Cuddy’s “power poses” presentation at TED conferences is ranked as one of the most popular TED Talks. These are online talks dubbed Ideas Worth Spreading. I do not know what TED stands for so I already feel behind the confidence eight ball. No matter. Cuddy touts success stories from former slumpers who claim they’ve grown in marked self-assurance just by assuming a confident pose.

I was intrigued by this notion of putting my future in my own hands, or, shoulders, so to speak. I’ve always had a tendency to slouch, evident by elementary school photos of me hunched down like Richard Nixon over my desk. I decided to give Cuddy’s take on body language a try. I knew my hips would come in handy one day.

The first morning of power-posing was immediately tested. One of the simple pleasures in my life is reading the newspaper while enjoying a hot cup of coffee before my day kicks into high gear. But this was not to be. My newspaper had been tossed near the sprinkler.

I picked up the limp, wet paper and breathed in, channeling my inner Cuddy. Arms on hips, I arched my shoulders and walked assuredly back into the house. No wet paper’s gonna pull me down.

Heading to work, I focused on my countenance behind the wheel. Eyes locked steady on the road, I assumed a position of certitude to send fellow drivers — especially the aggressive ones — a visual message to say, “Don’t mess with me. I’m driving with firm aplomb today.”

By mid-day, I tweaked my poser project a bit. Cuddy states visualizing a strong physical demeanor enforces positive results, so I imagined positions strong women would assume. The poses included:

The Angela Merkel: When the technology manager at work said I needed to delete my 897 emails in my inbox, I poked my finger in her face like the German chancellor and replied, “When it comes to human dignity and emails, I cannot make compromises!”

The Julianna Margulies: At lunch, I ran to the deli to get my favorite sandwich and was informed it wasn’t on the menu that day. Like “The Good Wife” attorney, I requested to approach the counter, back erect and chin up. “I object to this injustice. I have a right to that sandwich!”

The Beyonce: Later that night, my husband switched the TV channel from the “Downton Abbey” episode I had recorded to ESPN. Hands on hips and feet apart, I flipped back my hair and stood in front of the TV. Not so fast, mister. I run this living room!

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg is a fan of power posing, too, and I’ve read her book “Lean In,” a call to action to lead. But I’m confused. If I lean in, how do I stand tall?

Ending the day, I have to admit, I felt more confident. Finding ways to empower yourself makes sense. But I don’t need an Ivy League professor to tell me I have more faith in my dentist if I don’t find her hunkered down in a corner biting her nails.

Still, I slouch and slink more than I should. I am trying to do better.

Brace yourself. I did.