body language presentation public speaking

17 Body Language Presentation Cues to Use in Your Next Speech

I used to shake, stutter, and simmer during presentations. Now, I confidently own my speeches. Here are my top 17 body language tips for any presentation.

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• Why Body Language is Important
• Examples and Meanings
• How to Read People
• Presentation Cues
• Interview Cues
• Workplace Cues
• Business Cues
• Aggressive Cues
• Confident Cues
• Condescending Cues
• Presidential Cues
• Resting Bitch Face
• Advertising Cues
• AI and Body Language
• Facial Microexpressions
• Torso Cu e s
• Shoulder Cues
• Hand Gestures
• Female Cues
• Rules of Attraction
• How to Flirt

Some people may go into a presentation like they’re going into battle.

I was one of those people. But after years of public-speaking experience, dozens of experiments, and hundreds of talks, I can finally say I’ve conquered my presentation fears. And now I want to teach my tactics to you!

Can You Read Body Language?

How good are your body language skills? Take our free body language quiz to find out!

Here is my ultimate guide on what body language to use to give the most captivating presentations . In this guide, you will learn:

• the first thing you should always do when giving an online presentation
• the best way to turn your audience into your friend
• how to use space to captivate your audience
• why Nixon won the heart of voters through the radio, but not on TV (hint: it was his appearance)
• how to use a podium to your advantage
• … and more!

I have been fortunate enough to speak to hundreds of companies , from Google to Intel to Frito-Lay. I’ve also been lucky enough to speak on stages at SxSW, at MIT, and the World Domination summit .

But all of those successes were hard earned. And I started out knowing nothing…

My Presentation Fail

OK, I have a really embarrassing story to admit.

Back in fifth grade, I wasn’t just bad at giving presentations. I was a train wreck : my legs shook, my palms sweated, and I had this really bad condition where my face would just dye itself red from embarrassment.

Fast forward to the most important presentation of the year: I spent an entire month preparing (and even working after school!) for this fleshed-out speech on Columbus’s journey to America. It was full of amazing, captivating content… but unfortunately lacking in delivery.

On the big day, I couldn’t help but feel the sea of stares burning deep into me.

My face reddened like a beet, and I did the only thing my logical brain told me to do… I made a run for it. I literally stopped 5 minutes into my presentation, ran out the door, and hid in the nearest bathroom stall.

That day scarred me forever. I remember wiping tears from my face, wondering how the heck I’d ever get through any presentation again.

Fast forward to today…

• I have talked on stage at well over 100 different events.
• I regularly give training sessions at big corporations like Amazon and Microsoft.
• I even have my very own TED Ttalk!

So yeah, I can say now with a sigh of relief I have (somewhat) conquered my stage fright . Here are my best body language tips I’ve learned from my years of struggle. My aim for you in this article is to give you a boost of confidence the next time you’re giving a presentation!

They might sound small, but they matter.

Signal “Friend!”

So what’s one of the best ways to signal, “Hey, I’m your friend”? Is it:

• show your palms
• give an eyebrow flash
• all of the above

The answer is d) all of the above!

Here’s why these nonverbal cues are so powerful while presenting:

Right when I start a presentation, I like to immediately show my palms. This is absolutely essential to do in video calls since it’s even harder to build rapport than with in-person presentations.

Here’s me, where I show my palms in my TED Talk:

Showing your palms is a great way to signal to others that you have no weapons in your hands. This works because our primitive brains kick into overdrive, worrying that someone may brandish a hidden weapon.

You can even try it! The next time you’re in a conversation, bury your palms deep in your pockets or keep them behind your back. You may notice the other person seems a little unsettled or nervous.

A great way to show your palms during a presentation is to open with a personal story. Personal stories are full of truth and honesty, so you might find your hand gestures naturally opening up (you may not even have to consciously think about opening your palms!).

Give the Eyebrow Flash

The eyebrow flash.

It’s a commonly used gesture in greetings, especially when two people recognize each other. In essence, a quick up-down of the eyebrows shows someone that you’re happy to see them.

Research even shows that it’s used by monkeys and apes, meaning this is likely an inborn gesture.

So here’s the golden rule for presentations: always eyebrow flash when you walk onto stage. Just a quick, up-down of recognition. Couple it with a genuine smile (coming next!), and you’ve got a killer combo that shows you’re trustworthy and friendly.

But be careful of overdoing it—move your eyebrows up -and -down too many times and you’re inviting a different kind of attention!

Use a Genuine Smile

Did you know a real smile includes what is known as the “Duchenne marker,” or wrinkles around the corners of the eyes? Without this key indicator, a person might be faking their smile.

Check out more mouth cues, including licking lips, lip biting, and pursed lips here: 39 Mouth Body Language Gestures

Take Up Space

When we’re nervous on stage, we often go into “deer in the headlights” mode.

We bring our arms in close, keep our feet in the smallest space possible, and bring our shoulders in like a turtle. To give effective presentations, you’ve got to learn how to master your space.

Don’t forget there is space around you! Widen your stance, walk around, use big gestures, and power pose.

• Widen Your Stance. Ask a body language expert what’s the most important body part to pay attention to and chances are, they’ll say the feet. People know what kind of face they’re making. Or what their hands are doing. But they rarely pay attention to their feet during presentations. Avoid standing with your feet awkwardly close. Make sure your feet are at least shoulder-width apart and don’t be afraid to go even wider.
• Walk the Stage. Don’t plant yourself in the room if there’s room available to move around. People pay attention to what’s in motion, so keep moving during your speech to grab attention. One clever way to remember movement is to move with your points—if you have 3 main points, when you switch from one point to another, move to the other side of the room to signal a shift.
• Use Your Arms. Generally, you don’t want huge gestures all the time. But there’s also no need to keep your arms to yourself—use those puppies for emphasis! When you are exaggerating a point, showing a large measurement or data, or talking about something grand, spread your arms and take up space.
• Power Pose. Do you know the power of posing? In a TED Talk, Amy Cuddy explains that power posing can actually increase our confidence. Do this before a presentation to boost your confidence, or do it during a presentation to command attention and feel powerful.

Other than taking up space, another body language presentation trick you can use is to minimize space between you and the audience.

Bridging the distance between you and the audience is a powerful cue to use sparingly.

In the 1992 debate between Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, Clinton is asked a question from the audience.

But rather than answering it immediately, he stands up and tries to get as close to the speaker as possible. This little difference allowed the crowd to resonate with Clinton more than Bush, who stood answering questions at a distance.

It was a small change, but it made a world of impact.

Save this for points that really matter to you. When you want your audience to lean in and listen up, move close.

I also do this during question and answer sessions.

Generally speaking, pointing is considered rude… except when you’re presenting with a big screen or projector. If you don’t have a laser pointer or long stick, pointing HELPS the audience by directing their eye gaze at what they should be paying attention to.

Make sure to point at the screen if you think your audience needs a bit more engagement, or during really lengthy and explanatory parts of your slides with text, so they can visualize better.

Raise Your Hand

Remember those times in class when the teacher asked us to raise our hands? Teachers do it for a reason: it increases audience engagement! Whenever you ask a question to the audience, try to spin it in a way to get the audience to participate:

• Instead of asking your audience, “Did you think the Christmas event was amazing?” try asking, “Raise your hand if you think the Christmas event was amazing.”
• You can even spin a statement into a question. If you are stating an exciting fact like “McDonald’s once made bubblegum-flavored broccoli” (totally true, btw!), you can ask your audience, “Which product did McDonald’s once come out with?” and ask for a show of hands for each potential answer.

Since raising our hands is still likely a learned body language that is ingrained in our brains, utilizing this body language cue is a no-brainer to keep the audience hooked.

Read Between the Eyes

Here’s a quick way to boost your perceived intelligence during a presentation: increase your eye contact! Make sure to sweep across the room as you make eye contact with others. Maintaining eye contact is great if you want to build rapport with others. It’s even been found to increase feelings of love and affection!

And forget about the “imagine your audience naked” advice that somehow got popular.… Instead, imagine your audience members are your closest friends.

Imagine your audience are your closest friends. They are there to root for you!

Even if it’s one close friend, imagine you are talking to them. You’ll naturally make more eye contact, your body language will open up, and you’ll be more authentic and honest. No wonder the eyes are the window to the soul.

Side Note: Don’t forget those in the back! Always make contact with every single person in the room, if you can. If it’s a bigger audience, you might want to mentally section-off the crowd in blocks to make sure you make eye contact with most of the crowd.

Laugh It Off

Humor is one of the best ways to turn a dull presentation into a lively one. Who doesn’t love to laugh?

Chances are, you’re not laughing enough.

Research shows that adults only laugh an average of 15 times a day, while preschoolers laugh 400 times 1 https://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Book-Body-Language-attitudes/dp/1409168506 !

It’s not only about feeling good, either. Laughing is actually more about building relationships than reacting to jokes.

That’s why laughter is 30 times more likely to occur in social situations than by yourself!

Laugh more if you want to become more likable.

Verbal back channels, cadence, mumbling, and stuttering—learn more body language tips to give you a boost in your people skills arsenal!

Forward Lean

Sure, everybody knows not to be a slouch: chest up, shoulders back, and head raised.

But did you know adding a slight forward lean to your presentation can increase engagement? Just imagine the last time you were super hooked in a conversation.

Chances are, you were leaning slightly forward:

Body leaning is our body’s natural way of saying, “Wow, this is interesting!” If you see it in your audience? That’s great! And if you do it yourself? You are sub communicating that you’re interested in both the audience AND what you’re saying.

Add a slight forward lean to increase audience engagement.

Use Hand Gestures

Here’s the deal: Research 2 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234115692_Gesture_use_in_social_interaction_how_speakers’_gestures_can_reflect_listeners’_thinking shows that using hand gestures increases the value of your message by a whopping 60%!

And we confirmed it using science.

In our human behavior research lab, we analyzed thousands of hours of TED Talks and found one striking pattern: the most viral TED Talkers spoke with their words AND their hands.

Want to dive into our research and see which hand gestures to use to WOW a crowd? Click below to find out: 60 Hand Gestures You Should Be Using And Their Meaning

Here’s a self-test you can try out right now: cross your arms.

Which arm appears on top?

Science says that 7 out of 10 people cross their left arm over their right one 1 https://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Book-Body-Language-attitudes/dp/1409168506 .

Crossing arms over your torso is not only a way of defending your most vital organs, but also a form of “self-hug.”

People normally cross arms when they feel defeated or defensive. In presentations, you might find yourself manifesting the arm cross in subtler ways—reaching across the body to fiddle with a watch, adjusting a shirt cuff link, or even adjusting a tie knot.

To counter crossed arms, always default to having your arms relaxed and to the sides when you’re not gesturing. Having your arms to your sides is the most natural position and one that shows you’re confident enough to be relaxed.

Want more cues to arm yourself? Head on over to our guide: Crossed Arms and 17 More Cues to Know

Have you ever been in a presentation where the person giving the speech stands behind the podium the whole time? Podiums are a huge presentation faux pas and effectively block presenters from the audience.

If there’s a podium in the room with you, a personal tip I try to use is to never use the podium for more than a quarter of my presentation. Not only do podiums plant you in place, they also block off half your body.

Here’s a hilarious example of giving a presentation behind a big table… notice how nobody knows what could be going on down there!

Podiums and tables are great as a bounce-back point (if you need to check your notes, change slides, take a sip of water, etc.), but shouldn’t be a nest you coop up in all day.

Keep Cool as a Cucumber

It was September 26, 1960. The entire nation was tuned in to see the first- ever televised presidential debate, featuring John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.

Except there was one glaring problem for the Republicans.

The millions of Americans who tuned in could see Nixon sweating under the hot studio lights, while Kennedy remained as cool as a cucumber. Nixon also displayed other signs of anxiety, like lip licking and fast blinking.

So who won the presidential debate ?

It turns out, most people who listened to the debate on the radio voted for Nixon, due to his deep, rich voice.

But those who saw it on the big screen? Hands down, the majority of them sided with Kennedy. During a presentation, people will be able to read a lot from your face. Are you a nervous lip biter? Do you sweat when you’re under pressure? Do you blink too much—or not enough?

Try these tips to master your facial expressions :

• Record Yourself. One of the ways I became much better at public speaking than I was before is that I constantly do YouTube videos . In my early days, I always looked away from the camera and bit my upper lip, until I rewatched my videos and corrected the problems. If you have any glaring issues, video will find it.
• Take a Deep Breath. It’s totally OK to pause and take a deep breath. Make sure to constantly breathe deeply. It’s super easy to get nervous and start shallow breathing. I find a session of quick meditation actually helps me to calm my nerves.

And remember, it can’t be all that bad. Have a look at Colin Robertson’s hilarious TED Talk , where things seem to go awry.

Hide Your Notes

I generally don’t recommend having notes with you if you can help it. Using notes is great to keep you on -pace, but relying on them could be a crutch.

Physically holding them in your hands could take up valuable palm space for gesturing and can make your movements more awkward. You can also forget to make eye contact at critical moments.

I recommend keeping your notes to a bare minimum (i.e., don’t write your college thesis on them) and leaving them at the podium or by your side. Refer to them as needed, but you should be at a place where you only need to look at a few key words to remember what you’re going to say next.

Many presenters already know they should move and take up space. But sometimes it can be easy to over-do it. One powerful, advanced body language trick is to actually keep still and silent during the important parts of your presentation.

Steve Jobs was a master at movement. Watch as he moves to emphasize his points, but during the very important points, he tends to stay still and command attention:

Color Psychology

What colors you wear can drastically affect the perception of you on camera. Just take a look at these 2 different outfits, but with their colors switched:

See how different I look?

One image portrays power, confidence, and authority. The other is perfect for spring picnics and tea time.

OK, those images are a bit on the extreme side. But for normal colors, choose your color to match the mood you want to give off:

• Blue gives off feelings of stability, tranquility, and trust.
• Red primes emotions of intensity, aggression, and passion.
• Yellow indicates emotions of happiness, vibrance, and youth.

Check out this article: Color Psychology: What Colors Should You Wear and Why

News Reporter vs. Preacher

One way to speak is like a monotone news reporter:

On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got an enthusiastic preacher:

In most presentations, you want to be somewhere in the middle (leaning toward enthusiastic).

Vocal variety is a huge body language cue that you can easily change to spice up your presentations. If you’re not naturally vocally gifted like Freddie Mercury, no worries! Try a vocal warm-up .

One of my favorite vocal warm-ups I do almost every time before a video or presentation is to simply hum:

• Do one long “hmmmmmmmmm,” and try to hold it for as long as you can.
• Now, loosen up your lips and mouth. Hum again, but now more relaxed. Try to keep your jaw and cheeks nice and loose as well.
• Inflect! Go up and down with your hum. Alternate between descending and ascending hums.

Do this five times and be amazed at how magical your newly – prepped voice is.

Remember, your goal as a captivating presenter isn’t just to relay information. You’ve also got a second job as an entertainer. Remember to engage the audience and have fun on stage! Your audience will appreciate it, and you’ll feel more free, too.

Presentation Body Language Mini-FAQ:

How much of a presentation depends on your body language.

You may have heard that communication is 93% nonverbal, and only 7% verbal. These percentages are actually false. We may not know the exact percentage, but nonverbal communication plays a huge role in presentations (with the right body language, you can turn any old, boring content into the most exciting presentation ever!).

Why is body language important in presentation?

Open, confident body language allows you to clearly express your message during a presentation, without disengaging your audience. Great body language during presentations builds your credibility, draws the audience’s attention to your points, and helps you connect with your listeners and build rapport.

Bonus: Give Captivating Presentations

You might not realize it, but you are presenting ALL the time. Whether it’s:

• speaking up in a meeting
• giving an introduction on a video call or joining a conference call
• or even talking on stage

… we are constantly presenting. So I want to help you achieve your presentation goals. Whether you’re looking to find the best openers and closers, use visuals in your presentations, tell amazing stories, or even present online, I’ve got you covered: Master Your Presentations With Powerful Presentation Skills

Are there any other presentation body language tips you have? Or can you relate to my embarrassing story? Leave a comment below!

Side Note: As much as possible we tried to use academic research or expert opinion for this master body language guide. Occasionally, when we could not find research we include anecdotes that are helpful. As more research comes out on nonverbal behavior we will be sure to add it!

Crack The Code on Facial Expressions

The human face is constantly sending signals, and we use it to understand the person’s intentions when we speak to them. In Decode, we dive deep into these microexpressions to teach you how to instantly pick up on them and understand the meaning behind what is said to you. Don’t spend another day living in the dark.

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• Delivery Techniques →

Body Language in Public Speaking: How to Master It

Public speaking can be daunting. Even seasoned speakers can sometimes lack confidence and poise in front of a crowd. Your words may be carefully constructed, but what about your body language? Are you making the best use of everything from your head tilt to your hand gestures to create the most impressionable, powerful performance? It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to improving your body language for public speaking. After all, there’s so much to take into account. Which can make you even more anxious! But never fear – in this blog post we’ll show you how to master your body language and make your public speaking more impactful. We’ll cover basics, like posture and facial expressions, to finer details, like microphone technique, to ensure you make the right impression every time. So let’s get started on taking your public speaking to the next level – the only way is up!

Quick Answer

Using body language when giving a speech or presentation can help to convey your message more effectively and engage the audience. Make sure to avoid any nervous habits such as fidgeting and maintain good posture. Use hand gestures and facial expressions sparingly and intentionally for maximum effect.

Understanding Body Language

Understanding body language is key for any public speaker to be successful in creating an impact. On one hand, researchers suggest that body language can provide insight into a person’s true feelings, intentions and thoughts.

Whether it be positive reinforcement like a thumbs-up or negative reinforcement like facial expressions of frustration - body language always plays an important role in the understanding of communication.

Additionally, during the speaking portion of a presentation, a speaker’s posture will affect their delivery, giving off strong signals of confidence and power when done correctly. On the other hand, many people have studied nonverbal communication and report mixed findings on its accuracy. 

Our own biases as individuals tend to influence our interpretation of what we observe in another’s body language. Context can also play a big role in how we interpret cues - something that someone may consider as confident body language could easily be considered intimidating or aggressive depending on the scenario and the audience it is being given to. Overall, understanding the basics of both verbal and nonverbal communication is essential for any successful public speaker to make an impactful statement. By understanding these essential differences between each form of speaking, a speaker can craft their presentation accurately and congruently in order to achieve their desired outcome. Now that an understanding of body language has been discussed, the following section will discuss "What is Body Language" in further detail.

Must-Know Summary Points

Body language, both positive and negative, plays an important role in communication. Body language can influence how successful a public speaker is, as their posture not only affects delivery but also signals confidence and power.

The interpretation of nonverbal communication, however, can be affected by the individual's biases and context-dependent cues. To make a successful impact through speaking publicly, one must understand both verbal and nonverbal forms of communication.

What is Body Language?

Body language is a form of communication that uses nonverbal cues, such as posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact to convey messages. It is defined as “ the behavior that one displays during communication through body movements, posture, and gestures .” 

Body language can be used to express a variety of emotions, including happiness, anger, sadness, confusion, or surprise. It is also an effective way to make a point or emphasize something important when delivering a speech. Body language can be both beneficial and detrimental depending on the context in which it is used. For instance, standing up straight with your arms crossed applied can make you appear more authoritative or confident. On the other hand, this gesture may come off as aggressive and intimidating if the tone of your message isn't aligned with the assertive body language. By being mindful of our body posture and movements before and during a presentation we can ensure that the message we are trying to convey is accurately interpreted by our audience. With a better understanding of how body language affects public speaking, we can use it to our advantage and create meaningful connections that foster trust and respect with our audience. In the next section we will explore how to use body language to make your public speaking more impactful.

