Effective Body Language TM

Too Much Body Language

A speaker who moves frantically around the stage is likely to catch audience member's attention but not necessarily in a positive way. Audience members may be trying to figure out what the speaker is doing, rather than listening to his message. Intentional and purposeful movement and gestures support and enhance your presentation. Being conscious and aware of each movement will help you avoid agitated and unfocused gestures that can detract from your speech.

Stance

When standing, your stance is the way you position your body. The ideal stance to demonstrate confidence includes: Weight evenly distributed over your feet Knees straight but not locked, shoulders relaxed Feet pointing straight ahead, not quite shoulder-width apart Arms hanging naturally at your sides

Gestures

A speaker's gestures can suggest very precise meaning to an audience. To be effective, a speaker's gestures must be purposeful—even when they are performed unconsciously. Unconscious movement is unintentional, often a habit or a natural expression of the speaker's personality. Whether the movement is intentional or unintentional, gestures must support a speaker's words, as well as the meaning behind the message. There are four types of effective gestures.

Cultural Differences

Acceptable gestures can vary widely between cultures. An innocuous gesture in one culture can be inflammatory in another. Because of this, you must be aware of cultural differences when planning body language in your presentations. If you are presenting to a group with members from a culture or cultures that are unfamiliar to you, research common body language and its corresponding meaning in those cultures.

Body Language

Body language is the nonverbal expression of emotions, feelings, and ideas. Your posture, movement, position, gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions all contribute to the message you send when you speak. Your body language can enhance your communication or undermine your message.

Descriptive Gestures

Descriptive gestures indicate position, location, or anything tactical. For instance, use your hands to specify a number of objects.

Emphatic Gestures

Emphatic gestures underscore strong emotion such as earnestness and conviction. Placing your hand on your heart in many cultures communicates a powerful belief in your message.

Posture

How you carry yourself when you speak communicates a strong visual message to an audience. Your posture reflects your attitude and your level of confidence. Without making any changes to your speech content, you can communicate that you are alert and in command of yourself and the speaking situation. Proper posture helps you breathe well and effectively project your voice. Proper posture includes head held high with chin up slightly, back straight, shoulders squared, chest out, and stomach in.

Movement

If you are physically able, movement adds energy and variety to your presentation and helps you appear confident. Changing your position or location by stepping out from behind the lectern during a speech is the most visible kind of physical action you can perform.

Eye Contact During Speech

Make eye contact with audience members before you begin. Begin your speech by selecting one person and addressing him or her personally. Hold eye contact for three to five seconds, roughly the time required to complete a sentence or share one thought. Keep your eyes up and shift your gaze to another person. Move your eyes from one person to the next without following any set pattern.

Eye Contact

Making effective eye contact means focusing on individual listeners and creating a connection. Recognize that some audience members may be less comfortable with eye contact than others. Be sensitive by briefly making eye contact before moving on to another person. Brief eye contact acknowledges the individual without making him uncomfortable.

A Note for the Visually Impaired

Members with visual impairments may not be able to make eye contact with audience members. That does not mean they cannot engage an audience. When you present with a significant visual impairment, move your head instead of keeping it fixed in one direction. Your voice will carry to different parts of the room as you shift your position and engage audience members regardless of their location.

Position

Practice in front of a mirror, with a friend, or with a mentor. You should feel comfortable and relaxed. Adjust your position until you see the message you want to communicate reflected back to you in the mirror. Those with physical concerns can practice in front of a mentor or friend and ask what appears more confident. The best position will always be what feels natural and comfortable.

Prompting Gestures

Prompting gestures evoke responses from an audience. When asking for a show of hands to answer a question, raise your hand to encourage audience members to contribute feedback.

Suggestive Gestures

Suggestive gestures are symbols of thoughts and emotions. An open palm can suggest giving or receiving ideas or a tangible item.

types of intentional movement that can be meaningful and support your presentation:

Taking a step forward helps emphasize a point. Moving a few steps back creates a distance that may help your audience process information. Making a lateral movement can help emphasize a transition in your speech. Standing in front or to the side of the lectern makes you appear more open to the audience. Combining stillness with a verbal pause can add drama or intrigue.

Facial Expressions

When used effectively, facial expressions can enhance your message. One of the biggest challenges for many speakers is relaxing their expression enough to communicate well when they are nervous. When anxiety is an issue, concentrate on what you can control. Practice facial expressions in front of a mirror or on video just like you would other forms of body language. Smile as you approach the lectern. Use your expression to communicate surprise, demonstrate appreciation, or show disagreement during your speech. As with most components of a public speaking, practice will help you use your facial expressions to your greatest benefit.

Ineffective Gestures

You may inadvertently communicate anxiety, frustration, or other discomfort when you present by exhibiting any of the following gestures: Gripping the lectern Clutching an object such as a pen or notes Fidgeting with clothing or accessories Tapping your fingers Biting or licking your lips