The Bunny, the Dragon, and the Cheetah: Body Language Lessons for Women Leaders

As women leaders, we know presence isn’t just about what we say.
It’s about how we show up—before we ever open our mouths.

A coach once taught me a framework I’ve never forgotten:
The Bunny. The Dragon. The Cheetah.
And how each one shows up in a room.

• The Bunny is soft, quiet, and small. She tucks her arms in, hunches over, and tries not to take up space. She's often apologizing—even nonverbally.
  
  

• The Dragon is big, bold, and intense. She enters the room with fire and dominance, intimidating without meaning to. People may pull back, not lean in.
  
  

• And then there’s the Cheetah—the just right.
  She’s strong, powerful, grounded. She owns her space with grace. She doesn’t shrink or overpower—she leads with confident presence.
  
  

That, my friend, is the goal: to embody the Cheetah.

Let’s break down how your body language can help you stop shrinking like a Bunny, calm the overcompensation of the Dragon, and step fully into the confident energy of the Cheetah.

What to DO to Embody the Cheetah:

1. Take Up Space (Without Taking Over)
Plant your feet shoulder-width apart. Uncross your arms. Let your presence expand naturally—not forced, not apologetic.

2. Steady Eye Contact
The Cheetah doesn’t scan nervously like a Bunny or glare like a Dragon. She connects—with warmth, strength, and directness.

3. Intentional Movement
Use your hands with purpose when speaking. Sit with relaxed, open posture. Walk into a room like you belong (because you do).

4. Breathe from Your Center
The Dragon leads from adrenaline, the Bunny from anxiety. The Cheetah leads from breath—calm, focused, and present. Ground yourself before you speak.

5. Smile Strategically
Not a default Bunny smile to seek approval—and not a cold Dragon mask to assert dominance. Smile when it’s authentic. Let it reinforce your message, not compensate for discomfort.

What to Avoid: Bunny and Dragon Traps

HOW TO: Practice Your Inner Cheetah

1. Cheetah Check-In
Before a big moment, ask yourself: “Am I showing up as the Bunny, the Dragon, or the Cheetah?” Adjust accordingly.

2. Power Pose + Grounding Breath
Stand tall, take a slow breath into your belly, and visualize your energy settling evenly across the room—not pulling inward or pushing outward.

3. Record + Reflect
Watch a video of yourself in a meeting or presentation. Do you see the Cheetah? Or are there moments where Bunny or Dragon show up?

4. Practice in Safe Spaces
Try out posture shifts, eye contact, and vocal control in low-pressure settings. Build the muscle before the high-stakes moments.

5. Ask for Cheetah Feedback
Invite a trusted peer or coach to observe your presence. Ask: “Do I shrink? Do I overpower? Where am I in my Cheetah?”

Final Thoughts:

We’ve been conditioned to shrink—or to overcompensate.
But your leadership doesn’t need to come with claws or a whisper.

The Cheetah walks in as she is—strong, sleek, grounded.
She doesn’t need to prove.
She doesn’t need to apologize.
She knows.

So the next time you’re preparing to lead, speak, or walk into a room—ask yourself:
“What would my Cheetah do?”
Then embody her.

Call to Action:
Have you caught yourself showing up as the Bunny or the Dragon? What helps you access your Cheetah energy? I’d love to hear your reflections—or help you find your posture of power.

Kristie Clayton
Founder, HERverse

#HERthoughts