How To Cultivate A Powerful Presence In Any Room You Walk Into

What does it really mean to own a room?

I didn’t start asking myself that question until my mom called out the way I walked. At first, I brushed it off. But then I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror wearing a gorgeous floor-length dress, and I saw it. The stiff shoulders. The heavy arms. The kind of posture that felt more like armor than confidence.

Why was I walking like that?

Truthfully, I was trying to project power. I wanted to seem unbothered. Unshakable. Unapproachable, even. But what I had cultivated was less “powerful woman” and more “intimidating presence.” There’s a difference — and I knew I hadn’t found it yet.

That moment sparked a shift. I began to ask: What does confidence actually look like on a woman? How does she walk into a room — and more importantly, how does she treat the room once she’s there?

Since my definition of a powerful woman was amiss, I spoke to a leadership expert and coach about it. 

“A powerful woman should feel grounded, powerful, and certain — like she belongs, because she does,” said Sabrina Walker Hernandez, the President and CEO at Supporting World Hope. “She doesn’t need to prove anything; she owns her space, leads with her presence, not just her words, and she knows her value.”

As women, we might find this difficult, considering women have lower self-esteem than men, but it’s not impossible.

Whenever there’s a work or social event to attend, I wonder if I’ll make an impression. But during the event, I’ll be lurking in a corner, not wanting to engage, because what if I say something stupid? 

“We’ve been conditioned — directly or subtly — to take up less space, to be ‘likable,’ to downplay our strengths so we don’t come across as intimidating,” said Sabrina. “Add in imposter syndrome, the lack of representation in leadership, and the pressure to prove ourselves, and confidence can feel like a struggle.”

One thing that helps me is using my body to let go of the anxiety and embrace confidence and excitement. Power poses help too, and research proves that they reduce stress and increase your confidence. 

One way to feel powerful is to make people feel good. Eye contact works wonders as it builds a sense of connectedness with a person.

“When you enter a room, connect with others through steady eye contact as it shows that you are present and engaged,” said Dr Pamela Walters, an MD and consultant psychiatrist at Eulas Clinic. “But here is a line between maintaining eye contact and excessively looking at a person, which can actually come across as hostile.”

Did you know that your posture could be affecting your confidence? Research says that people with an upright posture have higher self-esteem, better mood, and lower fear. 

But what does a “good” posture mean?

“Stand tall. Imagine lengthening your spine and pull your shoulders back. Keep your head held high, which signals self-assurance,” said Pamela. “A slight open stance, with your feet firmly placed on the ground, will subtly show strength and stability. Occupy space in a natural yet commanding way.”

An upright walk too, can make you feel powerful, and convey your confidence to the room.

“Don’t rush, hesitate, or fidget,” Pamela said. “A slow and deliberate walk communicates that you are the one in control and have a clear intention. Moving with purpose also keeps you from seeming unsure.”

Having a powerful presence means people will think of you even after they’ve met you. And everyone remembers someone who looked confident and was humble.

“Powerful women exude confidence while being grounded, and they make space for others, listen actively, and project certainty without overcompensating,” said Olivia Dreizen Howell, a certified life and business coach, and the co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry. “True power is inclusive! It invites connection, and the key is to balance strength with warmth and a humble presence,” she said.

Since a powerful woman doesn’t have to prove her worth, she is secure, and that leads her to make space for others. 

While building a powerful, confident energy, you need to express your keenness toward others and show them you care about them. Energy and intent matter, and so do simple non-verbal cues.

“Lock eyes and smile,” Olivia said. “A subtle, warm smile adds an air of approachability while maintaining power. It’s the balance of grace and certainty that makes a lasting impression. Subtle nods while listening, tilting the head slightly to show engagement, and maintaining an open stance all communicate confidence and presence.”