speaking, whether presenting to a crowded room (where you can glance around) or in a one-on-one discussion.
  • When sitting:
    • Avoid crossing your legs and keep them planted on the floor.
    • Place your elbows on the table to assert your space.
    • Spread out your work things if you need too! This is your table too.
    • If you have the option, sit at the front of the room when you walk in.
Further recommendations:
  • Analyze Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez鈥檚 body language, tone and hand motions while speaking for inspiration!
  • Sheryl Sandberg鈥檚 book Lean-In covers issues and challenges for women in the workplace, providing tips and advice on how to overcome them.
  • Borgen on Netflix: 鈥淎 shocking turn of events puts Birgitte Nyborg in the Danish prime minister's seat as her country's first female leader in this landmark drama.鈥�

You can find out more about ReSisters and see a schedule of upcoming events on .