The Impact of Body Language

When it comes to public speaking, what we say matters, but the way we say it matters even more. Body language is a universal language and can have an immense impact on how your message is received by an audience. Often times, before you have even said your first word, your body language has already spoken thousands of words to the audience. The lines of your face, curve of your throat, folds in your clothing and the look in your eye all speak volumes about how you are feeling and what kind of attitude you bring to the podium. For example, if a speaker appears tense or closed-off, it may cause some audience members to become defensive or uncomfortable. But if a speaker comes across as open and confident, it helps put the audience at ease and encourages them to respond positively to what they hear. Body language can also have numerous other nonverbal communication benefits during public speaking . For example, well-timed pauses , emphasis on certain points through gestures, and capturing attention with eye contact can all help take an average speech and turn it into something that really resonates with the listener. On the other hand, there’s no denying that people’s perception of body language can be highly subjective. While certain body language cues such as crossed arms may be indicative of being closed off to ideas that don't align with one’s own beliefs for some people, for others crossed arms may simply mean deep concentration.

So its important to keep in mind that how we interpret someone else’s body language largely reflects our own preconceived notions rather than calling out any specific trait of another person. The impact of body language when giving a public presentation should not be underestimated - it can turn a mediocre performance into something extraordinary by creating a connection with listeners and keeping them engaged throughout. Now let's take a closer look at how you can use body language effectively during public speaking to maximize this impact.

Body Language During Public Speaking

Body language during public speaking can have a huge influence on the delivery of your speech, as well as your overall success. The way you move and use your body to convey your message is one of the most important elements of delivering an effective presentation . Your body language can reveal how confident or hesitant you are about the material you’re conveying and how engaged or disinterested your audience is. When speaking in front of people, maintaining an open body language can demonstrate your confidence and help put them at ease. Some people tend to cross their arms when they become nervous , which can come off as confrontational or even hostile.

Your posture should be relaxed but upright—avoid slouching or hunching over, as this comes off as unprofessional and may signal a lack of confidence in yourself and your message. On the other hand, standing too straight and rigid can also be intimidating. Standing with your feet slightly apart in an open stance conveys openness and comfort with yourself and your message. Your facial expressions should also match what you’re saying—a grimace when telling a funny story, for example, is confusing for the audience. It’s important to stay aware of flinching or winking too much, which can make it seem like you’re not paying attention to what you’re saying or are uncomfortable with the content. Make sure to look out for any unintentional visual cues that might distract or confuse your audience. Keeping good posture and making sure your movements coincide with the flow of your speech will enable you to project confidence and enthusiasm that will keep your audience engaged throughout the duration of your presentation.

Your facial expressions play an equally vital role in helping you get your point across efficiently so it’s important to become aware of them while speaking. With greater awareness and practice, mastering nonverbal communication during public speaking will become easier and more natural. Next we will discuss how facial expressions and posture play key roles in how impactful a speaker is during public presentations.

Facial Expressions and Posture

The way we use facial expressions and posture when speaking publicly has a huge influence on how people perceive us. Our eyes, forehead, mouth, and chin all send organic cues to others about our feelings and thoughts.

It’s important to pay attention to the signals our faces are sending, making sure they are intentional rather than merely fleeting. Additionally, our posture speaks volumes when it comes to communicating with an audience. One of the most important gestures that can help you connect with your audience is smiling. A charming smile can boost credibility, increase positive reactions, and help keep the atmosphere light-hearted.

On the other hand, the opposite can also be true: frowning and furrowing your eyebrows may distract or upset a room of listeners. So practice your presentation with a big smile and choose wisely when changing expressions during your speech. In addition to facial expression, posture is essential in public speaking. Standing up straight and tall projects strength and authority while slouching signals weakness and uncertainty. By standing up with proper posture while speaking publicly you give off an impression of capability and confidence, which will make people better listen to what you have to say.

For example, when talking to an audience try planting your feet hip-width apart; this will ground yourself in your message. Slumping or swaying back-and-forth sends a negative message about self-belief that your audience can sense subconsciously; so pay attention to subtle adjustments that express dedication and seriousness for your speech topic . Overall, facial expressions and posture play an integral role in public speaking as they set up tangible associations with the message one is trying to communicate as a speaker or presenter. Next up in this article we will discuss practical tips for utilizing body language during public speaking.

Tips for Using Body Language in Public Speaking

When preparing to give a public speech , body language plays an essential role in connecting with and impressing your audience. It can be used to emphasize key points and create the kind of lasting impression you want to make. Here are some tips for using body language effectively: 1. Stand Confidently – A confident posture expresses power, passion, and conviction. Keep your hands at your sides instead of crossed over your chest as this has been shown to make people appear more defensive and tense. Make sure your body weight is well-distributed by standing with both feet firmly planted on the ground. 2. Don’t Fidget – People tend to fidget when nervous and this can be distracting or even annoying to an audience. To combat this, practice presenting in front of a mirror so that you can become familiar with how you move and where you may need to adjust. 3. Use Intentional Gestures – If done properly, gestures can help add energy and excitement to an otherwise dull presentation. Avoid robotic gestures that don’t mean anything; practice deliberate gestures that connect with the topic or point you are making in meaningful ways for maximum impact. 4. Make Eye Contact – People love it when presenters look them directly in the eye because it makes them feel included in the action, connected to their speakers, and more likely to remember what was spoken about. Aim for 3-5 seconds of direct eye contact with each person who is listening so that you communicate strong, vibrant energy throughout the room. By taking advantage of these speaking techniques and using meaningful gestures, powerful stances, and confident looks, you will have presented a far more impactful speech than had any of these body language methods been overlooked or neglected. Now, let's talk about common mistakes to avoid when delivering public speeches...

• Research studies show that a speaker's body language accounts for up to 93% of their communication when presenting (although this may not be true).
• Effective body language can help to create rapport between the presenter and the audience, leading to more effective communication
• Studies have shown that positive body language, such as open and inviting gestures, can help increase audience engagement and understanding of the message.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Public speaking is a challenging endeavor, and even seasoned presenters can make mistakes. It can be easy to forget about the need for attentive body language if you get too caught up in your presentation. To mitigate the possibility of ‘faux pas’, it is important to understand some common blunders that can lessen the impact of your performance. It is vital to avoid maintaining an unfavorable facial expression; for instance, scowling or yawning. Such expressions tend to leave negative impressions, making it difficult to maintain attention. Instead, try to adopt a relaxed and pleasant facial expression which will help put people at ease and keep them engaged.

Your posture is another essential aspect of body language. Don’t slouch or hunch your shoulders as this position communicates a lack of confidence or enthusiasm and disengages the audience. Aim to stand with even proportions; your feet shoulder-width apart with your chest held up and arms loose by your side. This establishes a stance that suggests dynamism, engagement, and assurance - words you want associated with yourself and your speech. On the other hand, it is also important not to contort yourself into an over-assertive pose that may distract from the content of your address. Many speakers adopt hyperextended poses such as spreading their arms wide and pacing back-and-forth across the stage setting their audience on edge rather than inspiring them with confidence in the speaker’s message. In conclusion, practice mindful body language when speaking publicly: maintain a friendly expression, appropriate posture, and avoid gestures that detract from what matters most -your presentation content! Building self-confidence to ensure successful public speaking requires both clever content delivery and skillful manipulation of body language – something we will explore further in the following section on building self-confidence while speaking publicly.

Building Your Self-Confidence

Confidence is the cornerstone of public speaking. It is essential for conveying effective messages and connecting with your audience. Building up your self-confidence before a speech or presentation will ensure that you are ready to deliver an impactful performance. Here are some strategic tips for increasing your self-confidence when you take the stage: 1. Practice, practice, practice – Before delivering a speech, engaging in multiple rehearsals helps individuals become more familiar and comfortable with their material. Rehearsing enables speakers to focus on specific points of their speech and practice the flow and delivery of their words with precision.

Additionally, rehearsing also provides an opportunity to perfect and enhance content that can potentially elevate the level of enthusiasm within your audience. 2. Boost your posture – Holding yourself in a “power pose” can be an effective way to channel confidence both onstage and offstage. Highlighting important moments with dramatic gesture indicates a grounded, passionate presence that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

When people feel as if they can trust and respect who is communicating a message, it increases engagement and creates opportunities to further dialogue or discussion afterwards. 3. Set attainable goals – Curating manageable objectives for yourself is another great way to build self-confidence before going on stage. This includes building out an agenda (also known as ‘ speaker notes ’) that lays out talking points and bullets important sections of your presentation beforehand so that you can confidently navigate transitions between slides or topics during delivery.

Setting clear expectations beforehand not only reminds the speaker what topics are of importance, but it also offers direction so speaking becomes easier when conducting research or writing scripts ahead of time.

4. Visualize success – Visualization is another form of preparation that can have significant effects on one’s self-confidence levels prior to taking the stage. It involves creating vivid mental images related to successful performance while simultaneously reminding oneself that they have successfully conquered other speaking engagements prior preceding this one; this essentially helps make it easier transitioning from anxiousness into preparedness pre-speech day nerves. Confidence can be seen as both an intrinsic quality associated with personality traits such as charisma, charm, poise and eloquence, as well as something environmental or situational like body language, external feedback or attitude surrounding a particular event or task at hand that contributes to overall comfortability levels onstage (or offstage).

Consequently it can be argued that one needs both external factors working in tandem with personality attributes to establish robust personal confidence capable of maximizing success onstage as a public speaker; however where people depict various levels of comfortability with how each contributes towards self-efficacy depends largely upon individual beliefs about their own character and abilities involving communication(s).

Ultimately, developing strategies for harnessing confidence for public speaking requires individuals to assess what works best for them based upon what makes them feel most prepared & competent when under pressure - that’s why it’s important to review all available options prior developing tactical plans designed to elevate public speaking performances; good luck!

Most Common Questions

How does body language emphasize content when public speaking.

Body language is an important factor when it comes to emphasizing content when public speaking. This is because people tend to take in nonverbal cues more than verbal cues. S

tudies have shown that 93% of communication is nonverbal, which means that what you do with your body language can be just as influential as the words you use.

When delivering a presentation or speech, gestures and movements can be used to emphasize key points, draw attention to certain ideas, and add depth and meaning to the content.

For example, making large hand gestures when discussing a significant idea helps communicate a powerful message, while pointing at relevant diagrams or visuals helps guide the audience’s attention toward important information.

Additionally, maintaining strong and confident posture while speaking also sends a signal of authority and helps engage listeners. Ultimately, by deliberately incorporating body language into presentations or speeches, presenters can effectively emphasize the content being presented and increase its impact on audiences.

What are some common mistakes to avoid with body language in public speaking?

One of the most common mistakes to avoid with body language in public speaking is not maintaining good posture. Keeping your head up and shoulders back shows confidence. Avoid slouching, which can make you appear uncomfortable or insecure.

Additionally, avoid excessive movements such as fidgeting, gesturing too much or rocking back and forth. These habits can be distracting to your audience and detract from the message that you are trying to get across. Another mistake to avoid is using negative gestures and facial expressions. Too many negative expressions like frowns or eyerolls can provide a conflicting message to your audience, weakening the impact of your words.

As a speaker, it’s important to project confidence, so negative body language can be counter-productive. Smiling or looking positive while speaking will give off a confident air and help keep the atmosphere positive and engaging. Finally, be aware of how much space you are taking up and remain conscious of what your body is saying. Invading too much personal space makes people in the audience feel uncomfortable.

Be sure to match people’s body language cues so that it doesn’t come off as aggressive or intimidating. By paying attention to these small nuances, you will be able to properly control your body language in public speaking and make a bigger impression on your audience!

What are the most important tips for using body language in public speaking?

The most important tips for using body language in public speaking are: 1. Establish good eye contact - to your audience, look around the room and make sure to engage people with eye contact at different points while you speak. 2. Use open body language - avoid postures that suggest discomfort or lack of confidence such as crossed arms, fidgeting, and avoiding direct eye contact. Instead, strive to use body language that suggests openness and comfort. 3. Use gestures to emphasize points - gestures can help engage your audience, amplify the message you're trying to get across, and give energy to your presentation. Practice beforehand what gestures will help accentuate each point in your presentation and use them appropriately when speaking. 4. Use facial expressions - don't just stand still like a statue! Make sure to smile, frown, use surprise and other subtle expressions as appropriate to convey emotion with your words and make your story come alive for the audience. 5. Vary Your Speech Pace & Volume - vary the speed of your delivery based on the content of your speech and don't forget about pushing up or down on the volume of your voice for multi-syllable words or when emphasizing a point – movement of your hands can be helpful too! Using these tips during public speaking can help make it more impactful and have better results in conveying your message across effectively to any audience.

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Avoid These 4 Body Language Mistakes in Public Speaking

Body language in public speaking is the nonverbal cues that your movements make during communication. Presenters often focus on what they are going to say and their visual aids. However, we often overlook an important part of the speech — body language. Non-verbal communication makes a lasting impression and makes a marked difference in your communication skills. And when it comes to public speaking, if you look poised and confident, your audience  will believe  you are poised and confident.

In this session, we’ll cover a few simple public speaking ideas that will give you good posture and encourage better body movement. First, we show how important the power of body language is during your presentation. Next, I’ll give you a few, simple tips to look more confident and create a good impression (even if you’re nervous). Finally, I’ll share a presentation secret that, once you understand it, will change the way you look at your nervous habits forever (and in turn, help you give a great presentation).

You Body Language in Public Speaking is Important to a Successful Speech.

When presentation coaches reference body language, they often refer to a 1967 study published by Albert Mehrabian. Dr. Mehrabian is a professor at UCLA. His study showed that only 7% of communication comes from the words spoken. He said that 38% of communication comes from the voice and tone. The final 55% of the communication process comes from body language. In reality, this study has nothing to do with public speaking or presenting. So, the reference to the “Mehrabian Formula” as a reason to focus on body language in public speaking is false. However, that doesn’t mean the power of nonverbal communication isn’t important.

The better that a speaker carries himself or herself, the more credibility the speaker has with the group. If you look timid or nervous, your audience will question your competence. Confident body language has a profound effect on the unconscious mind of your audience. So much so that, even if they know you’re a new speaker, they won’t help but feel turned off by the small details, like a lack of good eye contact and other aspects of body language.

To cover for nervousness, a lot of speakers will avoid negative body language by hiding behind a lectern. Others will deliver their entire presentation from a seated position and make the slideshow the presentation. When you do these things, though, you are losing your connection to the audience. You are also, likely, inadvertently making your presentation more boring.

A Few Simple Presentation Tips to Improve Body Language

If you want to see your ability as a persuasive public speaker improve, try these simple tips. Just testing out one or two of them will show you the real impact of body language.

1. Set Your Screen to the Side, Not the Front

What? What does the screen’s placement in the room have to do with body language in public speaking? Well, everything. Many presenters will set the projection screen or digital screen in the very center of the room. When you do this, though, your ability to move around the room is significantly limited. You’re forced to work in a smaller “stage” to present from, and you’re now off to the side. Your audience didn’t come to see you click through bullet points. They came to hear you speak.

2. Take a Deep Breath and Drop Your Hands to Your Side.

Please don’t misunderstand this tip. The tip ISN’T to KEEP your hands by your side. It’s just the opposite. When you start your presentation with your hands dropped loosely by your side, your first gesture will be bigger and more powerful. This is a powerful tool you can try from wherever you are right now.

Stand up and clasp your hands together in front of your waist as most presenters do. Now, break the clasp and try to make a gesture with one of your hands. Try it a few times. When you do, you will notice that your elbow will tend to rest around your hip. The gesture will look robotic. If you alternate moving your hands from that clasped position, you will likely look like a t-rex.  Fearless Presentations , I mentioned in the book that “People judge our competence by the confidence that we show.” This statement is so true.

Now, drop both hands to your side and let them hand loosely. Try to make the same gesture that you did before. When you do, you will, most likely end up moving BOTH hands. This time, the gesture will look more powerful and energetic. Also, when you stop making the gesture, you will probably return your hands to your side so that your next gesture is also powerful. (Your hands will often return to their starting point.)

If you’re having trouble remembering to drop your hands to your side, try one of these 3 tips:

Incorporate Slow Breathing and a Relaxed Stance:  Begin your presentation with slow breathing and a relaxed body language, keeping your hands at your sides. This not only calms your nerves but also sets a composed tone for your speech. A relaxed physical presence goes a long way in making your delivery appear confident and effortless. Remember, a calm demeanor and tone of voice can make a big difference in public speech.

Practice Purposeful Gestures and Open Palms:  When rehearsing, focus on using your whole body to make purposeful and open gestures. An open palm can signal honesty and active participation from the audience. Treat this as a learned skill, where each movement, including returning your hands to your sides, is a part of your physical expression. This technique enhances audience engagement and ensures your gestures complement the tone of your voice.

Visual Cues and Physical Movements Checklist:  Create a checklist of physical movements, including keeping your hands at your sides, which you can refer to as an exhaustive list during practice. This list can act as a reminder that each aspect of your body language, from your gestures to your posture, contributes to a great idea being effectively communicated. Regular practice with these visual cues helps in embedding these actions into your muscle memory, ensuring a more natural and engaging delivery.

3. Tell More Stories

If you want to have great body language when presenting, tell more stories. It is almost impossible to tell a story without using your hands to explain what is happening. For instance, when I start my  presentation skills seminars , I will often start with a story. Typically, I tell the class what happened to me the first time I had to speak in front of a room of executives. As I describe how my hands got sweaty, I often naturally rub my palms on my pants. When I tell them how I zoomed through the presentation, I move my hands quickly in small circles. These movements add clarity to my description. No one ever taught me how to do this. These gestures happen naturally as I relive the incident from memory.

These natural gestures add a lot of enthusiasm and fun to your presentations. So, if you want to use more poised body language, tell more stories.

Here are some additional tips on incorporating gestures into your presentation:

Mimic the Action : When narrating an event or action in your story, mimic the movement with your hands or body. For example, if you’re talking about opening a door to a new opportunity, physically mimic the action of turning a door handle and pushing a door open. This not only makes your story more vivid and engaging but also helps the audience visualize the scenario better.

Use Symbolic Gestures : Incorporate gestures that symbolize concepts or emotions in your story. If you’re discussing overcoming obstacles, you might show pushing against an invisible barrier with your hands. For stories involving growth or progression, use upward or forward-moving hand motions. These symbolic gestures can powerfully convey abstract ideas and emotions, enhancing the impact of your story.

Avoid Overuse of Gestures : While gestures can greatly enhance your storytelling, it’s important to use them judiciously. Be mindful not to overcrowd your narrative with excessive or exaggerated gestures, as this can distract or even confuse the audience. The key is to ensure that your gestures feel natural and spontaneous, complementing rather than dominating the story. Let your movements flow organically from the narrative; if a gesture doesn’t feel natural or necessary, it’s often better to omit it. This approach maintains the authenticity and impact of your storytelling.

4. Use Your Visual Aid

One of the things that bug me most is when a speaker stands (or sits) clicking a clicker. If you are going to take the time to create a great slide or visual aid… USE IT! One of the techniques that we cover in our  speaking class  is to visually touch your slide. I know it sounds weird, but it works like magic.

