Moving Your Body To Move Your Listeners | Confident Body Language Part 2

Summary

In this video from Moxy Talk, FIA Fastfinder explores how body language can influence both how you are perceived and how you perceive yourself. She emphasizes moving with conviction, using hand gestures effectively, and maintaining open body language to establish confidence. Key techniques include purposeful movement in space, keeping hand gestures natural and neutral, and using universal signs of friendship like smiling, eye contact, and visible hands to build rapport. By mastering these body language strategies, you can make a lasting positive impression and engage your audience more effectively in any setting.

Takeaways

• 😀 Body language plays a critical role in making first impressions, with over 50% of initial perceptions shaped by how you present yourself non-verbally.
• 😀 Movement with conviction, or 'blocking' in theater terms, is important for effective communication. It helps amplify your message and keeps your audience engaged.
• 😀 Avoid aimless, nervous movements (like 'spider feet' or rocking), which can detract from your message and suggest lack of confidence or preparation.
• 😀 Using the space strategically during a presentation (in person or virtually) can help engage your audience more effectively. Move to different areas of the room or use eye contact in virtual meetings.
• 😀 The most natural position for a speaker’s arms is hanging neutrally by their sides. Only gesture when it feels natural, and avoid repetitive, distracting movements.
• 😀 Gestures should amplify or reinforce your message, not distract from it. Gestures that attract attention away from the message should be avoided.
• 😀 Studies show that using open palms in hand gestures signals openness and helps build trust and connection with your audience.
• 😀 A smile, especially one that engages the eyes and lasts for a few seconds, is a universal sign of friendship and can help you connect with your audience.
• 😀 Eye contact is another universal sign of friendliness, helping to build trust and rapport with your audience, whether in person or virtually.
• 😀 Visible hands, especially open hands, signal that you're unarmed and trustworthy. This is a sign of openness and helps your audience feel at ease.
• 😀 The combination of a genuine smile, eye contact, and visible hands creates a welcoming and confident body language that ensures your message resonates with the audience.

Q & A

How does body language impact first impressions?

Body language plays a crucial role in forming first impressions, with over 50% of people's initial judgment based on how we present ourselves physically. It affects how confident and approachable we appear.

What is 'moving with conviction' in a presentation?

'Moving with conviction' refers to purposefully using physical movement to reinforce and amplify your message. It involves strategically engaging different parts of the space to connect with your audience, rather than standing still or moving aimlessly.

Why is power posing important, and how does it affect confidence?

Power posing helps boost confidence by influencing hormones, making the person feel more assertive. However, moving with physical expression goes beyond power posing and is essential for dynamic speaking that truly engages the audience.

What is the concept of 'blocking' in theater, and how is it applied to public speaking?

Blocking refers to the strategic placement of actors on stage to direct attention and create a powerful impact. Public speakers can use this concept by planning their movements to engage the audience and amplify their message, rather than moving aimlessly.

What are the risks of aimlessly moving during a presentation?

Aimless movements, like pacing back and forth, can distract the audience, convey nervousness, and suggest a lack of preparation. It's important to move intentionally to reinforce your message and maintain audience engagement.

What is the natural hand position for speakers, and why is it important?

The natural hand position for speakers is with the arms hanging neutrally at their sides. This relaxed position looks natural to the audience and helps avoid unnecessary distractions caused by fidgeting or excessive hand gestures.

How can hand gestures be used effectively during a presentation?

Hand gestures should only be used when they help reinforce or amplify what you're saying. They should appear natural and purposeful, rather than repetitive or distracting, ensuring they complement the message rather than pull attention away from it.

What does research say about open palms and their role in public speaking?

Research, including studies of Toastmaster winners, shows that open palms create a sense of openness and help connect with the audience. It signals honesty and encourages trust, making the speaker appear more approachable.

What are the three universal signs of friendship in body language?

The three universal signs of friendship are smiling (which should involve both the eyes and mouth), making eye contact (either in person or through the camera lens in virtual settings), and displaying visible hands (signaling openness and honesty).

How does smiling affect audience perception?

Smiling universally signals friendliness, which makes the audience feel more connected to you. A genuine smile involving both the eyes and mouth can trigger a mirror response, encouraging the audience to smile back and fostering a positive interaction.