Body Language Tips For Public Speaking

Summary

This video focuses on the importance of posture during presentations, emphasizing three key elements: feet, hands, and eyes. The speaker encourages planting feet firmly, moving confidently with large steps, and using hands to emphasize points. Open body language, avoiding distractions like crossed arms or fidgeting, and maintaining eye contact are crucial for creating a connection with the audience. The speaker also discusses how body language, voice, and content contribute to the overall impact, stressing that posture plays a major role in engaging and conveying credibility to listeners.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper posture during presentations is essential for establishing credibility and connection with the audience.
• 😀 Feet should be planted firmly on the ground at shoulder-width to create stability. Avoid crossing or closing your feet, as it weakens your base.
• 😀 Moving around during your presentation is encouraged, but ensure the movement is deliberate with big steps, not small or fidgety ones.
• 😀 Hands and arms should be actively used to underline and emphasize your message. Avoid hiding them or keeping them locked in one position.
• 😀 A helpful trick is to pretend you're holding a basketball with both hands to create dynamic gestures that complement your story.
• 😀 Avoid hiding behind podiums or any objects that can create a physical barrier between you and the audience.
• 😀 Crossed arms should be avoided, as they form a defensive barrier, distancing you from the audience.
• 😀 Keep your hands free of distracting objects like pens, papers, or jewelry to maintain focus on your message.
• 😀 Your eyes are a key part of connecting with your audience. Avoid looking down or up excessively, as this signals nervousness or insecurity.
• 😀 A friendly, relaxed facial expression and a smile can make your message more approachable and memorable, enhancing audience engagement.

Q & A

Why is foot placement important during a presentation?

Foot placement is crucial for stability, which in turn impacts the credibility of your presentation. Planting your feet shoulder-width apart helps you maintain a solid base, making you appear more grounded and confident.

What effect do crossed or closely placed feet have on a presenter?

Crossed or closely placed feet reduce stability and hinder your ability to project confidence. A stable posture helps to convey credibility to your audience.

How should a presenter move during a presentation?

A presenter should move with large, deliberate steps to maintain power and stability. Small, fidgety movements can detract from the strength of the message.

What is the role of hand and arm movements in presentations?

Hands and arms should be used to emphasize key points and underline the message. They help add dynamics to the story and prevent the presenter from appearing stiff or disengaged.

Why should a presenter avoid hiding their hands or keeping them in their pockets?

Hiding your hands creates a barrier between you and the audience. Keeping your hands visible and in motion makes the communication feel more open and engaging.

How can a presenter use the 'basketball' technique effectively?

By imagining holding a basketball, the presenter can create clear and purposeful hand movements that help illustrate their points and add energy to their story.

What should a presenter avoid holding in their hands during a presentation?

Presenters should avoid holding distracting objects like pens, folded papers, or even wedding rings, as these can lead to fidgeting and distract from the message.

What role does eye contact play in a presentation?

Eye contact establishes a connection with the audience and conveys confidence. Avoiding eye contact or looking down can signal nervousness and undermine your authority.

How can a presenter use their facial expression to enhance the message?

A relaxed, friendly facial expression, including a smile with the eyes, helps to build rapport with the audience, making the message feel more engaging and approachable.

What is the 'circle of impact' and how does it relate to a presentation?

The 'circle of impact' suggests that body language contributes the most (55%) to the effectiveness of a presentation, followed by voice and speaking style (38%), and the content of the story itself (7%). This highlights the importance of non-verbal communication in making a strong impact.