Have you ever been in a presentation where a speaker puts up a series of bullet points and just starts talking? As he presents, you may think he is on point four, but then he clicks to the next slide. This occurs because the speaker naturally assumes that you can figure out which point he is on. As a result, he doesn’t both to tell you when he moves from one point to the next. In most cases, the points aren’t clearly defined, anyway, so there is a lot of overlap. This makes the entire presentation confusing.

A better way is to physically go to the screen and point to bullet #2 when you move to bullet #2. If you combine this technique with telling a story, your presentation comes alive. This happens because the speaker will move toward the screen to identify the next point. Then, she will jump into an example or story to clarify the point. She will naturally move back toward the audience as she tells the story. Of course, as she tells the story, she will use those natural gestures as well. This combination of techniques adds a lot of enthusiasm and energy to a presentation.

A Presentation Secret that Should Help with Presentation Gestures

In reality, most speakers feel nervousness. It is just that most of the symptoms they feel aren’t visible either. If you understand this and use a few of the tips we covered earlier, you can look very poised when you speak. (Even if you are nervous!)

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The Importance Of Body Language In Public Speaking

Picture this: you’re standing in front of a crowd, ready to deliver a speech. As you begin, words flow from your mouth with confidence and conviction. But did you know that it’s not just your words that are speaking volumes? Your body language, the way you hold yourself, move, and gesture, is silently conveying a wealth of information to your audience. That’s the importance of body language in public speaking.

When we think of communication, we often focus on what we say. But studies show that a staggering 55% of communication is actually conveyed through body language. Our facial expressions, hand movements, posture, and even eye contact can greatly impact how our message is received. So, if you want to become a powerful and persuasive public speaker, mastering your body language is key.

Effective body language can enhance your speech in numerous ways. It helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level, build trust and credibility, and convey confidence and authority. By using open and expansive gestures, maintaining good eye contact, and adopting an upright posture, you signal to your audience that you are confident in your message and believe in what you’re saying. This nonverbal communication helps captivate your listeners and keeps them engaged throughout your presentation.

So, whether you’re talking to a small group or addressing a large crowd, understanding and utilizing the power of body language is essential for effective public speaking. By aligning your words with your nonverbal cues, you can create a powerful and compelling message that resonates with your audience. In the following paragraphs, we’ll explore the different aspects of body language and how you can harness its power to become a more effective and impactful public speaker. Are you ready to take your speaking skills to the next level? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

The Importance of Body Language in Public Speaking: Unlocking the Power of Non-Verbal Communication

Public speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. In fact, studies have shown that body language plays a crucial role in effective communication, often even more so than the words we choose. Whether you’re presenting at a conference, giving a TED talk, or delivering a speech at a wedding, understanding and utilizing the power of body language can greatly enhance your impact and connection with the audience. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of body language in public speaking and how you can leverage them to become a more confident and influential speaker.

Mastering the Art of Eye Contact: Establishing Trust and Connection

Making eye contact is one of the most fundamental and powerful aspects of body language in public speaking. When you look directly into someone’s eyes, it creates a genuine connection and establishes trust. Eye contact also communicates confidence and indicates that you value your audience’s presence and participation. However, maintaining eye contact can be challenging, especially if you’re nervous or speaking to a large crowd. Here are a few tips to help you master the art of eye contact:

1. Scan the room: Take a few moments before your speech to scan the room and make eye contact with different individuals in the audience. This will help you establish a connection right from the start.

2. Use the Triangle Technique: Divide the audience into three sections – left, center, and right. Rotate your eye contact between these sections, focusing on individuals for a few seconds before moving on to someone else. This ensures that everyone feels seen and engaged.

3. Pause and Connect: Whenever you make a particularly important or impactful statement, pause for a moment and lock eyes with someone in the audience. This not only reinforces your message but also creates a more personal connection with your listeners.

Remember, maintaining eye contact may feel uncomfortable initially, but with practice, it will become second nature and greatly enhance your public speaking skills.

The Power of Posture: Conveying Confidence and Authority

Your posture speaks volumes about your confidence and authority as a speaker. How you carry yourself on stage can influence how your message is received by the audience. Here are some key points to keep in mind when it comes to posture in public speaking:

1. Stand Tall: Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your head held high. This posture not only conveys confidence but also allows for proper airflow, enabling you to project your voice more effectively.

2. Occupy Space: Take up space on the stage. Avoid crossing your arms or clutching onto the podium. Instead, use hand gestures to emphasize key points and move around the stage, taking advantage of the entire space.

3. Use Mirroring: Mirroring is a powerful technique that involves subtly mimicking the body language of your audience. This can help build rapport and make your listeners feel more connected to you. However, be mindful not to overdo it, as it should be done subtly and naturally.

By paying attention to your posture, you can present yourself as a confident and authoritative speaker, which will captivate your audience and command their attention.

The Impact of Gestures: Enhancing Communication and Body Language

Gestures are another essential component of body language that can greatly enhance your communication and engagement with the audience. Here are some ways you can effectively utilize gestures in your public speaking:

1. Use Open Palm Gestures: Open palm gestures are seen as more welcoming and trustworthy. Instead of pointing or making closed-fist gestures, opt for open palms to convey openness and inclusion.

2. Emphasize with Purpose: Use gestures to emphasize key points in your speech. For example, you can use your hands to illustrate the size of something or create visual imagery that complements your words. Just be sure that your gestures are intentional and aligned with your message.

3. Be Mindful of Nervous Habits: Nervous habits like fidgeting, tapping your foot, or playing with your hair can be distracting to your audience and undermine your credibility. Be aware of these habits and work on minimizing or eliminating them through practice and self-awareness.

Incorporating purposeful and mindful gestures into your public speaking can not only make your delivery more engaging but also help to reinforce your message and capture your audience’s attention. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to identify areas for improvement and ensure your gestures are in alignment with your message.

The Role of Facial Expressions: Conveying Emotion and Authenticity

Facial expressions are a critical component of body language in public speaking, as they can convey emotion, enhance your authenticity, and capture the attention of your audience. Here are some tips for utilizing facial expressions effectively:

1. Smile: A genuine smile can instantly create a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Smiling also helps to establish rapport and make your audience feel more at ease.

2. Show Passion: Let your face reflect your passion and enthusiasm for your topic. Use your eyebrows, eyes, and mouth to demonstrate interest, excitement, or concern, depending on the nature of your speech.

3. Be Authentic: Allow your facial expressions to be natural and in line with how you genuinely feel. Authenticity is key to building trust and connecting with your audience on a deeper level.

Remember that facial expressions can be contagious, so by showing genuine emotion, you can create an emotional connection with your listeners and make your message more impactful.

The Impact of Vocal Delivery: Tone, Pitch, and Pauses

While body language primarily refers to non-verbal communication, vocal delivery is an integral part of public speaking and greatly influences how your message is received by the audience. Here are some key aspects of vocal delivery to consider:

1. Tone: Pay attention to the tone of your voice. Varying your tone can help convey different emotions and add depth to your message. Speak with warmth, authority, or urgency, depending on what is appropriate for your topic.

2. Pitch: Explore the range of your voice and utilize both high and low pitches to add variety and captivate your audience’s attention. However, be mindful of an excessively high or low pitch, as it can come across as unnatural or annoying.

3. Pauses: Effective use of pauses can create emphasis, allow your audience to process information, and build anticipation. Use strategic pauses before or after important points to make them stand out and give your listeners time to absorb the information.

By paying attention to your vocal delivery, you can amplify the impact of your message and keep your audience engaged throughout your speech.

The Role of Proxemics: Using Space to Connect with Your Audience

Proxemics refers to the study of how people use space to communicate and interact with one another. By understanding the principles of proxemics, you can use space effectively to connect with your audience and enhance your public speaking. Here are a few ways you can leverage proxemics:

1. Stand at the Edge: Rather than staying glued to the center of the stage, try standing at the edge closest to the audience. This will create a sense of intimacy and allow you to establish a stronger connection.

2. Move Purposefully: Use purposeful movement to engage your audience and create a dynamic atmosphere. Walking towards an individual or a specific area can draw attention and emphasize key points.

3. Respect Personal Space: Be mindful of personal space and audience comfort. If you move too close to someone, it may make them feel uncomfortable. Give individuals room to breathe and maintain a respectful distance.

By using space intentionally and respectfully, you can create a more immersive and engaging experience for your audience, amplifying the impact of your public speaking.

Finding Your Authentic Self: Balancing Body Language and Personal Style

When it comes to body language in public speaking, it’s crucial to strike a balance between following best practices and staying true to your authentic self. While incorporating effective body language techniques can enhance your communication, it’s essential to adapt them to your personal style and comfort level. Ultimately, your body language should align with your personality and the message you want to convey. Experiment, practice, and find what works best for you. Embrace your unique style while leveraging the power of body language to become a more confident, influential, and impactful speaker.

Remember, mastering body language in public speaking takes time and practice. Start by implementing one or two techniques at a time and gradually incorporate more as you become comfortable. By investing in your non-verbal communication skills, you can elevate your public speaking to new heights, connect with your audience on a deeper level, and leave a lasting impression. So, take the stage, own your body language, and let your words speak through your actions.

The Importance of Body Language in Public Speaking

• Body language can greatly enhance your public speaking skills and help you connect with your audience.
• Using open and confident gestures can convey authority and credibility.
• Eye contact shows engagement and builds trust with your audience.
• Good posture makes you appear more confident and professional.
• Using facial expressions effectively can help convey emotions and enhance your message.

Frequently Asked Questions

In public speaking, body language plays a crucial role in effectively conveying your message and connecting with your audience. It helps you establish credibility, engage your listeners, and enhance the overall impact of your speech. Here are some key questions and answers about the importance of body language in public speaking.

1. How does body language impact public speaking?

Body language is a powerful form of nonverbal communication that can greatly influence how your message is perceived by the audience. It includes your facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact. By using appropriate body language, you can convey confidence, enthusiasm, and sincerity, which are key elements in engaging and persuading your audience. Poor body language, on the other hand, can make you appear nervous, untrustworthy, or disinterested, leading to a diminished impact on your listeners.

Moreover, body language can help enhance your verbal message by emphasizing key points, adding visual interest, and reinforcing the emotions you want to convey. It can also help establish a connection with your audience, making them more receptive to your ideas and boosting their engagement throughout your speech.

2. How can eye contact improve public speaking?

Eye contact is a fundamental aspect of effective public speaking. When you maintain eye contact with your audience, it shows that you are present and focused on them. It creates a sense of connection and trust, making your listeners feel valued and involved in the conversation. Eye contact also helps you gauge the audience’s reaction, allowing you to adjust your delivery accordingly and maintain their attention.

Furthermore, eye contact helps establish rapport with the audience. When you look directly at individuals in the crowd, it gives the impression that you are speaking to each person individually, fostering a stronger connection and engagement. By making intentional eye contact, you can effectively establish your credibility, build trust, and have a more impactful presentation.

3. What role does posture play in public speaking?

Your posture during a public speaking engagement can greatly influence how your audience perceives you. When you stand tall with an open posture, it conveys confidence, authority, and approachability. This can instantly captivate your listeners and make them more receptive to your message. Conversely, slouching or maintaining a closed-off posture can make you appear insecure, unprofessional, or disinterested, diminishing your credibility and the impact of your speech.

In addition to the impression it creates, posture also affects your own state of mind during public speaking. Standing up straight and maintaining a confident posture can help boost your own confidence and reduce nervousness. Proper posture enables better breathing and vocal projection, allowing you to deliver your message with clarity and conviction.

4. How important are facial expressions in public speaking?

Facial expressions are a vital component of body language that can significantly contribute to the effectiveness of your public speaking. Your face is capable of conveying a wide range of emotions, and leveraging this tool can help you engage your audience on a deeper level. Expressions such as smiles, raised eyebrows, or frowns can immediately communicate enthusiasm, empathy, concern, or seriousness, depending on the context of your speech.

Using appropriate and authentic facial expressions can help you establish a rapport with your audience and convey your message with greater impact. When your facial expressions align with the emotions and content of your speech, it enhances your credibility, and helps your listeners connect with your message on an emotional level. It also helps keep your audience engaged and attentive throughout your presentation.

5. What gestures are effective in public speaking?

Gestures are physical movements of the arms, hands, and body that can add emphasis and visual interest to your public speaking. They can help illustrate your points, demonstrate concepts, and make your message more memorable. Effective gestures are intentional, purposeful, and aligned with the content and emotions you want to convey.

Some commonly used gestures in public speaking include open palms to convey sincerity and openness, pointing to emphasize specific details, and using hand movements to illustrate size, shape, or direction. However, it’s important to use gestures sparingly, ensuring they enhance your message rather than distract from it. Avoid overly repetitive or exaggerated gestures, as they can come across as artificial or distracting to your audience.

So, what did we learn about body language in public speaking? First, our body language says a lot about us, even when we’re not speaking. Second, our gestures, posture, and facial expressions can help us communicate effectively.

Remember, standing tall and making eye contact can boost your confidence and connect you with your audience. Lastly, don’t forget the power of a smile and using your hands to emphasize important points. So, next time you’re up in front of a crowd, pay attention to your body language and make a lasting impression!

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Body Language in Presentations

The words you use during your talk certainly matter, but the body language presentation cues that you project are as important – if not more so – in getting your message to land as you intended.

The gestures you use, the eye contact you make, the expressions you convey, and your very movement through a room offer a multitude of nonverbal signals to your audience.

It’s through these body language presentation cues that an audience will make assessments about your credibility, your expertise, and your passion for the subject, as well as whether you are qualified to seek followers for the cause you are advocating, to suggest the changes you are recommending, or to pitch the product you are selling.

Even something as seemingly small as the number of seconds you maintain eye contact with your audience or the decisions you make about what to do with your hands when presenting can make a difference. It boils down to the impression your words and your actions are making. And as researchers have discovered, first impressions are formed in mere seconds and are often quite accurate and long-lasting. In a well-known study led by the late Nalina Ambady, a professor of psychology at Boston’s Tufts University, students who watched two-second video clips (with the sound muted!) of a group of professors formed similar impressions to the ones drawn by students during a full semester.

So how do you exhibit the right body language for presentation success?

Effectively using body language in presentations takes skill and practice. But before we get into the tips and strategies for how to achieve the right look and tone, let’s look at the basics of body language in professional presentations, as well as why it is important to be aware of your body language while giving a presentation.

What is the Importance of Body Language in a Presentation?

The proper body language in a presentation helps to convey that you have confidence in yourself and your message. A speaker who knows the importance of body language in an oral presentation can instill trust in the audience, which, among other things, helps to forge a connection. Further, a presenter who knows how to effectively employ body language presentation skills can help to emphasize the ideas that matter most.

If you are genuinely passionate about your subject, show it. A lackluster delivery not only belies your enthusiasm, but also does nothing to enhance the meaning and effectiveness of your words. What should your audience believe? The words you use to share how excited you are to be there, or the flat tone with which you delivered them? Typically, they’ll assume your monotone delivery is more indicative of your true feelings than your words.

Great physical communicators learn how to successfully align their facial expressions, gestures, movements, posture, and other nonverbal elements with their message.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Presentation Body Language Basics

If you were delivering sad news, would you do it with a smile, a bright voice, and a bounce in your step? Or would you deliver it with a serious expression, a somber tone, and less pep? Any incongruity between your actions and your message is going to make it difficult for your audience to process, understand, and retain your message. You want your audience to be concentrated on your message and not the misalignment between your nonverbal movements and verbal delivery.

Your physical presence reveals your mental and emotional state to your audience – and everything about that presence should project that you feel comfortable, are in control of the room, and know your stuff. When it comes down to how to use body language to improve your presentation, it’s a matter of focusing on several key areas of your physical movements, including your eye contact, your gestures during presentation , and your presentation posture. (You can learn more about vocal cues here .)

When we work with our clients during our public speaking training sessions , we focus on how even small adjustments can make a difference in their delivery – such as a subtle shift of the shoulders, a more open stance, increased eye contact with their audience, and more natural and authentic gestures.

All these adjustments in your body language in a presentation can help to encourage audience participation, provide greater emphasis to your words, help you to appear and feel more natural, and increase your connection with the audience.

Eye Contact in Presentations: Why It’s Important

Given there is a large body of research  that reveals just how influential eye contact is when it comes to the assumptions, judgments, and perceptions people make about one another, it’s important to give more than, shall we say, a passing glance to how you plan to move your eyes about the room.

Authors, researchers, seasoned speakers, consultants, and trainers vary slightly on the exact amount of time to maintain eye contact with someone in your audience. It appears that a few seconds is the going rate. Or, to translate that into words – a sentence or two. We tend to approach it differently. We’ve found most speakers naturally strike a reasonable balance of how long to maintain eye contact with one person before moving on. If they focus too much brainpower on counting the seconds or tracking their sentences, it can trip them up.

So, instead, here’s a simple rule:

When looking at your notes, your slides, or any other place than your audience, you should not be talking. Any time you are communicating information, you should be looking at an audience member.

And you don’t want to be looking at just one person all the time. It’s important to have effective eye contact in your presentation skills toolbox. In this post , we dive more deeply into effective ways to lock eyes with multiple members of your audience, depending on the type of presentation and venue.

How to Use Facial Expressions in a Presentation

Animated and dynamic speakers know they have a fuller palette of expression to help tell their story when they enlist the more than 40 muscles in their face to move their eyes, nose, brows, and mouth. It is through facial expression that we convey emotions, including seven universal emotions identified by psychologist Paul Ekman through his decades of work. Researchers have found that your audience is likely to make assumptions about you, such as how intelligent, trustworthy, or confident you are, based on your expressions.

Here are some tips on how to better communicate through facial expressions:

Smile. Unless the material requires a more serious expression, smiling while presenting tends to convey warmth and competence, which can help you to connect with your audience. Be expressive. This is not a license to be a mime, but rather, to use your expressions to relay your enthusiasm, your excitement, and to reinforce and support your key points and ideas. Just as presenters are encouraged to expand their vocal range to avoid a monotone presentation, so too is it important to avoid a static expression throughout your entire talk. Observe your audience. Do they look confused? Disinterested? Just as your audience picks up cues through your facial expressions, you too may be able to make perceptions about your audience. (Just be mindful that not every neutral expression indicates boredom or disinterest.) Hone your talent. As with any language, using and practicing it leads to mastery. Nonverbal language is no different. As you practice and rehearse your talk, think about what your facial expressions are conveying and if they are effective. Do they align with your words? Do you appear natural and authentic? Do they support and reinforce your key ideas?

Correct Body Posture During a Presentation

It’s hard to think of a single situation where slouching would be advised – and a presentation is no exception. The correct presentation posture if you are standing is to …

• Square your shoulders with the audience
• Relax your stance. You are not standing at attention!
• Face them directly instead of tilting your body away from them. (The exception to this rule is when you are soliciting feedback from your audience. In that case, turning your body at a slight angle can encourage engagement.)

The correct presentation posture if you are sitting is to …

• Lean forward slightly
• Plant your feet firmly on the floor (avoid crossing your legs)
• Avoid slouching into the chair

Beyond the confidence this posture projects to your audience, researchers have found when you throw those shoulders back or sit upright in your chair, that feeds into your self-confidence , too.

How to Improve Body Language for Presentations

The best way to project body language in a presentation is to be natural. And while it may sound counterintuitive, one of the ways you can appear and feel more natural in your movements is to practice them. This is why it’s important to save some time for rehearsals or practice runs.

