The 7 Best Body Language Tips for Public Speaking
/Body language is an integral part of mastering public speaking. It gives you presence and authority. It can help you exude confidence, connect with your audience, and make a lasting impression. In a study on nonverbal communication, Albert Mehrabian came up with the famous 55-38-7 rule. He theorised that 55% of interpersonal communication is based on body language, 38% on the tone of voice, and 7% on words. Whilst I don't believe this is 100% true, especially in the business context, it clearly demonstrates the importance of body language.
What is Body Language?
Body language is using physical cues, such as posture, gestures, and facial expressions, to convey messages. It is a necessary form of nonverbal communication. Body language communicates the internal emotions that a person is experiencing.
Have you ever sat with a friend who looked a little sad? Maybe you asked them if they were feeling alright. Without looking at you, they give a big sigh, and their shoulders sink. And they respond flatly, "Oh, I am fine."
And immediately, you know, they are not feeling okay. Whatever that person was feeling, they were afraid to share. But how did you know that the person was not feeling well? The big giveaway is their body language. Their slumped posture, sad face, and lack of energy in their voice all conveyed that they were not feeling well.
Let's look at another example.
Think of a friend who just told you that they were getting engaged. What would that person look like?
Chances are they would be jumping with excitement!
They might be smiling ear to ear, and their eyes would be wide open. They might even do a little dance. You would immediately know that they were happy because of their body language.
As you can see, body language is a powerful form of communication. It can reveal what a person is thinking and feeling, even when trying to hide it.
There are many different types of body language. Some common examples include:
Posture: This refers to the way you hold your body. Good posture conveys confidence and power. