Racing out the door in the morning, you stop at the mirror for a last look. Quick assessment: Am I pulled together? Is my hair cooperating? How much makeup do I need to put on in the car? But with all that, you miss the most obvious thing. That head-on view just doesn't reveal what the rest of the world sees plainly.

I'm talking about your posture.

Posture is your calling card. Strangers make snap judgments about you based on how you stand and carry yourself. Posture is just as powerful as your speech and facial expressions in communicating who you are, how you see yourself, and most of all, in determining how others will treat you.

Whenever I check out the crowd at a mall or airport, it's a virtual sea of slouching. From teenagers affecting languid fashion model droops, to older folks who seem to stand in a permanent cringe, there are as many postures as there are personalities.

Whatever your body type be assured: Anyone can stand taller. And the benefits are huge. When you stand and sit with good posture you're less likely to injure yourself in daily activity. Your internal organs have room to breathe.

You radiate confidence and command respect. Your clothes fit better and you can get through the day without fatigue.

Best of all improving your posture makes you instantly look slimmer.

So what is good posture? Tell someone to "stand up straight" and they'll most likely snap to attention like a new recruit. But military posture is an exaggeration -- a pose like that of a ballerina or bodybuilder. Good posture shouldn't be a strain. In fact what makes it "good" is that it puts the least strain on your body.