Some of the best ways to test your material and your delivery are to record yourself, offer a practice run to an audience of colleagues or friends, and recreate the run-through so that it is as close to the live event as possible.

And, please, this is not the time for harsh criticism. Use this opportunity to see where you did well, such as projecting a confident smile, standing tall, and maintaining meaningful eye contact. Also, look for the areas where you can improve. Did you employ effective body language with your PowerPoint presentation slides? (Here’s are some specific ways to improve your PowerPoint presentation through body language and gestures.)

If you were on a panel, did it appear as if you were slouching? Did you appear nervous or ill at ease? (Here are some ways to counter your fear of public speaking . ) Use this time to hone your skills. Every presentation – whether practice or “live” – is a chance to improve.

Success occurs with preparation, and growth occurs with practice, whether you are a novice or seasoned pro. Here are some specific ways to make the most out of that preparation.

Practice in Front of a Mirror

Record Yourself

There are several reasons that video recording a practice run-through – either with a camera or smartphone – will help your presentation run a whole lot smoother. In addition to tracking such things as your timing, your pace, and the overall flow of your presentation (For example, do you vary the time for each main point? Do you have a mix of message supports, including statistics, stories, and slides?), you also can analyze your body language. Here are some of the things you want to look and listen for:

• The pace, pitch, and tone of your voice and how effective those elements were in conveying your main points.
• How well you maintained eye contact with your “audience.”
• Your gestures and whether they add emphasis to your talk and reinforce key ideas.
• Any mannerisms that are creating distractions, such as pacing in a predictable pattern, fidgeting with your tie or jewelry, or constantly brushing your hair back.

Watch the tape, identify the two or three things you want to improve upon, and do another practice run. If you improve, add another element, and then do another practice run if you have the time.

Learn how to control your body language during a presentation!

Work with our experienced Throughline Group trainers to identify and use effective body language, including energy, gestures, and posture. Sign up today!

Rehearse in Front of Team Members

While a video recording can be an effective way to assess your presentation skills, rehearsing in front of an audience of colleagues is key to getting a feel for the “real” thing. It gives you a chance to assess the nonverbal communication of your audience in real-time, and make the body language presentation fixes that will help you to increase your chances that you are connecting with your audience and helping your messages stick. You can make these sessions more effective in several ways. They include:

Treating your practice like the real thing. Avoid caveats or skimming through sections ( “When I really give my talk, I’ll tell a funny story here.” ) Asking for honest reactions. Your team may be rooting for you, but they need to react honestly if your words are falling flat, your energy is low, or you are spending too much time looking and reading from your notes. Embracing slip-ups, technical difficulties, and distractions. You may be tempted to start over, but plow through any hiccups so you gain the confidence and experience in dealing with difficulties before your talk goes “live.”

  ( Here are 20 questions you can ask your practice audience. )

Additional Presentation Body Language Tips

Your facial expressions, your posture, and your eye contact are all important elements in your nonverbal delivery. But you have other body language presentation cues that you also can use to make your presentation more effective. Remember, your hands can do some “talking” and your feet can do some walking in the service of your speech.

Hand gestures during a presentation can be used to do many things, including:

• Adding emphasis to a word or point
• Pointing something out on a slide or other visual support
• Reinforcing a concept

In practice, this means you might hold your fingers up for each point you want to make ( “No. 1 is this …” ). Or, with an outstretched hand – palm open – you direct your audience’s attention to a point of data on your chart. Finally, if you are comparing two recommendations perhaps you pantomime a scale with your hands, indicating that one side should win out over the other.

As for movement, unless you must stay tethered to the lectern, make the most of your space. Movement is one way to keep your audience alert and its attention on you. This leads to a more dynamic presentation and better connection with the audience.

When done with intention and confidence, your gestures and your movement – really,  your overall body language in  a presentation – will help to solidify your credibility, reveal your control of your material and the room, and help you to emphasize your key points.

Here are some specific tips on how to incorporate these additional body language presentation techniques into your talk.

What To Do With Your Hands During a Presentation

You may have been told it’s best not to gesture when speaking, but in our work with clients we have found that speakers become less anxious, appear more natural, and remember and retrieve their words far more effectively when they gesture during their presentations.

And the research   backs that up. Gesturing not only adds emphasis and verve to your words but also can help you to better remember what you want to say.

However, there is a difference between gesturing and fidgeting. For instance, when you hold out your hand with the palm facing up when calling on someone during your Q&A, it is an effective and open gesture. It encourages engagement and connection. But, if you are hands are in constant motion, such as clasping and unclasping your fingers, twirling the ring on your finger, picking at your nails, or touching your face or hair, then your gestures can become a distraction.

When gesturing, remember to:

Be authentic.  Start with what comes naturally and work from there. Forced movement will be seen for what it is – forced. Be purposeful. Trade fast, undisciplined hand movements during the presentation for gestures with intent. Be open.  Avoid gestures such as pointing at your audience, gesturing toward them with your palm down, or crossing your arms – all of which can have a negative connotation or make you appear “closed” off and inaccessible. Be aware of cultural differences. Although certain presentation hand gestures and expressions fall under a universal language, gestures do not necessarily mean the same thing in every culture. For instance, your OK sign may mean just that, but to a person from another country, it might just be highly offensive. (Here’s a look at some of the more common nonverbal faux pas.)

What if My Hands Won’t Stop Shaking?

Anxiety has a way of hijacking whatever veneer of calm you, as a speaker, may have managed to induce before your talk. One of the ways your nervousness manifests itself is through your trembling hands. You may notice the shakiness as you organize your notes or take a sip of water. Most of the time, what you see as full-on earthquakes more typically come across as small-time tremors – if they are noticed at all by your audience. For most people, once the initial jitters ease, those tiny tremors fade. However, if that trembling never eases and you are wondering how to stop shaking hands during a presentation, it’s best to think beyond the symptoms and get to the core of the issue – anxiety. To do that, you must identify the cause of your fear – here are eight causes of public speaking fear – before you can find the techniques that will help you to reduce and manage it .

Photo by Martin Adams on Unsplash

Moving Around During a Presentation: Is That OK?

Movement is one way to keep your audience alert and its attention on you. Make the most of your space and your body language presentation skills so that you can create a more dynamic presentation and a better connection with your audience. What you don’t want to do is pace or create a predictable pattern in how you move around the room. That said, there are several ways you can utilize your space more effectively while walking during your presentation.

Here are several:

Use your movement to emphasize your points . You can begin on one side of the room and share your first, before moving to the other side for Point No. 2. Make your way to the center for your last point. Approach your audience. When answering questions or seeking participation, walk toward your audience. Avoid swaying. If you are standing still, try to avoid rocking from side to side. You can counter this by placing one foot about two to three inches in front of the other.

How You Dress is Important, Too

Here are a few tips:

Choose the outfit that best supports your message, which means knowing the tone you want to set about your topic and who you are. Purchase an iron or get your clothes pressed. You can certainly present in casual clothes, but wrinkles are a no-go in nearly any situation. Consider your accessories carefully. Ostentatious jewelry or lapel pins will probably attract more attention than you want them to. They also could interfere with your microphone. Be wary of fabrics that rustle or shoes that make noises when you move. Not only will that distract you, but your audience will notice it, too.

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10 Ways to Unleash the Power of Effective Body Language in Public Speaking

To deliver a terrific presentation, professional speakers must possess confidence in their public speaking abilities, subject matter, and control over their body language. Effective use of body language in public speaking is crucial for speakers to engage their audience and leave a lasting impact. This article explores the significance of body language as a vital component of public speaking and highlights ten practical ways to enhance your skills in this area.

What is Body Language?

Body language refers to the nonverbal means of communication that public speakers employ to convey their thoughts, emotions, and intentions. Public speaking requires verbal prowess and communicating messages effectively through nonverbal cues.

Through gestures, postures, facial expressions, and other physical movements, speakers can communicate information about themselves to their audience. These actions can either be conscious or subconscious, influencing the audience’s opinion about the speaker and his presentation.

Effective use of body language involves being mindful of one’s gestures, postures, and facial expressions and using them purposefully to convey confidence, enthusiasm, and authenticity. In short, a speaker who can skillfully use body language as a tool can significantly enhance their delivery and ensure that their message resonates with their audience.

The following article will help you to improve your body language during public speaking.

10 Rules for Improving Your Body Language in Public Speaking

The use of body language can make or break a presentation, as it can convey both positive and negative signals to the audience. Therefore, speakers must hone their body language skills to engage and captivate their audience. By implementing the below-mentioned tips, speakers can improve their body language and enhance their public speaking abilities.

1. Have a Correct Posture

Good posture makes you look confident and in control. When you stand up straight with your shoulders back, you appear more self-assured and authoritative, which can help you convey your message effectively. It enables you to look and sound confident, reduces physical strain, and enhances your ability to communicate your message clearly and emphatically.

So, to make a lasting impression on your audience, maintain a calm but attentive posture while performing. Powerful poses convey confidence and authority and enhance one’s overall appearance. 

Here are a few public speaking tips to have an upright body posture while speaking:

• Try to place your feet shoulder-width apart. While speaking, tilt your body towards the audience so they feel included. 
• Your hands should remain by your sides. So that you can make hand gestures freely wherever required.
• Keep your posture open and straight.

Pro Tip: Power posing is essential for projecting confidence, maintaining good health, and making a good impression on your audience.

2. Keep Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact can help you build a connection with your audience and make them feel more appreciated. This will nudge them to respect and listen to you because you make them feel important. 

Eye contact is a powerful tool for delivering an impressive and effective presentation. It is essential for creating a connection, projecting confidence, keeping them engaged, and allowing them to give feedback. 

While looking at everyone in the audience may be challenging, you can scan the seated people as part of audience engagement. 

Pro Tip: Using a zigzag pattern is one effective technique for maintaining eye contact while addressing a large audience. It involves starting from the left side of the back row and gradually moving your gaze to the right while including the center and front rows in your sequence. By repeating this pattern, you can make eye contact with a more significant portion of the audience and ensure that everyone feels engaged and included in your presentation.

Remember to hold eye contact for a few seconds before moving on to the next person, and vary your pace and tone of voice to keep your audience’s attention throughout your presentation.

3. Use Hand Gestures

Utilizing hand gestures is an effective way to enhance your presentation skills. It will make your message more engaging and memorable. 

Check out some of the tips on how to use hand gestures effectively:

• Keep your hands visible and above your waist to ensure your audience can see your gestures.
• Coordinate your hand gestures with your speech to emphasize key points. For example, when you say miniature or dwarf, you can use your fingers to denote it. 
• While conveying different emotions, use your hand movements to emphasize your points . 
• Your hand gestures should be natural and flow with your speech . Avoid deliberately using them in a way that feels uncomfortable.

Pro Tip : Excessive use of hand gestures can be counterproductive, as it may distract the audience or come across as unnecessary. Instead of adding to the impact of your message, using too many hand gestures can have the opposite effect and undermine the effectiveness of your delivery. 

Therefore, it is important to use hand gestures strategically, focusing on those that enhance the meaning and importance of your words. By using hand gestures, you can make a more effective and engaging presentation that holds your audience’s attention and effectively conveys your message.

4. Have a Clear Speech

Clear speech is crucial because it allows the speaker to communicate his message to the audience effectively. Stammering and mumbling are signs of nervousness and lack of confidence. 

Let’s check out the importance of clear speech:

• When the speaker enunciates each word clearly and articulately, the audience can easily follow along and grasp the content of the public speech.
• By speaking clearly and with conviction, the speaker can hold the audience’s attention and keep them engaged throughout the speech.
• The clear speech demonstrates that they know the subject and have taken the time to prepare for the address.
• A clear speech can build the speaker’s credibility. The audience will be likely to view the speaker as credible and trustworthy.

Pro Tip: Confident and professional delivery of your message is critical to attracting an audience and establishing a positive reputation. You can capture your listeners’ attention and leave a lasting impression by projecting confidence and professionalism while speaking. 

It helps you gain credibility and respect as a speaker and makes your message more likely to be well-received and remembered. Therefore, developing strong communication skills and practicing effective delivery techniques is essential to ensure you can convey your message with confidence and professionalism.

5. Voice Modulation, Pausing, and Pacing

Mastery of voice modulation is a valuable skill that can help highlight important points and make your speech more engaging. Along with modulation, the strategic use of pauses can also be a powerful tool in public speaking. By incorporating breaks at strategic points, you can create a sense of anticipation and allow your audience to absorb your message.

Additionally, varying the pace of your speech can also be an effective technique for creating a dynamic and exciting speech.

 By slowing down to emphasize a point or speeding up to convey urgency or excitement, you can keep your audience engaged and create a sense of momentum that drives your message forward. In summary, incorporating these techniques into your public speaking can help you become a more effective and engaging communicator.

Few speakers also enroll themselves in speaking classes or public speaking courses. Executive speech coaching online class is also one of the options for upgrading your skills to perform in your next presentation. 

Pro Tip: Listen to popular speakers on Ted Talks. Please note their voice modulation, pacing, and pausing techniques. By varying your tone and using these techniques, you can create a more engaging and dynamic speech that effectively conveys your message and captures the audience’s attention.

6. Steady Your Nerves

One of the most effective body language tips for public speaking is to steady your nerves by maintaining relaxed breathing. Doing so lets you keep your nerves in check and project a powerful, confident voice throughout your presentation. 

Proper breathing techniques also allow you to pause or stop speaking when necessary and help you modulate your voice and pitch to convey your message effectively. It can be helpful to take a few deep breaths before speaking and focus on the present moment to calm your nerves and stay centered. 

Pro Tip: Slow breathing and tactical pauses in the speech will help calm your nerves.

7. Physical Delivery

While speaking in public, your voice and whole body convey your emotions, thought process, and message. Physical delivery is like expressing an inner situation that can be felt and seen from the outside through your body language. 

Here are some tips for practical physical delivery in public speaking:

• Have control over unnecessary body movements.
• Use facial expressions to convey your emotions and enthusiasm. Avoid looking bored or disinterested.
• Be relaxed, but at the same time, be alert. The upright posture on stage will convey the right impression to your audience.
• Hold your head up and keep your shoulders stretched. It will help you look confident and authoritative.

Pro Tip: Practice before a mirror or in the presence of a friend to become more comfortable and confident. The speaker’s body language should be natural and authentic.

8. Be Empathetic

Empathy can profoundly impact your body language during public speaking. It is a sure-shot tip to improve your body language during public speaking. It allows you to bond with your audience meaningfully, adjust your body language to better reflect your message, and ultimately deliver a more impactful and effective presentation.

Empathy allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level and understand their needs, concerns, and perspectives. It also allows you to tailor your body language to better reflect their needs and interests and convey your message more compellingly and engagingly.

Adopting an empathetic mindset can also help you develop greater self-awareness and a more nuanced understanding of your body language. It can help you identify any unconscious behaviors or habits that may detract from your message, enabling you to adjust your body language to reflect your intentions better and connect with your audience.

Pro Tip: Empathy is about understanding and connecting with your audience, not necessarily agreeing with them. Incorporating empathy into your public speaking can create a more engaging and impactful presentation.

9. Use Facial Expressions

Your facial expression can be considered a screen that displays your emotions and helps you connect with your audience. When you speak in public, your face is one of the most essential tools for communicating your message and engaging your listeners. Effective facial expressions convey many emotions and create a powerful connection with your audience.

For example, a smile can convey warmth and friendliness, while a furrowed brow can indicate concern or seriousness. Eye contact can also be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and expressing emotions such as sincerity, confidence, or enthusiasm.

Avoid using your facial expressions deliberately and strategically. They may break the connection with your audience. By remembering these tiny tips, you can enhance your public speaking skills and become a more effective communicator.

Check out some valuable tips for facial expressions in public speaking:

• Use Eyebrows : Use your eyebrows to express surprise, concern, or skepticism. 
• A Big No for Blank Faces: A blank expression will make you appear dull, detached, and dispassionate. 
• Nod Your Head : Nod your head to show agreement with your audience. 
• Raise Your Eyebrows : To express shock or confusion.
• Frown : To depict concern, anger, or displeasure
• Smile : While sharing a happy story or communicating with the audience. 

Pro Tip: Sync your expressive face with the tone and content of your speech. Your facial expressions should be natural and authentic. Do not wear a poker face for your excellent presentation. 

10. Dress Appropriately

Establishing a positive first impression is crucial when delivering a public speech, and one way to achieve this is by dressing appropriately for your audience and the occasion. Your clothing can help you create a sense of credibility and professionalism while also allowing your audience to connect with the purpose and tone of your speech.

It’s important to select clothing appropriate for the setting and audience. For example, if you deliver a speech to a corporate audience, wearing business attire such as a suit or dress may be relevant. Alternatively, if you are providing a speech to a more casual audience, you may opt for more relaxed attire that reflects the event’s tone.

Ultimately, the key is to select clothing that aligns with the purpose and goals of your speech while also allowing you to establish credibility and connect with your audience. By dressing appropriately, you can create a positive first impression and set the tone for a successful and engaging presentation.

Have a look at a few tips to remember while dressing appropriately for public speaking:

• For a corporate event, wear a formal dress or suit. 
• Dress in a comfortable way that allows you to move freely. 
• Do not pick too tight, too loose, or restrict movement. Go with which fits you best. 
• Do not wear flashy, revealing, or distracting clothes. Your purpose is to convey a message, not to become an object. 
• Ensure to iron your clothes, polish your shoes, and groom your hair and nails. 

Pro Tip: Click here for a Comprehensive Guide On What To Wear To A Conference For Men & Women .

Why are Verbal Cues and Nonverbal Signals Important?

Verbal cues are the spoken words and vocal elements, including tone, pitch, and speed, used to communicate a message. 

On the other hand, nonverbal signals include body language, use of objects, posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact. 

The combination of both expresses our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. It also expresses emotions, enhances understanding, builds rapport with the audience, avoids misunderstanding, and navigates social situations. 

Check out the importance of verbal cues and nonverbal cues:

• It can help resolve conflicts and de-escalate tense situations. 
• It can help establish trust and build relationships with the audience.
• It can also emphasize specific points and make them more memorable.
• It can provide clues about a speaker’s feelings and help us interpret their message more accurately.

The human face is an essential tool for communication skills to understand the subtle clues for the underlying motives of great presenters. 

Avoid Common Body Language Mistakes

Our words and body language must synergize with one another. Body language broadly varies from person to person. A few negative body language is specific and needs special supervision or training to work on them. However, speakers tend to commit some common body language mistakes. Let’s have a look and discuss it elaborately:

• Rubbing your palms together : This motion may indicate that you are feeling too cold or may display your nervousness. While delivering a speech, it may create distance between you and your audience. Instead, keep an open stance. 
• Crossing your arms : A crossed arms posture reflects that you are rushing to end a meeting immediately. It also shows that you are aloof, unenthusiastic, or hostile towards the audience. Concurrently, if you find some of your audience members leaning back and crossing their arms, it’s time to wrap up your speech soon. 
• Shrinking your body: Presenters who are submissive and demure are more likely to shrink their bodies. The cocoon stance with lowered heads and hunched shoulders tells your audience you are submissive or lack confidence. It also conveys ineptitude and insecurity, gradually pushing your audience to lose trust in your abilities. You can avoid this by keeping your head and chin up and standing erect. 
• Fidgeting: You may become nervous about performing in front of higher authorities if they are in the audience. If your limbs are shaky, then it undermines your message and reputation. You can overcome this habit by practicing in the presence of close loved ones or front of a mirror.
• Exaggerated gestures : Avoid unnecessarily smiling, touching your face, leaning wrongfully, or itching anywhere while speaking. These gestures will give wrong signals and may decrease your credibility.

Key takeaway

One key takeaway from public speaking is to upgrade your body language. Positive body language is nonverbal behavior conveying much information about the speaker’s confidence, sincerity, and authority. Body language can help a speaker connect with the audience, communicate their message more effectively, and make a lasting impression.

Since most of our movements and body language are done unconsciously, it can be challenging to eliminate long-standing habits. However, it would help if you also learned how to comprehend body language to master the art of public speaking. Thus, consistent practice is the key to success and the quickest path to having confident body language, just as with any other skill.

To adopt the correct body language, you can start by maintaining a good posture, direct eye contact, and using hand gestures appropriately. It’s also important to be aware of your facial expressions, as they can convey a range of emotions that either enhance or detract from your message. In addition, you can work on your tone of voice and overall delivery to create a more engaging and professional presentation.

Overall, upgrading your body language can help you become a more effective public speaker and increase your ability to connect with your audience.

Meanwhile, if you’re a speaker, we hope you found this helpful article. You can also register yourself on Eventible’s Gazebo Speaker Directory as a speaker. You can fill out this Google form to get started. If you are an organizer, this platform will help you find passionate and experienced people to speak at your next event. 

In conversation with Raf De Kimpe, CEO at Fintech Week London

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Alison Bensch

Senior director of global events, cloudinary, proudest of.

In both cases, we had to figure out how to take what are historically in-person events and translate them into engaging virtual experiences with a team of just two in-house event marketers, counting myself.

ImageCon is our flagship customer summit. In 2021, more than 1,700 people across 107 countries registered for the two-day event, which included 20 virtual sessions designed to help retailers unleash the full potential of their visual media.

Our hosted event series included about 8 virtual events across North America and EMEA markets. To drive up attendance and engagement, we hosted unique virtual cooking and mixology classes, wine tastings, tequila pairings, and more, with celebrity chefs and bartenders such as Marcus Samuelsson, Julio Cabrero, and Amanda Freitag.

Rockstar Mode

ImageCon was a success, in part, because we secured high-quality speakers and focused on providing true value to attendees by creating sessions to optimize their usage of the Cloudinary platform to improve their business. We featured customers in the content by doing customer spotlights. We also improved the production level of the summit by partnering with an agency.

I am proud we were able to pull off a high-quality event of this scale while managing 30 other events for the year.

Prior to the pandemic, our hosted event series consisted of in-person dinners and intimate happy hours. We wanted to recreate these virtually, without making them feel like webinars. We succeeded, in part, because we invested in high-quality talent to attract participants and create fun, memorable moments we probably could not have pulled off in-person.

We also took pains to make the events as easy as possible to attend, for example, by mailing guests meal kits or drink kits with everything they needed to participate. Of course, everything was branded, right down to the salt and pepper. We know our attendees’ time is precious, so we encouraged them to involve their family and were sure to include enough food and/or drink to share.

After the experience, we broke out into small groups, allowing people to network with peers and Cloudinary team members, who led discussions on relevant industry topics. Thus, attendees topped off a great culinary or cocktail experience with valuable learnings that could help their business. In fact, I see us continuing with some of these virtual events even after we have resumed in-person ones.

Our on-demand event content is now a powerful sales enablement tool for our sales team, who share session recordings with prospective customers, as well as existing ones who are considering adding on a new capability. We will continue to measure the performance of this content.

For the hosted events, we evaluate success by measuring pipeline acceleration. So, we consider where event guests are in their consideration process before attending the event. We use the event, and event follow-up, to help move the prospect or customer to the finish line. We usually see prospects who engaged in marketing campaigns were more likely to close, and close faster, than those who did not attend an event.

While this is harder to measure, we know our event series keeps the Cloudinary brand top of mind and deepens our relationship with customers. We document the positive feedback we receive from attendees and sales reps for internal use and marketing purposes.

Survivor Mode

Another challenge was creating an event strategy against a backdrop of so much uncertainty. I have seen industry colleagues invest resources in planning in-person events, only to have to rejigger in the final hour. I made the decision from the onset of the year to plan for virtual events, given our small team and resources. This allowed us to create more effective and engaging virtual events from the start and maximize our budget.

Nothing beats in-person events, and I am excited to be moving forward with these in 2022. But I plan to continue with digital and hybrid events, as well, for a number of reasons. When done right, they can be more memorable than in-person ones, and certainly more convenient. They also allow me to engage people across a wider geographic region (all of Europe for example or across the US), which leads to cost-savings and unique and widened interactions for our attendees.

Annie Yuzzi VP

Global corporate events and experiences, sumo logic, bethany roskin murphy, director of global events, drift, charlene kate ditch, founder, charlene kate events, gabrielle d., global events director, automation anywhere, gerilynn marburger, director, global events, hewlett packard enterprise, hollie ashby, senior manager, cxo and third party events, palo alto networks, lindsey cohen, director- event marketing, snyk, ceo & chief event strategist, liz king events, nicola kastner, vice president, global head of event strategy, sap, rachel russell, field marketing manager, even, samantha calle, associate director, xandr, margaret shaeffer, head of field marketing & events, linearb, traci depuy, head of global events, salesforce, dale rickert, global conference head of greentech festival, matthew lin, head of marketing, beetc, emilie watrob, head of event marketing, zs, katherine leong, director, corporate events, gainsight, sr. director, marketing technology (brand and events), salesforce, karim youssef, creative director, dpw, elizabeth thomas, head of global events, elastic, gerry schneider, vp events at wearedevelopers, director, global events at hewlett packard enterprise, mike kalyan, event and seminar marketing manager, shrm.

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• Presentations
• Public Speaking

Importance of Body Language in Presentations: +How to Use It Effectively

To create a great presentation, you need more than an interesting topic or the perfect PowerPoint template. While those things are important, there is one more element that you need to pay attention to— your body language.

While the presentation template you use is important, effective body language can make all the difference. Learning how to speak body language sometimes increases the chances of a successful presentation.

So, do you know how to stand during a presentation? Or even speak body language as a communication tool? It might feel like magic, but it doesn't have to be a mystery. In this guide, we’ll explain what body language. You'll also learn different types of body language and share body language speech tips that you can use right away.

What Is Body Language?

Body language is the way your body communicates without the use of words. It includes hand gestures, posture, facial expressions, and movements that send messages of their own. Body language can happen consciously and unconsciously.

For example, the way you’re sitting right now paired with your facial expression can tell others a lot about you. Based on your body language, they can tell whether you’re amused or concentrating hard. They can tell whether you’re approachable or if you’re having a bad day.

If you’re in a discussion with someone and verbally agree with them, your body language will likely reveal your thinking. It may either confirm that you indeed agree with what is being said or betray you and tell others you don’t feel the same way.

In other words, your body language reveals the true story behind your words. But you can choose and control your body language with practice.

What Is the Importance of Body Language in Effective Presentations?

Using body language in presentations the right way can help you close more sales or win that pitch. Your body language can help you engage your audience and be confident and relaxed during your presentation. When you make eye contact and maintain a confident posture, your presentation is more likely to connect.

Bad body language can break your presentation. If you aren't aware of it, bad habits like slouching, no eye contact or arms on your hips can stunt your connection to the audience. The bottom line is: don't forget about the importance of body language in presentations.

12 Quick Tips Body Language Tips For Better Public Speaking

Now that we’ve covered what body language is and why it matters while giving a presentation, here are 12 tips that'll show you how to use body language:

Believe it or not, a smile is the most powerful tool you've got in your body language toolbox. A  UC Berkeley study from 2011 found

“that smiling can be as stimulating as receiving up to 16,000 Pounds Sterling in cash.”

What’s more, a smile can instantly change the perception we have about someone, not to mention it leads people to smile back at us.

While it’s true that smiling can be hard when you’re nervous, but keep in mind that a University of Kansas study found that smiling  reduces stress .

So, the next time you're up there giving a presentation, don’t forget to smile every so often. Not only will you seem more approachable to your audience, but you'll relieve that stress you’re feeling as well.

2. Assume a Power Pose

Professional speaker  Amy Cuddy shows that a power pose can help you establish authority. It's a great reminder that body language helps you come across as confident in your content. Check out the pose in action in the video below.

An example of a power pose is standing with your feet a shoulder-width apart, with hands on your hips, and chin lifted up.

3. Move Towards the Audience

As you think of how to stand during a presentation, focus on a positive connection with your audience. As you speak, you’ll likely have one or more key points that you want to emphasize.

As you stand and present, take a step towards your audience when you reach one of these ideas.

Effective body language public speaking tips often share this idea. To be effective, you must connect with your audience. You want each person to feel as though you’re talking directly to them. Take a literal step forward to achieve this goal! 

4. Don’t Slouch

Slouching makes you appear less confident and like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. If you're physically able to stand straight, then be sure to do so the next time you’re giving a presentation.

Stand tall with your shoulders pulled back and your stomach tucked in—you'll appear more confident and get a quick jolt of energy to boot.

5. Make Use of the Space

Another quick tip is to make use of the stage. Instead of standing still, move around the stage. By doing so, you'll send a message to your audience that you’re comfortable in your skin and confident about your topic matter. It'll also help you avoid fidgeting.

Step out from behind the podium and let your audience see you. Move from one spot to another by taking a couple of steps, stopping, and then taking a few more steps.

Be natural as you move about though and avoid pacing. This will achieve the opposite effect and make you look nervous, not to mention you'll run out of breath. 

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Gesture

If you watch other presenters, you’ll notice one thing in common: great presenters use hand gestures as part of their delivery.

Hand gestures will help you stress what's important as well as express feelings and convictions. Your passion for the topic will become more apparent as our gestures are more lively when we're passionate about something.

Watch as speaker Graham Shaw makes effective use of hand gestures and visual aids to explain his ideas.

Hand gestures will show your audience a general sense of enthusiasm for the topic. Don't let them distract but incorporate them to show your engagement.

7. Speak Clearly

It’s not uncommon for nerves to get the better of you during the presentation. This might show up as stutters or mumbles, especially if there are tricky words involved.

Practicing your speech before the presentation is a must! It's a good way to make sure you feel comfortable delivering it and that your audience will be able to understand you.

Another tip that'll help you speak clearly and confidently is to imagine you’re delivering your presentation to your friends.

8. Minimize Nervous Habits

Arms crossed. Feet shuffling. Hands in your pockets. All these are visual tells that you’re nervous. Being nervous is natural! But it can lead to body language that distracts from your presentation. As you practice how to speak body language, work to cut these gestures. 

You’ll find that acting confident makes you more confident. Closing yourself off only enhances your feelings of shyness and worry. Effective body language means opening yourself up to engage with your audience.

9. Maintain Eye Contact

As you give your presentation, be sure to maintain eye contact with your audience and face them. Doing so will make them feel like you’re talking directly to them and will help keep them interested in your presentation.

Avoiding eye contact or turning your back to them will come off as rude and break the connection with the audience.

10. Don’t Forget Facial Expressions

Facial expressions can do wonders for keeping your audience interested and convincing them to believe in your cause. Your presentation isn't the time nor the place to bring on your poker face as you'll come off as a robot.

By letting your passion for your topic shine through with your facial expressions, your audience will be able to connect with you and trust you.

You can practice your facial expressions in front of the mirror while you practice your speech. Or, record yourself with a camera and analyze your facial expressions later on.

11. Learn From Other Presenters

The last tip is to learn from other great presenters. You can study their body language and see how they use facial expressions, movement, and gestures to help them convey their ideas. A good place to start is to check out various TED Talks.

12. Remember to Breathe

While you’re on the stage, it can be all too easy to get caught up in your presentation and start to speak fast. But if you speak too fast, your audience will tune out because it'll be hard to follow you and you’ll run out of breath.

As you'll see in the Duke University commencement speech below, Apple CEO Tim Cook uses effective pauses. It helps him to build a steady, comfortable cadence when speaking.

That’s why it’s important to take a pause and remember to breathe. Breathing properly will also help you with your voice pitch and tone so you don’t sound strained and nervous.

Different Types of Body Language

By following the previous presentation body language tips, you'll deliver more effective presentations. But if you want to use those tips successfully, you need to be aware of different body language types.

1. Eye Contact

We mentioned earlier how important it is to maintain eye contact with your audience. Eye contact helps you establish a personal connection with your audience. Keep in mind that you don’t have to look each person in the eye as this can prove to be difficult with large audiences.

Instead, focus your eye contact on a few people in different parts of the room will help you establish and maintain that contact. If they look at you, hold their gaze for a few seconds but avoid staring as long eye contact can make people feel uncomfortable.

Eye contact can also help you get a feel for how the audience is receiving your presentation. If you catch them yawning or trying to stifle a yawn or if they're looking around, it’s a sign they're losing interest in the presentation. Eye contact can help bring their attention back and re-engage them with the topic.

2. Head Movements

The way you move your head can signal a lot of different things. For example, when you lower your head, you send signals such as being tired or waiting for the right moment to speak.

Looking up at the ceiling or away may signal you’re bored or that you’re hiding something from your audience as you’re avoiding eye contact. Nodding signals agreeing with someone.

With the right head body language , you can engage your audience and convince them to agree with your idea.

3. Facial Expressions

Facial expressions  help us convey our emotions to others or mask them when we feel uncertain about the person we’re talking to. That’s why using facial expressions during a presentation is crucial.

When it comes to facial expressions, keep in mind that anyone can recognize the seven universal emotions described by Dr. Paul Ekman. One of those emotion is fear, and it can certainly pop up as a presenter. It's important to rehearse to help tame that fear.

Practice your speech and practice giving your presentation in front of a familiar audience first. Once you feel confident about your speech and performance, it’s less likely that fear will show up on presentation day.

4. Hand Gestures

According to a study by Vanessa Van Edwards , hand gestures are one of the five key patterns of all successful TED talks. In other words, the more you gesture with your hands, the better the likelihood of your presentation being a stellar success.

Use your hands to communicate different points in your presentation. The most effective way to do this is to use your fingers to count the points you’re explaining.  

5. Body Posture

The way you hold yourself matters. You already know that poor posture such as slouching will give your audience the impression that you’re not confident in your topic or yourself. If your back is tense, they'll sense your tension and wonder what’s causing it.

Remind yourself to relax throughout your presentation and to straighten up if your start to slouch. Not only will this give you the chance to improve your posture, but it'll also allow your audience to take in the points you’ve just covered.

Learn More About Great Presentations

Now that you know more about how to stand during a presentation confidently, you can continue to level up your PowerPoint skills. We've built out a helpful resource, How to Use PowerPoint (Ultimate Tutorial Guide.) This has everything you need to master must-have presentation skills.

Check out these top tutorials from our guide below: 

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You can join and begin downloading in moments. Using expertly-crafted assets helps you give the most effective presentation possible. You’ll save time building your presentation. That gives you more time to practice and build confidence. Plus, you’ll have ready visual aids that will wow any audience.

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Make Use of Your Body Language to Ace Your Presentation

Delivering a great presentation is more than a good topic and strong slide deck. Using effective body language public speaking techniques can really make the difference.

Once you’ve nailed down your topic, make sure you've got a well-designed slide deck. You can save a lot of time by using a professionally designed PowerPoint templates. Choose from one found on Envato Elements or GraphicRiver to speed up your work.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of body language in a professional presentation. Your body language says a lot about you, not to mention it's got the power to help you deliver an engaging presentation. Put your body language to good use with the tips we've shared.  Step into space, maintain eye contact, and speak clearly with confidence.

Editorial Note: This content was originally published on May 1st of 2019. It's been updated by Andrew Childress to include new tips and examples to help teach you how to speak body language.

10 Body Language Tips For Public Speaking

When giving a public speech, it is especially important to be aware of your body language, as it can convey confidence, enthusiasm, and credibility to your audience. In this article, we will explore some body language tips that can help you effectively communicate your message when speaking in public. 

Whether you’re an experienced public speaker or just starting, these tips will help you convey confidence , engagement , and authenticity to your audience. Here are some key body language tips for public speakers.

1. Stand Up Straight

2. keep your body open, 3. use gestures, 4. make eye contact, 5. use facial expressions, 6. vary your tone and pace, 7. use your hands, 8.  use props effectively, 9. vary your body language, 10. relax and be yourself.

Good posture is key for public speaking. Stand straight, feet shoulder-width apart, with weight evenly distributed. This helps you look and feel more confident.

Keep your body open during public speaking. Avoid crossing your arms or legs. Instead, maintain a relaxed posture with your arms at your sides or use natural gestures while speaking. 

Gestures emphasize your words and make your message more engaging. Open, expansive gestures show enthusiasm, while subtle ones convey calmness and professionalism.

Making eye contact with your audience is vital for building a connection and conveying your message effectively. Look at different individuals across the room instead of focusing on just one person.

Facial expressions play a crucial role in body language, conveying emotions and reinforcing messages. Use them to show enthusiasm, sadness, or other appropriate feelings.

Changing your tone and pace keeps your audience engaged and emphasizes key points. Use a slower pace to show importance and a faster one to convey enthusiasm.

Using your hands adds emphasis to your words and keeps your audience engaged. Be mindful not to overuse them, as excessive movement can be distracting.

If you’re using props, use them effectively and keep them organized. Avoid fumbling with them or becoming too reliant on them, as this can distract from your message.

Vary your body language to keep your audience engaged and avoid boredom. Use different gestures , facial expressions, and movements during your presentation to maintain interest.

Finally, try to relax and be yourself when speaking in public. If you’re comfortable and confident, it will come across in your body language and delivery.

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Mastering Power of Body Language in Public Speaking

Body language is key in public speaking. Posture, gestures, and movements can show confidence and engage an audience. This article explores the power of nonverbal communication and how to use it.

When we take the stage, our body language sets the tone. A strong stance and open posture show confidence. Eye contact, hand gestures, and purposeful movements help build rapport with the audience.

Nonverbal cues can also emphasize key points. A pause and lean forward can underscore an idea. Changing speed and rhythm with facial expressions can add emotion to speech.

It’s not just what we say, but how we say it. Enthusiasm, passion, or conviction can be shown even without words. By combining verbal and nonverbal elements, we can leave a lasting impression.

Pro Tip: Mirror the audience’s body language to build trust and create familiarity. This subtle technique connects us to the listeners on a deeper level.

The importance of body language in public speaking

Public speaking is an art. It goes beyond verbal communication. Body language in public speaking is very important. Facial expressions, hand gestures, and posture are all key. They convey confidence, enthusiasm, and authenticity. This makes the audience more engaged.

Body language can help speakers establish credibility and make a deeper connection. Good posture shows confidence. Avoid fidgeting and crossing arms . Eye contact is essential for building trust. Make eye contact with each individual listener . This keeps the audience focused.

Hand gestures can also be used. Purposeful movements emphasize points. This helps to express emotions that words cannot. Facial expressions offer another way to communicate. Smiling creates warmth. Frowning or looking bored can be off-putting.

To use body language well, practice good posture . Rehearse hand gestures. Use visual aids like props or slides. This reinforces the message. Visual cues keep the audience’s attention .

To master body language, practice and be aware. Understand how nonverbal cues work. Use verbal and nonverbal skills to connect with listeners. Communicate in a compelling way that resonates emotionally and intellectually.

Also Read: Find Your Passion: A Path to Self-Discovery and Fulfillment

Key elements of body language in public speaking

Body language plays a huge part in powerful public speaking . Let’s investigate the fundamental elements of body language that contribute to successful speeches!

• Gestures : Movements can make or break a message. Natural and purposeful gestures keep people engaged and help them understand.
• Facial expressions : The face is an amazing tool for communication. Expressing emotions on the face helps create a bond, and builds trust with the audience.
• Posture and stance : How you hold yourself on stage affects how people see you. Good posture and confidence build authority and trust.

Also, making eye contact with the crowd builds a connection and grabs their attention. Varying your voice adds flavor to your speech, keeping people interested. Lastly, props and visuals can boost nonverbal communication, by strengthening key points.

Pro Tip: Copy the body language of influential speakers to master your own stage presence!

Also Read: Techniques for Innovative Thinking: Boost Creative Thinking

The role of nonverbal cues in conveying confidence and credibility

Nonverbal cues are crucial for public speaking. These cues, like body language, facial expressions and gestures , influence the audience’s opinion of the speaker. Good posture and eye contact show confidence and trust. Hand gestures make the message more engaging. Dressing professionally reflects respect and creates a good impression. Speaking with the right tone and volume adds depth to the message. These unique details set the speaker apart from others.

Strategies for improving body language in public speaking

It’s vital to develop body language when public speaking. Here are some tips to better your nonverbal communication:

• Posture : Stand tall, shoulders relaxed and show an open stance to look confident.
• Gestures : Use hand movements to emphasize points, but don’t go overboard.
• Eye contact : Keep eye contact with your audience to make them feel involved.
• Facial expressions : Show enthusiasm, empathy or seriousness through facial expressions.

Moreover, put focus on small details like nodding or mirroring the energy of your listeners. This creates a connection.

Many famous public speakers have used body language well. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s commanding gestures during his renowned “I Have a Dream” speech, caught the attention of millions. His use of nonverbal cues enhanced his message.

To conclude, it’s important to understand body language in public speaking. With practice and knowledge, you can engage your audience and deliver an effective speech.

Also Read: Impact of Physical Fitness: Boost Self-Improvement

Case studies and examples of effective body language in public speaking

Studies have shown that open, confident body language such as good posture and eye contact can make one appear more persuasive. A well-known speaker used hand gestures and facial expressions to draw in their audience. Dynamic body movements can help maintain an audience’s attention and emphasize key points.

Subtle details like proper posture and facial expressions can help create credibility, build rapport, show sincerity, and reinforce the message . For instance, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963 . His confidence, gestures, and passionate tone conveyed a deep commitment to equality and justice.

Overcoming challenges and common mistakes in nonverbal communication

Maintaining eye contact is a common challenge for speakers . They may feel nervous or find it hard to connect with their audience. To master this, practice eye contact and focus on individual members of the crowd.

Poor posture and body language is another mistake. Slouching or fidgeting can reduce credibility and lessen the effect of the message. To fix this, practice proper posture, stand tall, and use gestures to highlight key points.

To combat nervousness, use techniques like deep breathing or visualization. Nervous behaviors such as pacing or avoiding movement completely can stop a speaker from communicating effectively.

Cultures have different interpretations of body language. To prevent misunderstandings, research cultural norms or ask cultural experts.

To improve nonverbal communication:

• Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself for areas needing improvement.
• Seek feedback from trusted people for constructive criticism and tips on body language and delivery.
• Join public speaking clubs or workshops to learn from experienced speakers and get advice on nonverbal communication.

These suggestions work because practice helps individuals become more relaxed and confident. Feedback offers useful information and allows for necessary changes. Interacting with public speaking communities provides chances for growth and gaining from others’ experiences. By working on nonverbal communication skills, people can become better public speakers and make an impact.

Also Read: Top 100 Commonly Used A to Z Phrasal Verbs for English Fluency

Nonverbal communication is a powerful tool in public speaking. It allows speakers to convey messages and connect with their audience deeply. Body language can show confidence and credibility. It can also engage listeners.

We have explored various aspects of nonverbal communication in public speaking. Gestures, facial expressions, and posture can express emotions and enhance the message delivery. By understanding and using these cues, speakers can build rapport and create an impact.

Eye contact is also important. It communicates sincerity and builds trust. It creates a connection between the speaker and listeners, which encourages active participation.

Vocal tone and pace can also be used effectively. By modulating the voice, speakers can emphasize points and keep the audience interested. A well-paced speech helps listeners absorb information and stay engaged. Know More – The Fluent Life

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does body language affect public speaking? A. Body language plays a crucial role in public speaking as it can significantly influence how your message is received by the audience. Positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, using open gestures, and standing tall, can enhance your credibility and make you appear more confident. On the other hand, negative body language, like slouching, crossing your arms, or avoiding eye contact, can create barriers between you and the audience, detracting from your message.

2. What are some effective body language techniques for public speaking? A. There are several body language techniques you can employ to improve your public speaking skills. These include:

• Maintaining good posture and standing tall
• Using appropriate hand gestures to emphasize key points
• Making eye contact with the audience to establish connection and engagement
• Smiling and displaying genuine enthusiasm for your topic
• Using mirroring techniques to establish rapport with your audience
• Moving purposefully and confidently across the stage

3. How can I use facial expressions effectively in public speaking? A. Facial expressions are a powerful tool for conveying emotions and engaging the audience. To use facial expressions effectively in public speaking, make sure to:

• Smile genuinely to appear friendly and approachable
• Match your facial expressions with the tone and content of your speech
• Use your eyebrows, eyes, and mouth to express emotions or emphasize certain points
• Avoid excessive or unnatural facial movements that may distract the audience

4. What are some common body language mistakes to avoid during a speech? A. To deliver a compelling speech, it’s important to be aware of and avoid common body language mistakes. These include:

• Slouching or standing with poor posture
• Fidgeting with your hands or other objects
• Using closed-off gestures like crossed arms or hands in pockets
• Overusing hand gestures, which can become distracting
• Shifting weight excessively or pacing back and forth

5. Can body language help in conveying confidence during public speaking? A. Definitely! Body language is one of the key factors that contribute to conveying confidence during public speaking. By adopting confident body language techniques such as maintaining steady eye contact, using open gestures, and standing tall, you can project an image of confidence and authority. Additionally, being mindful of your posture, smiling, and speaking with a clear and steady voice also contribute to appearing confident in front of an audience.

6. How can I improve my body language in public speaking? A. Improving your body language in public speaking can be achieved through practice and awareness. Consider the following steps:

• Record yourself while practicing a speech and analyze your body language
• Take note of any negative body language habits you may have and consciously work on eliminating them
• Observe and learn from skilled public speakers who have excellent body language
• Attend public speaking workshops or classes that focus on nonverbal communication
• Seek feedback from trusted friends, family, or mentors on your body language and continuously strive for improvement.

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The Power of Body Language

Have something important to say make sure your gestures support your message..

By Dave Zielinski

What’s the difference between a memorable speech and one that is quickly forgotten? Researchers say hand gestures are key.

Speakers should strive to convey confidence and expertise through their stage presence. Nonverbal messaging—body language—is a key part of public speaking and has been a hot topic of research. What is it about a speaker’s gestures and posture that make audiences transition from being indifferent to engaged?

A few experts in particular have studied the effects of body language. Vanessa Van Edwards, David JP Phillips, and Jesse Scinto, DTM, have spent years analyzing the impact of body language on speeches. Van Edwards researches human behavior, communication, and the science of relationships, and delivered a TEDxLondon talk, “You Are Contagious.”   She is the founder of Science of People , an organization based in Portland, Oregon, and author of Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People .

When Van Edwards set out to study the factors separating viral TED Talks from other, less popular TED Talks, she learned that body language and nonverbal behaviors played a key role in how well speakers’ messages resonated with audiences.

Van Edwards agrees with the Toastmasters philosophy that effective use of body language helps speakers gain confidence, increases their influence, and allows them to become better presenters and professionals.

The Surprising Power of Body Language

In Van Edwards’ study of body language , 760 volunteers rated hundreds of hours of TED Talk videos posted on TED.com in 2010 to examine speakers’ body language and nonverbal patterns. Edwards discovered one eye-opening finding that stood out: There was no difference in the ratings of researchers who watched the TED Talks on mute with no text displayed and those who watched the talks with sound. Van Edwards says that discovery suggests that the nonverbal behaviors speakers employ—how they use their bodies to communicate rather than simply what they say—has more impact on audience perception than previously thought.

“We wanted to know if there were any big differences between the most popular TED speakers and the least popular, according to view count,” she says. “The biggest thing we noticed in the study was the correlation of the volume of hand gestures to high speaker ratings.” The lowest-rated TED Talks in her particular study had an average of 124,000 views and speakers used an average of 272 hand gestures during their 18-minute talks, she says. But the top-rated TED Talks had an average of 7.3 million views and used an average of 465 hand gestures.

It wasn’t just the number of hand gestures that separated the best TED Talks from the others, Van Edwards found, but rather the type of gestures speakers selected and how they were used.

“The best speakers used congruent gestures,” she says. “Those were gestures that added meaning or depth to words. If a TED speaker said they had a big idea, they held their hands out wide like carrying a heavy load. If a speaker said they had three ideas, they held up three fingers.”

What is it about a speaker's gestures and posture that make audiences transition from being indifferent to engaged?

Van Edwards has observed many speakers using various nonverbal techniques in her Science of People laboratories. “The biggest mistake people can make is thinking about nonverbals like an interpretive dance,” she says. “While hand gestures are incredibly powerful for comprehension, charisma, and fluency, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.”

Rather than scripting speeches with nonverbal signs and interpreting every point with their hands, Van Edwards’ advice to speakers is “watch a video of yourself speaking to see where you naturally add hand gestures. These are where you can dial it up. If you feel unnatural doing a hand gesture, don’t do it. The audience picks up on that as well.”

Another nonverbal message also stood out as important: smiling. Whether or not a speaker had a funny or more serious topic, she says, “The more smiling, the higher the views.”

This finding helped free her as a speaker. “In the past I thought if I’m speaking about a serious topic, I’d better look serious,” she says. “Now I know we always want something to smile about, and [that] a little bit of laughter helps with retention and learning.”

Body Language and “Thin Slicing”

The term “thin slicing” refers to the tendency to judge others within moments of meeting them or seeing them walk onstage to speak. Van Edwards’ TED Talks research found that nonverbal behaviors have an outsized impact on these first impressions. Viewers decide if they like a TED Talk within the first seven seconds, she says, and that impression has very little to do with the words speakers use.

“As speakers, we often forget that our first impression happens before we even start speaking,” Van Edwards says. “It happens when you are doing your technology check or even when you’re in the audience waiting for the event to start. Don’t forget that your stage presence starts the moment you walk into the room.”

While you’re interacting with the audience before a speech, Van Edwards advises having “visible hands,” making eye contact with people as you walk by, relaxing your shoulders, and keeping your head and chest high.

Importance of Synchronizing Nonverbals and Speech

Other researchers around the world have conducted their own studies on the use of body language and nonverbal patterns in public speaking. David JP Phillips , an international speaker, author, and CEO of a presentation-skills training company in Västerås, Sweden, spent seven years studying 5,000 speakers around the world. From that research, Phillips was able to distill 110 separate skills that help separate great from good speakers. The study is fully detailed in Phillips’ TEDxZagreb Talk , “The 110 Techniques of Communication and Public Speaking.”

While hand and arm gestures are a key part of body language, Phillips says the details of posture—how we stand and move on stage, even tilting our head—not only help the audience to pay attention to your message but also help us feel more confident onstage. He emphasizes using “open” versus “closed” body language. So rather than crossing your arms or placing them in pockets, or taking a step back when speaking, focus on keeping your arms by your side when not using them to gesture, lean slightly forward to make a point, and have your body weight equally centered over both legs. Even how the head is positioned matters: Tilt it slightly forward toward the audience as part of your open body language, and tilt it slightly to one side to show empathy.

The details of posture—how we stand and move onstage, even tilting our head—not only helps the audience to pay attention but also help us feel more confident onstage.

Phillips agrees with Van Edwards that hand gestures should have a specific purpose and match the message. “The best speakers also used a distinct stop to hand movements they made either out to the left or right, rather than a ‘sloppy’ stop,” he says. “That distinct ending of a gesture was associated with higher credibility.”

Phillips also found that many speakers struggled with effectively using facial expressions to support their spoken messages. “It was unusual in the research to see a well-animated face,” he says. “That is problematic because it’s the part of your body an audience tends to look at the most.” Besides the benefits to the audience of a speaker’s warm smile, Phillips points out it delivers benefits to the speaker as well. In an Ideas.TED.com article he says, “As our emotions work from the inside out and the outside in, it means that you can affect your own emotional state in a positive way by smiling on stage.”

Those speakers in his research who mastered the use of body language demonstrated a high level of synchronicity between their gestures, mannerisms, and words. “If your movements aren’t carefully synchronized with what you’re saying, it causes a disturbance for your audience.”

Using Three Types of Gestures Effectively

Jesse Scinto, DTM, a member of Greenspeakers Club in New York, New York, and a professor of strategic communication at Columbia University in New York City, also is an expert in the use of body language in public speaking. Scinto says while it’s common for people to group all hand gestures in one category, in reality three different types of gestures should be used selectively, based on the intent of spoken words.

Scinto, who also is CEO of the company Public Sphere , which conducts presentation skills training, classifies gestures in three different categories: dramatic hand gestures that should be used to act out scenes or actions being described; emphatic gestures to drive home or underscore a point; and orchestrated gestures, the scripted kind often used by television broadcasters to help clarify or highlight messages. “It’s important to make a conscious decision about which of the three gestures you’ll use for specific purposes,” he says.

Scinto recommends being intentional about how you move on stage or in front of an audience. “Some speakers like to walk while they speak, but there is a risk of looking like a caged tiger if it’s not done right,” he says. Instead, he recommends to stand still and plant your feet before delivering a thought or point. “The more settled you look, the more authoritative you usually look,” Scinto says. “If you do need to move, pause your speech, walk to where you’d like to go, and only then start speaking again after you’ve stopped moving.”

Editor’s Note: “Effective Body Language” is a Level 3 elective project available in all 11 paths in the Pathways program .

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How Body Language Matters When Speaking Online

J oe Navarro , a body language expert who has studied nonverbal behavior for more than four decades, says not to overlook the importance of body language in virtual settings where speakers are often stationary and only their upper torsos are projected on screen.

Navarro, co-author of What Every Body is Saying: An Ex FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed-Reading People , says body language becomes even more important during videoconferences where fewer contextual cues are generated by speakers or audiences to help interpret how messages are being delivered or received.

Here are his tips for presenting or leading meetings online:

• Pay attention to how you position your face. “You want to fill no more than one-third of the screen when speaking online,” Navarro says. “Many people place the camera too close to their face. If you watch the best television broadcasters, you’ll see they never fill more than a third of the screen with their face.”
• Adjust your use of hand gestures for the new medium. Use hand gestures in a way that emphasizes your messages but doesn’t distract viewers. “Human beings as a species have a need to see hands,” Navarro says. “But gestures that are too broad won’t be seen on webcam, so ideally they should be made in front of you somewhere between your breastbone and chin, and no wider than your shoulders.” When not using your hands to gesture, place them on a desk or table where they can still be seen.
• Continue to use nonverbal cues to show listening and interest. “You should still nod or tilt your head on camera to acknowledge you’re actively listening and are engaged,” Navarro says.

Finally, lean in slightly to the camera when someone says something compelling, and avoid looking off to the side of the screen to check emails or texts, which signals disinterest.

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by David JP Phillips • November 16, 2021

Public speaking is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences that many of us face in our daily lives (although it’s dropped off the list of Americans’ biggest fears in recent years, replaced by more immediate threats like … sharks ?).

Part of our fear is about what we’re going to say, but the other part is about how we’re going to say it, according to communications expert David JP Phillips (TEDxZagreb Talk: The 110 techniques of communication and public speaking ). Phillips has spent years analyzing 5,000 public speakers to identify what moves work — and which ones don’t — when talking to an audience.

When we think of body language, many of us immediately think about hand and arm gestures. But body language is so much more than that — and it’s also something that we should all get comfortable with. By making small, easy tweaks to how we stand, move or even smile, we can help hold an audience’s attention. While Phillips has an entire 110-step system to public speaking, there’s no way or need to master them before your next presentation. Here, he shares 7 body-language tips that anyone can use.

Lean towards your audience

“Taking a step back indicates that you are threatened and makes your audience feel less relaxed,” says Phillips, who is based in Sweden. “Whenever we are threatened, we tend to close our body language, tense our muscles, and take a step back.” Crossing your arms is another move to avoid — it’s something else that people do when they’re nervous or scared and it puts those watching us on the defensive. So keep your arms open, and lean towards your audience. Make sure your head is inclined too; tilting your head backwards signals to your listeners that you feel superior to them.

Match your gestures to your words

Phillips’ rule of thumb when it comes to hand gestures: Make them functional (they should always have a purpose) and make sure they match your message. “The core of all communication is to make your message as clear as possible,” Phillips notes. If you’re talking about sales figures going up, that’s a good time to use a gentle, rising motion. If you’re setting two rhetorical options out for your audience to consider, place your hands on either side as if you’re weighing items in your palms. Humans are visual creatures, and movement will arouse an audience’s attention. But do not abuse this tendency. “If a person is using non-functional gestures, they can become annoying very quickly,” explains Phillips. “Functional gestures, however, are rarely used too much.”

Give your hands a rest

Most of us struggle mightily with what to do with our hands while talking. Put them in our pockets? (No, says Phillips: Too closed off.) Clasp them behind our back? (Nope: Domineering and overly formal.) Phillips has a whole lexicon of poses not to do with one’s hands, such as the “the prayer” (hands clasped in front) and “the beggar” (hands in front, palms up). And then there’s “the peacock”: hands on hips with elbows flapping loosely at your sides. “You often see this one being used by people who are nervous and who desire to quickly become ‘bigger’ in front of their opponent,” he explains. Phillips’s recommendation: “Leave your hands by your sides when you’re not using them.”

Tilt your head

Some of the ways that humans communicate nonverbally are pretty hardwired in us, says Phillips. One of these nonverbal signals is something you probably do all the time without realizing: When you’re trying to show empathy, you tilt your head to one side. “Good listeners are head tilters,” Phillips says. The same empathy signals work — even when you’re the one doing the talking.

Smile like you mean it

One of the most important things that a public speaker can do is deliver a Duchenne smile — the kind of genuine grin that fills your face and reaches your eyes. People respond more warmly to a Duchenne smile. “It will help make the audience more at ease and relaxed. And if they are at ease and relaxed, you’ll become more that way too and you’ve created a positive spiral, making you deliver your talk better. Also, adds Phillips, “as our emotions work from the inside out and the outside in, it means that you can affect your own emotional state in a positive way by smiling on stage.” No need to fake it — just bring to mind a person, place or animal that you know automatically brings a Duchenne smile to your face.

When you slip up, don’t panic

We’ve all had that moment: We practiced our speech until we could recite it in our sleep, but suddenly we can’t remember what comes next. The best way to recover, according to Phillips, is to act like you’re not panicking. “Avoid reacting on your fear,” he says. “Your body will want to tense up, reverse, hide in a corner, but all that just makes you feel less confident.” Instead, he suggests, “lean forward, open up your posture, breathe deep and slow, talk slowly, pause, and smile a Duchenne smile. All of those in combination will make you feel more comfortable.”

