Using Body Language to improve your Public Speaking.

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Body Language for Great Public Speaking

Body language is an important part of any presentation or Public Speaking event.

Do you cross your arms when speaking? Do you look at the floor? Do you hang on to the lectern for dear life while presenting?

body language for public speaking

We all present in different ways. Everyone has their habits and practices that make them feel comfortable while speaking in public. But whether we know it or not, how we stand or sit, where we look and what we do with our arms screams so loud, sometimes your audience can’t hear the words you are saying!

Whether we like it or not, body language plays an important part in communicating. For example, if you are conducting a motivational speech and your arms are crossed, your audience may misinterpret this as indicating defensiveness.

Here are some tips on body language for conveying the right message while presenting.

DO

• Arms Open. This is good indicator of someone who is relaxed and not tense. Even if you are anxious, practice speaking with arms at your sides to convey a calm attitude.
• Hands. Have your hands wide open and apart. This show sincerity and honesty.
• Head and Eyes. Keep your head up and look at your audience.
• Left and Right. Look to the left and right and down the centre of the room. This will tell the whole audience that they are all included in the speech.
• Lectern. If you must use a lectern don’t “hug” or “cling” to it. Lecterns are great for presenting formality and authority. Put your notes on it, (if you have any,) not your elbows.
• Movement.. Use the three step rule. If you move towards one side of the room, take three steps then stop. It is distracting if you constantly move one step one way, one step the other.
• Getting off the Stage. Sometimes speakers like to get off the stage and go right into the crowd. This is a great way to get connected with the audience. It also sends the message that I really know what I am talking about because I don’t need any notes or visuals.

DON'T

• Arms. Don’t cross your arms.
• Hands. Don’t put your hands in your pockets. Also avoid pointing, clenched fists and hands on your hips.
• Movement.When presenting you may have lots of energy to release. Avoid the urge to move around too much. This can become distracting. Arm and leg movements should be kept to a minimum.
• Gestures. Don’t make gestures too quickly. The larger the crowd, the larger and slower the gestures.
• Getting off the Stage. This is great but remember, (especially in large rooms,) that when you get off the stage there may be many people who cannot see you. It is fine if your image is being projected on a large screen. Just inform the audio/ visual team beforehand. Or else they’ll be scrambling to find you when you jump off stage.

Lastly, remember to have fun. If you are having fun then your audience will have fun and your body language will follow.

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