Practice — even when you’re not in front of a crowd

One of Phillips’ favorite mottos when it comes to body language is: “It’s a skill, not a talent.” He believes that anyone can become a great public speaker, even the most awkward and nervous of us. He says that a good first step is to simply become more tuned in to your everyday body language. Learn what gestures you tend to use to get your point across. Once you’ve gotten familiar with your existing body language vocabulary, you can start changing it and expanding it. “My most practical tip is to pick one to three skills and practice them every day until they become part of your natural way of communicating.”

This post was originally published on TED Ideas . It’s part of the “How to Be a Better Human” series, each of which contains a piece of helpful advice from someone in the TED community; browse through all the posts here .

© 2024 TED Conferences, LLC. All rights reserved. Please note that the TED Talks Usage policy does not apply to this content and is not subject to our creative commons license.

Body Language Guide to Public Speaking (The Do’s & Don’ts)

Hrideep barot.

• Body Language & Delivery , Public Speaking

Delivery matters. A speech with good content but poor delivery will fail to impact the amount that that speech deserves.

Which is why body language so important when it comes to public speaking.

While the below pointers are most helpful to someone getting on a stage to host an event or giving a speech, they can be used for various facets of life – be it an interview or a presentation or anyplace where good communication is important.

Because that’s what body language is all about – non-verbal communication.

Here are the Do’s and Don’t for Body Language:

Do’s (Body Language Tips)

Eye contact.

A speech is most powerful when it connects with the audience. Besides a speech’s content, it’s the eye contact of the speaker that can truly help in creating that connection.

Eye contact helps us be more connected with the audience. It makes us look more believable and authoritative. You know that saying of ‘when people don’t look at you directly in the eye, they are probably hiding something’? That’s true.

When you fail to keep eye contact and look down at the stage or away from the audience, it makes them feel like you don’t want to look them straight in the eye because you are not being completely honest, or that you are not too confident about the opinions you are making.

Having said that, holding eye contact (especially as a new speaker) can be daunting (I know it was for me!).

If that’s the case with you as well, you can instead make it seem as if you are looking the audience straight in the eye when in reality you aren’t really making direct eye contact with them. 

If you are addressing a big crowd, for instance, look at the spaces in between the audience instead of looking them straight in the eye.

If it’s a smaller audience (of about 15-25 people), look at the audience members’ forehead or nose.

These things make it seem as if you are looking the audience directly in the eye when in reality you aren’t.

You can start off like this if eye contact seems daunting, but as you move further on, try and truly look the audience in the eye.

With time and a little bit of practice, you will be able to maintain eye contact with each audience member without much effort. 

Related article: Why Eye Contact & Facial Expressions Will Make or Break Your Speech

Purposeful movement

Have you seen those speakers who pace around on stage just way too much while speaking?

This is distracting.

A strong lesson to keep in mind when it comes to body language and stage movement is that whenever you make a movement on stage, it should mean something – it should have a purpose.

Every hand gesture, every time you move from one side of the stage to the other, it should be done because it is (in some way) helping to communicate your message more effectively.

Effective use of hands

Hand gestures are tricky.

When you’re on stage, it might feel awkward to just keep your hands still. Suddenly, you may just forget how to be “normal” with your hands.

Every gesture or hand posture might feel awkward!

While there are many simple things you can do with your hands to use them effectively without feeling awkward, I’ve found that the best way to find hand gestures that suite you and your speech is to simply practice .

Related article: Surprisingly Simple But Effective Processes to Practicing for a Speech

Practicing your speech while keeping hand gestures in mind is the best way to know when to use your hands for which part of the speech. The more you do this, the better your natural hand gestures will become.

Fluid body movement

Speaking on stage is nerve-wracking (for most of us). And so, it naturally makes our nerves tighten up -which in turn makes our bodies tighten up!

This is not good for body language.

To be able to have a fluid, easy-going body language while speaking, you need to loosen up your body.

How to do that? By simply observing .

When I feel the nervousness kick-in before going up on stage, I’ve noticed that when I just observe my body – my shoulders, chest, facial muscles – I realize how tight they are. Once that realization becomes apparent, it becomes a lot easier to tense these muscles down.

This helps me look more relaxed on stage and helps my body flow more naturally, with ease.

Quick tip: Try meditating. If you make it a daily habit, then terrific! If not, try meditating the morning of your speech. It might just help you be a little bit more focused and relaxed.

Good posture

This is a basic one but something that many of us tend to forget. A simple upright back, backed shoulders, and up chin can make us look so much better and confident on stage.

Still, I see very few speakers apply good posture in their speeches or presentations.

While this is simple in theory, it can be hard to put into practice. To understand how your current posture is and where you’re going wrong with it, a super helpful tip is to video record yourself when you’re practicing your speech.

By watching and re-watching these video recordings, you can determine where you’re going with body language and rework your delivery accordingly.

Related article: The Incredible Impact of Video Recording Yourself While Practicing a Speech

Whenever you’re called upon the stage to speak, make it a point to enter the stage by shaking the hands of the person who introduced you.

This simple gesture speaks a lot. It shows that you have now taken the stage over and are acknowledging the previous speaker for handing the stage over to you.

In terms of presentation, it just looks so much better and cordial that you enter the stage with a handshake and then begin speaking instead of just starting off with your talk.

The worldwide public speaking organization Toastmasters also encourages the practice of shaking the speaker’s hand who introduces you to take over the stage and shake the hands of the person who is succeeding the stage to pass on the spotlight.

It’s a small, simple thing, but it makes a difference.

Smiling is critical when it comes to speech delivery. It’s what makes the audience feel comfortable and makes our message more pleasant to listen to.

A smile while speaking can help improve the mood of the entire room.

While some people just have a naturally smiling face, it did not come easy to me. I just did not smile when I was on stage!

If you’re on the same boat as me, you may have to force it a little in the beginning.

Incorporate deliberate smiling into your speech rehearsals and soon enough, you will be able to smile much more naturally when speaking on stage.

Read the room and respond accordingly

Body language is not just about doing things with your body. It’s also about understanding your audience and responding accordingly using your body.

When you are delivering a speech on stage, observe your audience. Are any parts of the crowd seeming like they are losing interest? If you do notice that, move closer towards them and speak.

They will feel you getting closer to them and be snapped back into paying attention to you.

While you are speaking per se, you are supposed to “listen” to your audience and use your body language to respond to them accordingly.

Related article: 8 Tactics to Deal With Distractions When You’re Speaking on Stage

Don’ts (Common Body Language Mistakes)

Looking away from the audience at any point.

The audience is listening to you . Don’t look away from them when you’re on stage.

Again, while this simple, I’ve seen multiple speakers look away from the audience while speaking going even as far as to turning their back on the audience!

This is a complete no-no.

Even if you’re acting out a mini-skit in your speech, try and look at the audience while delivering the skit as well. Only look away when absolutely necessary.

Folding your arms

Folding your arms sends a subconscious signal to the audience that you are closed off. It may sound silly, but when you keep your hands open, it makes the audience feel more “invited” into your space.

When your arms are crossed, it shows that you are not completely comfortable “exposing” your body to the crowd. This shows lack of confidence and trust.

Check out this video from Word Champion speaker, Dananjaya Hettiarachchi on why keeping open arms (and open palms) is the right way to go in public speaking):

Hands in pocket

Keeping your hands tucked in your pockets can indicate that you are not interested in your own presentation. It just shows a lack of enthusiasm.

When speaking, the audience is expecting you to use your hands and body to engage them fully and communicate with as much effectiveness as you can.

However, keeping your hands in your pocket at some moments in time isn’t all that hurtful. One of my favourite speakers, Gary Vaynerchuck , occasionally does tuck his hands in his pocket while he’s giving talks on marketing and business.

But even when he does that, he uses his other hand with so much passion. He speaks with so much emphasis and vocal variety. His content is so strong because of his knowledge of the subject he speaks on.

So when a person of that stage experience pockets his hands, it’s not all that bad.

But ideally, it’s best to avoid it when it comes to general body language on stage for most of us speakers.

Not making use of facial expressions

While smiling is one aspect of public speaking and body language that is crucial, facial expressions as a whole should not be missed out.

Many speakers have this poker face when they get on stage.

Your face is an integral communication asset. Use its different expressions to communicate your point more effectively.

When you’re talking about something that makes you angry, clench your teeth.

When you’re talking about something emotional, drop your cheeks and widen your eyes.

When you’re talking about something uncomfortable, cringe.

These nuances are what separate good speakers from the greats!

Lack of practice

Lack of practice when it comes to public speaking is always a don’t – not just for body language but just in general.

The more you practice, the better your delivery will be. The more you will know when and how to use your body for which parts of the speech.

When you don’t practice, that’s when body language can fall flat. Because you’re so focused on the content, you may miss out on the major part of your speech’s effectiveness – delivery .

Practice and practice well. It will make a world of difference to your speaking and body language on and beyond the stage.

This is something I see time and again with speakers who are new to the stage. They come on, and while they are speaking, they (unknowingly) keep touching their hair, their face or their arm.

I say they do this unknowingly because they don’t realize that they are doing this . It’s just a subconscious movement that occurs when you’re nervous or unsure of what you are saying.

The best way to avoid this is to practice your speech in front of someone else and get their feedback on whether you are fidgeting with your body or not. You can even do this by video recording yourself.

Speaking really fast

While you may wonder how is speaking really fast a body language factor, it is…and I’ll tell you why.

When we speak fast, we tend to pay lesser attention to our bodies. Our bodies may pace around or become really stiff while our mouths ramble on!

However, when we speak slow, we’re in control . We can take our time to think of what body part to use for which part of the speech.

Related article: All You Need to Know about Voice Modulation & Tonality for Public Speaking

Being overly flamboyant in your early stages as a speaker

Body language is important. And while the above do’s and don’ts are good guidelines to apply, they are just that…guidelines.

When first getting on stage, don’t try to be perfect with body language. Just be natural and slowly work on improving different facets of body language as you progress in your journey as a speaker.

The audience will know when you’re faking it. Start off with what comes naturally. Practice. Record yourself. Take feedback from people more experienced to you.

You will eventually learn your style of speaking and what body language suits you the best.

And that will set you off on the part to becoming an impactful speaker but an impactful communicator even beyond the stage.

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• Body Language in in Public Speaking: Why and How it’s Important
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An audience decides within seconds if they trust the speaker on stage. These seconds are used to look at how the speaker presents him- or herself. If they don’t trust him or her, it won’t matter what the speaker says, they won’t be able to persuade.

Actrice Mae West once said: 

Often, what you say makes less of an impact than how you act. Your movement, gestures, and voice send out an important message!

What is body language?

Body language is part of non-verbal communication. It is the combination of movements, gestures, and postures. This includes the way a speaker talks, moves and looks on stage. Body language is part of the message a speaker wants to give.

Many people only think body language is only about the way you position yourself on stage. This is a big part of it, but there is much more. Body language shows your confidence. The right attitude on stage gives you an air of authority, which supports your story.

Your body language can make or break your presentation.

The importance of body language in public speaking

Why is body language important? You can say that having the wrong body language makes that your talk almost can’t be a success. You need a lot of talent on other elements to make up for bad body language.

Some examples of bad body language include: turning your back to the audience, moving around too much or hiding behind a desk. Gesturing also can have a bad influence on your talk. Being too aggressive in your gestures, drumming your fingers or even biting your nails are also bad examples.

But even when you aren’t doing a bad job, improving your body language can have a big effect. Especially on the way, the audience receives your talk. It can make a difference between a nice talk and actually persuading people. This is why it is important for everyone to pay attention to.

What to pay attention to

Good body language means you are paying attention to different elements. For example, you have to know how to move, where to look, where to stand and what gestures to make.

Looking at your audience

Are you looking towards your audience? Or are you one of those speakers who have a tendency to look behind you at the screen? Are you giving your entire audience the attention and not just a happy few?

Where are you on stage?

As a speaker, you always have to be aware of where you are on stage. It means you have to think about where you will sit in a panel discussion and where to (not) move to when walking around.

This is why for example the TED conference has a circle speakers can’t move out of.

Happy vs sad

What message are you getting across with your body? Are you showing happiness? Or are you sad? This reflects on your audience!

Importance of facial expressions: are you smiling?

Did you know for example that smiling makes people more comfortable with you as a speaker? Your facial expressions are extremely important in public speaking. The way you look says a lot about how you feel and about your message. At the same time, you don’t want to be smiling through a very serious story. Your facial expressions should be in line with the story.

Think about your energy level

How much energy are you putting into your talk? Too little energy will make your audience fall asleep. Then again, too much will make them pay less attention to your message!

Be in control!

Audiences love speakers who are in control. If a speaker shows strength, the audience will believe the speaker’s words faster. This means standing up straight and powerful, but also learning how to avoid saying stop-words like “uhm” all the time. ( Learn here how to stop saying Uhm )

What gestures are you making? Are you using your hands and not hiding them in your pockets? Are you pointing, being expressive?

Are you training your body language?

Good body language can be trained. You can do this by rehearsing or practising in front of colleagues. Just be careful with rehearsing in front of a mirror.

More articles on body language

• How to stop saying “uhm” and other filler words in your talk
• How to be (more) loveable like Pavarotti
• How body language can impact an audience
• Why you shouldn’t be rehearsing in front of a mirror
• Use your Facial Expressions to make your audience feel emotions
• Where to sit in a panel discussion
• The power of a smile in presentations
• The why of the TED Circle

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The Importance of Body Language in Public Speaking

So what exactly is body language?

Body language refers to the nonverbal cues that individuals use to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and intentions. These cues can include facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact. Body language is an essential aspect of communication, as it can convey messages that words alone cannot. In public speaking, body language can be used to enhance the speaker's message and engage the audience.

Understanding and utilizing effective body language can help speakers build rapport with their audience, establish credibility, and convey confidence and authority.

Importance of body language in public speaking

Body language is an essential aspect of public speaking as it can convey a speaker's confidence, credibility, and authenticity. Nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, and posture can help a speaker connect with their audience and emphasize key points in their speech.

Effective body language can also help a speaker overcome nervousness and establish a positive rapport with their listeners. Conversely, poor body language can distract from a speaker's message and undermine their credibility. Therefore, it is crucial for speakers to be aware of their body language and use it to enhance their message and engage their audience.

Nonverbal Communication

Facial expressions.

Facial expressions are a crucial aspect of body language in public speaking. The face is the most expressive part of the body, and it can convey a wide range of emotions and attitudes. A speaker's facial expressions can help to establish rapport with the audience, convey sincerity and authenticity, and emphasize key points. For example, a smile can help to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere, while a furrowed brow can signal concern or seriousness.

It's important for speakers to be aware of their facial expressions and to use them intentionally to enhance their message. However, it's also important to avoid over-exaggeration or insincere expressions, as these can undermine the speaker's credibility.

Gestures are a crucial aspect of body language in public speaking. They can help emphasize key points, convey emotions, and engage the audience. However, it is important to use gestures in moderation and ensure they are appropriate for the message being conveyed.

Overusing gestures or using inappropriate ones can distract the audience and detract from the overall effectiveness of the speech. It is also important to be aware of cultural differences in gestures and avoid using ones that may be offensive or misunderstood by certain audiences.

Posture is a crucial element of body language in public speaking. Your posture can convey confidence, authority, and credibility to your audience. Standing up straight with your shoulders back and your head held high can make you appear more confident and in control. On the other hand, slouching or hunching over can make you seem unsure or uninterested in what you're saying.

It's also important to be aware of your movements and avoid fidgeting or pacing, as this can be distracting to your audience. By maintaining good posture, you can project a positive image and engage your audience more effectively.

Eye contact

Eye contact is an essential aspect of body language in public speaking. It helps to establish a connection between the speaker and the audience. Maintaining eye contact with the audience shows that the speaker is confident, trustworthy, and interested in what they have to say. It also helps to keep the audience engaged and focused on the speaker's message.

However, it is important to strike a balance between maintaining eye contact and not making the audience uncomfortable. The speaker should avoid staring or making prolonged eye contact with any individual in the audience. Instead, they should make eye contact with different individuals in the audience to create a sense of inclusivity and engagement.

How Body Language Affects Your Audience

Establishing credibility.

Establishing credibility is crucial in public speaking, and body language plays a significant role in achieving it. When a speaker stands tall with their shoulders back and head held high, they exude confidence and authority. Maintaining eye contact with the audience and using appropriate gestures can also help establish credibility.

On the other hand, slouching, fidgeting, and avoiding eye contact can make a speaker appear nervous or unprepared, undermining their credibility. By using strong and confident body language, a speaker can establish trust with their audience and effectively convey their message.

Engaging your audience

Engaging your audience is crucial in public speaking, and body language plays a significant role in achieving this. To engage your audience, you need to make eye contact, smile, and use gestures that match your words. Your body language should be confident and open, indicating that you are comfortable and in control.

Moreover, employing body language to accentuate key points, such as subtly leaning forward or utilizing purposeful hand gestures to emphasize specific words or phrases, allows you to forge a genuine connection with your audience and sustain their unwavering interest in your message..

Conveying confidence

Conveying confidence is crucial in public speaking, and body language plays a significant role in achieving this. Standing tall with shoulders back and maintaining eye contact with the audience can convey a sense of authority and confidence. Gesturing with purpose and using open, expansive movements can also project confidence and enthusiasm.

On the other hand, fidgeting, slouching, and avoiding eye contact can signal nervousness and lack of confidence. By being mindful of their body language, speakers can project confidence and credibility, which can help them connect with their audience and deliver a more effective presentation.

Creating a positive impression

Creating a positive impression is crucial in public speaking, and body language plays a significant role in achieving this. To create a positive impression, it is essential to maintain eye contact with the audience, smile, and use open and confident body language. Standing tall with shoulders back and arms uncrossed conveys confidence and authority, while leaning forward slightly shows engagement and interest.

Moreover, incorporating purposeful hand gestures to accentuate significant points can effectively captivate and sustain the audience's interest throughout the presentation. By employing authentic body language, speakers can establish a genuine connection with their audience, leaving a lasting and impactful impression.

Tips for Improving Your Body Language

Practice in front of a mirror.

Practicing in front of a mirror is an effective way to improve your body language during public speaking. It allows you to see how you look and make adjustments to your posture, gestures, and facial expressions. You can also practice maintaining eye contact with yourself, which can help you feel more comfortable making eye contact with your audience.

Additionally, practicing in front of a mirror can help you identify any nervous habits or tics that you may have and work to eliminate them. By regularly practicing in front of a mirror, you can become more confident and polished in your public speaking skills.

Record yourself speaking

Recording yourself speaking is an excellent way to become more aware of your body language during public speaking. By watching yourself on video, you can identify any nervous habits or distracting movements that you may not have noticed before. You can also observe how your body language enhances or detracts from your message.

Additionally, recording yourself allows you to practice and refine your delivery, making you more confident and effective in future presentations. So, the next time you have a speaking engagement, consider recording yourself beforehand to improve your body language and overall performance.

Be aware of your posture

Your posture plays a crucial role in public speaking. It not only affects your physical appearance but also your mental state. Standing tall with your shoulders back and your chest out exudes confidence and authority. On the other hand, slouching or hunching over can make you appear nervous and unsure. Additionally, maintaining good posture can help you breathe more easily, which is essential for projecting your voice and maintaining a steady pace.

So, before you step onto the stage, take a moment to check your posture and make any necessary adjustments. Your audience will appreciate the confidence and professionalism that comes with good posture.

Use gestures to emphasize key points

Using gestures to emphasize key points is a powerful tool in public speaking. Gestures can help to convey emotions and add emphasis to important points, making them more memorable to the audience. However, it is important to use gestures in a natural and authentic way, rather than forcing them or using them excessively.

Effective gestures can include pointing, hand movements, and facial expressions, and should be used in conjunction with vocal emphasis to create a dynamic and engaging presentation. By using gestures effectively, speakers can enhance their message and connect with their audience on a deeper level.

Maintain eye contact with your audience

Maintaining eye contact with your audience is crucial in public speaking. It helps to establish a connection with your listeners and shows that you are confident and trustworthy. When you make eye contact, you are also able to gauge the audience's reactions and adjust your delivery accordingly.

However, it's important to remember not to stare or focus on one person for too long, as this can make them uncomfortable. Instead, make eye contact with different individuals throughout the room to ensure that everyone feels included and engaged.

Recap of the importance of body language in public speaking

In summary, body language plays a crucial role in public speaking. It can help to convey confidence, credibility, and authority to the audience. Effective use of body language can also enhance the speaker's message and engage the audience. Conversely, poor body language can detract from the speaker's message and create a negative impression.

Therefore, it is essential for speakers to pay attention to their body language and use it to their advantage when delivering a speech. By doing so, they can increase their chances of delivering a successful and impactful presentation.

What's Next? Practice and improve

Encouragement to practice and improve your body language skills is essential for becoming an effective public speaker. It may seem daunting at first, but with consistent effort and practice, you can improve your nonverbal communication and enhance your overall message. Start by recording yourself speaking and analyzing your body language.

Take note of any nervous habits or distracting movements and work on eliminating them. Additionally, seek feedback from others and attend public speaking workshops to learn new techniques and strategies. Remember, body language is a powerful tool that can make or break your message, so it's worth investing time and effort into improving it.

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7 Public Speaking Exercises to Level Up Your Presentation Skills

• The Speaker Lab
• July 22, 2024

Table of Contents

Whether you are a seasoned speaker or just starting, public speaking exercises are crucial for refining your skills and boosting your confidence. These exercises go beyond simply rehearsing your material. They help you develop essential skills like body language, voice control, and audience engagement. Let’s explore some of the best public speaking exercises to improve your presentation prowess.

Power Posing: A Confidence Booster

Have you heard of “ power posing “? This psychological technique can increase your confidence before a big presentation. It involves standing in a posture that signals power and confidence for two minutes. Some examples include standing with your hands on your hips or with your arms raised in a V-shape. The idea is that, just like how you use your body language to communicate to others, you can also use it to communicate to yourself. When your brain registers that you are posing confidently, it releases hormones that increase your confidence .

When preparing to go on stage for a presentation, try out a few power poses. Public speaking is, after all, often about projecting confidence. How you feel internally can greatly influence how others perceive you.

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The Power of Non-Verbal Communication

You’ve probably heard the saying “it’s not what you say, but how you say it.” When it comes to public speaking, this saying rings true. Your body language speaks volumes to your audience, sometimes even louder than words. As a result, public speaking exercises that focus on nonverbal communication skills are invaluable.

Using Eye Contact to Connect with Your Audience

Think about how you feel when someone maintains good eye contact while speaking to you. Chances are that you feel more heard and respected than if they practiced poor eye contact. When public speaking, you want to create the same feeling with your audience.

Effective eye contact establishes a connection with individuals, creating intimacy and engagement. Staring blankly at one person for an extended time can feel uncomfortable and unnatural, though. The trick is to spread your gaze around the room, connecting briefly with individuals. Treat it as if you’re having mini-conversations with different people.

Refining Your Non-verbal Communication

In addition to eye contact, your stance and gestures significantly impact how your message resonates. One of the best ways to refine your body language is through public speaking exercises like the one below.

To get started, record yourself practicing a speech. After all, it can be extremely valuable to watch and hear yourself as your audience would experience you. Alternatively, you can use this tool to record yourself and your screen. As you watch the recording back, look for these key elements:

• Open Posture: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed. Imagine an invisible string pulling you slightly upwards from the crown of your head. Avoid hunching or crossing your arms, as these postures might make you appear closed off or unapproachable.
• Purposeful Movement: When appropriate, move around the stage with intention. Instead of pacing nervously, connect movement with transitions in your speech to emphasize a point or engage different parts of the audience. Remember, too much movement can be distracting, and not all stages permit freedom of movement.
• Gestures: Utilize your hands and arms to complement your words. Practice hand gestures that feel natural to you, ensuring they’re not exaggerated to the point of distraction. Don’t forget to review your recordings to ensure your movements look and feel authentic and enhance, rather than distract, from your delivery.

Tongue Twisters: The Ultimate Public Speaking Warm Up

Public speaking often requires articulate speech and clear pronunciation. This is where tongue twisters shine as excellent warm-up exercises for speakers of all levels.

Mastering the quick, repetitive sounds of tongue twisters, like the classic “she sells seashells,” improves your pronunciation clarity. This makes your speech delivery smoother.

Consider practicing tongue twisters before presentations as a warm-up routine. This is helpful whether in front of large formal audiences or even close friends. It significantly improves articulation and breath control, especially if you struggle with feeling anxious. Tongue twisters are fun, lighthearted, and effective, making them a great public speaking exercise.

Impromptu Speaking: Mastering the Art of Thinking on Your Feet

Impromptu speaking, where you speak without extensive preparation, can be incredibly daunting, even for seasoned public speakers. Although nerve-wracking, the reality is that many real-life speaking situations demand some level of off-the-cuff thinking. Utilizing public speaking exercises can be the key to thinking clearly under pressure.

Just imagine being asked an unexpected question in a Q&A session. The better you can formulate clear, engaging answers spontaneously, the more confident you’ll feel. This even applies to impromptu speech situations at your job, a work party, or even at an event or wedding. Impromptu speaking is truly a valuable communication skill with applications beyond the stage.

Impromptu Public Speaking Exercises

Instead of waiting for an impromptu opportunity, create one yourself. Practice the exercises below in order to hone your ability to think on the spot.

Random Object Speech

Grab a household object (a spoon, a book, anything.) and set a timer for 2-3 minutes. The goal is to deliver a cohesive, interesting “speech” about the item. This exercise hones your ability to generate ideas and structure thoughts spontaneously.

“Yes, and…” Improv

Grab a friend (the more, the merrier) and play a round of “Yes, and…” improv. One person starts with a statement and the next person builds on it with “Yes, and…” continuing the narrative. This cultivates active listening skills and spontaneous storytelling, which is excellent for building public speaking confidence.

Public Speaking Games: Interactive Activities to Sharpen Your Skills

Who says practicing public speaking can’t be enjoyable? Games provide a light-hearted platform to try different public speaking activities. They allow you to hone your presentation skills in a fun, collaborative setting. Plus, practicing in a group fosters teamwork and allows you to observe and learn from one another’s speaking styles.

Photo Storytelling

Gather a collection of interesting images (they can be anything from personal photographs to random finds online). Have each participant choose a random image and craft a short story about it, presenting their narrative to the group.

This game hones skills like:

• Developing narrative flow
• Using descriptive language to engage listeners
• Thinking creatively and quickly

“Sell It” Challenge

In the “Sell It” Challenge, each person picks a random object (like a pen or stapler) and attempts to “sell” it to the group. This is done by highlighting its extraordinary (or not-so-extraordinary) qualities with humor and enthusiasm. It encourages creativity in speech because the success of their pitch hinges solely on their public speaking ability and persuasive prowess.

This public speaking game is ideal for encouraging:

• Practicing persuasion techniques
• Promoting quick thinking
• Adding humor into presentations

Analyzing the Masters: Learning from the Best Public Speakers

One of the best ways to enhance your public speaking skill is by studying successful public speakers. Watch those who deliver inspiring messages at events like TED Talks . By observing different elements of these popular speeches and implementing similar techniques, you’ll enhance your speaking skills.

Here are some ways you can study public speakers to advance your public speaking practice:

• Observe Delivery Techniques: Pay attention to the speaker’s voice modulation, pace, and strategic pauses. Also notice body language like their hand gestures, eye contact, and movements on stage. Finally, analyze the structure, storytelling elements, humor (if used), and closing remarks. The more talks you analyze, the more you’ll start noticing patterns, techniques, and effective approaches.
• Imitate Their Style: Once you’ve made a list of the elements that impressed you, try to integrate these public speaking tips into your own speaking. Practice those pauses, the impactful closing, or adapt their storytelling approach. Emulating these masters is not about copying, but more about studying effective techniques.

Additional Tips and Tricks for Powerful Presentations

Mastering any new skill requires practice and the right approach. Whether preparing for a presentation at work, an important interview, or a talk at an upcoming industry event, there are tons of public speaking exercises to choose from. Choose methods that are effective for your personal needs and practice consistently. Finally, don’t forget to seek out feedback so that you continue to build on improvements.

Here are some tips for delivering great presentations:

• Practice Makes Perfect: Embrace opportunities to present, whether it’s to friends and family, your team at work, or at local speaking clubs. The more experience you have, the less daunting the stage becomes. Public speaking is just like any skill. The more you practice talking, the easier it becomes.
• Know Your Audience: Tailoring your message to resonate with your target demographic is crucial for audience engagement. Understanding the group’s interests, demographics, and why they are listening can help make your presentation even more impactful.
• Storytelling Captivates: Weaving narratives throughout your presentation will help listeners connect more deeply with your message. It will also make it more engaging and memorable. People connect to emotions, vulnerability, and a touch of relatability, so put in the work to find your own story, then practice telling it.

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FAQs About Public Speaking Exercises

What are 5 public speaking tips.

Engage your audience with eye contact and a clear, audible voice. In addition, speak at a moderate pace and utilize pauses for emphasis. Don’t be afraid to use humor. In order to maintain audience engagement, tailor your delivery to your specific audience. Most importantly, project confidence through a relaxed and approachable demeanor.

How do I get over the fear of public speaking?

One strategy is to change your perspective. Instead of fearing judgment, envision your talk as an exciting opportunity to share your valuable insights. Picture your audience members genuinely interested in your message. This can significantly reduce anxiety.

What makes someone a good public speaker?

Good public speakers possess a unique ability to convey information with clarity and purpose, but most importantly passion and authenticity. They are engaging storytellers who can capture and hold their audience’s attention.

Mastering public speaking is an ongoing endeavor. Thankfully, public speaking exercises are effective ways to polish your skills and overcome common fears. Embrace opportunities to practice whenever you get a chance. Consistent efforts in honing these skills will cultivate your confidence, stage presence, and ultimately contribute to making your future presentations impactful. Remember, the best public speakers weren’t born that way; they practiced.

• Last Updated: July 14, 2024

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The 5 Key Body Language Techniques of Public Speaking

How's your body language? It's part of what makes your speeches and presentations come to life! Discover the 5 key body language techniques of public speaking. 

Of all the communication skills available to you as a public speaker, how important is body language?

The answer: as important as any single element of your speeches or presentations!

Do you know that audiences judge you based on what you  show  them? Boost your stage presence! Download my  free guide ,  "The Body Language Rules: 12 Ways to Be a More Powerful Public Speaker."

The 5 Key Body Language Tips for Public Speaking

Consider that the most important visual you can show an audience is yourself .  Add the fact that your voice is produced physically. The result? The way you look and sound are hugely important concerning whether you're successful as a speaker. And that includes your audience's physical responses to you, even though they're largely subconscious.

At The Genard Method, body language has always been a key element of our executive speech coaching and team presentation skills training . Below are 5 key areas in which your physical expressiveness can take your own talks from mundane to memorable. Learn them if you want to practice powerful body language techniques for your own public speaking.

1. Effective Movement and Gestures for Public Speaking

When it comes to using body language, you should be asking yourself: "How can I use movement and gestures to be effective in my presentation?" Here's an easy formula to remember. It's one that will help you avoid give audiences the NODS: Just think N eutral,  O pen,  D efined, and  S trong. (And here's how to use natural, strong gestures .)

You should begin in a  neutral  position with hands at your sides. That may feel awkward at first, but it looks fine to people watching. It's what helps keep you  open  to your audience, so that influence flows freely in both directions. Gesture sparingly, using  defined  or "clean" hand movements. That will help make them  strong.  Follow the NODS formula, and your upper body movement will always support and amplify what you say.

Learn proven techniques that can make you a more dynamic and engaging speaker in my e-book Body Language to Look and Feel Confident .

2. Use Space Like an Actor, and You'll Control the Room

When you speak in public, a certain amount of space on the stage is yours by right. You should claim it! Leaders know how to project power by the way they stand and move; and of course, when you speak in public, you are a leader. Learn how to occupy space in a way that proclaims you are comfortable in the spotlight. Nothing demonstrates speaking for leadership  like a presenter who is at ease in his or her own skin in front of an audience.

Let's face it: you showcase yourself to the world every day of your life. Show  listeners they can have confidence in what you're saying by commanding the space around you. Don't overdo it, but don't minimize the area through which you move. Need a reminder of a speaker who knew how to move as a leader? Here's my piece on  Bill Clinton's compelling body language .

3. How to Use Technology in Presentations

There's a saying in the theater that good actors use props, and bad actors are used  by  their props. This isn't just a witticism. Inexperienced performers are flummoxed by a 'property'—a cigarette holder, a wine glass, even a sword or a gun. Solid professionals, on the other hand, understand that the prop exists to help them define their character for the audience. So they  use  it in a way only that character would.

When you deal with objects as a speaker, whether it's a remote clicker or a handout or the  screen itself, find a way to help that object give what you're saying impact . The tool is there to help you get your message across. Just remember it's only a tool, and you're the influencer in the room. Here's more on  how to energize your PowerPoint presentations .

4. Facial Expressions Are an Important Part of Body Language 

We might call this one the "forgotten relative" in the body language family. Yet the human face is vital to communication, from recognizing another person to understanding the subtle clues that underlie motive. Audience members depend upon your facial expressions to augment meaning. So you should definitely be using your face to discover  how to be a more expressive speaker. 

If you don't have an expressive face, work with a mirror. It will help you create a link between what you're trying to express, and whether you look like you mean it. Practice giving your entire talk without a sound coming out of your mouth, even though you're forming the words. Try letting your face do all the communicating. Then practice speaking normally —you'll almost certainly  look  the part better.

5. Voice Improvement for Business Presentations Is Vital

As I mentioned above, your voice is produced physically. So it's obviously a component of effective body language. In fact, aside from your brain, your voice is the most flexible communication instrument you own.

So you should learn how to use your voice to influence others! I don't mean that only in terms of voice and speech improvement  for more pleasant and powerful speaking. I'm also referring to the many ways vocal expressiveness helps you indicate meaning and intention.

Listen to speakers good and bad, then listen some more. Take a voice and diction course. Or work with a speech coach, preferably one who trained as an actor. A motto I've used for years in my own speech coaching is "Find Your True Voice." Literally and figuratively, it can make a radical difference in whether your real message is heard.

Body Language and Power Poses

Finally, one study offers the possibility that you can consciously strengthen your power as a speaker through a specific body language technique. It has to do with social psychologist Amy Cuddy's research into "power poses." Cuddy discussed her findings in her TED talk, "Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are” (which happens to be the second most-viewed TED talk ever).

According to Cuddy's research, assuming a powerful pose before participating in a high-stress situation demanding peak performance increases one's level of testosterone (the dominance hormone), and decreases cortisol (a stress hormone). In other words, assume a power pose and you’ll feel more able to control the situation and experience less stress. I wrote about this in my blog on  using power poses to achieve amazing presence .

More recent research has revealed problems in replicating Cuddy's findings. On the other hand, I see no harm in assuming powerful poses to help boost your confidence. After all, learning confidence may seem like a mind game, but literally feeling strong can be a great help. So add this approach, if you like, to the five key body language techniques I discuss above. Arm yourself for your important talks with powerful and productive body language. You'll literally stand out from the crowd, in all the right ways.

This blog was originally published in 2012. It is updated here.

You should follow me on Twitter  here .

Tags: public speaking training , body language , public speaking , gestures , communication skills , voice improvement , speech improvement , leadership , body language and public speaking , natural body language , effective body language , leadership training , keynote speaker training , keynote speech training , motivational speaker training

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12 Body Language Mistakes to Avoid During a Presentation

It has been involuntary to think that we should only pay attention to how we present the content, the clothes we use, and make the audience participative in preparing for a public presentation.

A quick example is that sometimes we tend to deliver our presentations while seated to avoid the audience’s pressure. Alternatively, we can be staring at one spot in the room to avoid eye contact and think we found a successful strategy.

The Bad News: The audience can see or understand that as a lack of confidence and not trust your credibility or expertise on the topic. 

The Good News: No worries, there are ways to do better and appear confident, and you will learn all that here. 

Let’s start by looking at the list of 12 Body Languages Mistakes to Avoid During a Presentation :

Highly Recommended Article: AceThePresentation. 11 Best Body Language Tips for Engaging Presentations .

If you chew gum while delivering a presentation, it may give the audience the impression that you are disrespectful, unprofessional, and unethical.

When we cross our arms, it passes the message that we are defensive about something that we don’t know or that the audience wants to suggest, so it is a visual barrier and a communication one.

Let us imagine if the audience asks us a question or even makes a suggestion that invites us to look at our arguments in a new dimension that we’ve never thought of before, and that is our reaction.

Even if we are open to looking forward to that new perspective, if we have our arms crossed while saying that the suggestion is an excellent point of view, it may look like that we feel threatened and, because of that, getting defensive.

There is a right way to cross your legs when we need to do our presentations while sitting, and crossing our legs or jiggling them is not one of them. This may show the audience that we are getting nervous and impatient with the situation we are facing.

When trying to pipe the presentation’s nervousness, it is common for us to use fidgeting with our fingers or objects, distract ourselves from the problem (stress), and focus on delivering the message.

You can usually avoid it if you take some time to breathe, walk around, and see the faces of the people you are delivering the presentation to, focusing on the present, which will keep away the anxiousness.

Just like fidgeting, grabbing objects against our bodies will not solve the problem. Thus, the audience will be distracted, trying to figure out why we have them.

Try to relax by visualizing the whole situation as a conversation, and make it be like that. This way, we can deliver the message that we want to spread and make them engage with us and share their perspective.

Instead of that, there is a better solution; we can use a pulse watch or have a friend keeping the time for us. This way, you will avoid having long presentations that will make the audience feel tired.

Balance is always the key. You can walk around to know the faces and stand confidently sometimes; both are a great option.

Avoiding eye contact can be a big sign of insecurity and a back up to a confrontation. If you only focus on one person or don’t look at all to the audience, you make things a lot more awkward between you and the audience.

Highly Recommended Article: 6 Solid Tips About How to Make Eye Contact

It can be misunderstood as an annoying habit and nervousness, which will drive the audience’s attention to anything but our message.

Even if we know the people we are delivering a speech to, we must separate the work environment with day-to-day will be very good for our career.

Sometimes even when we have the slides for our presentations ready, we can get lost or frustrated because it is getting hard to recall our next point of discussion, so we may convey that to the audience, through a confused or lost face – which is bad.

Our body language has a lot more to say than we sometimes imagine. Sure there are symbols as nod heads, and it’s nice that we can right away know the meaning. Still, sometimes our body reflects how we feel about something or is about to deliver a presentation.

AceThePresentation. 11 Best Body Language Tips for Engaging Presentations .

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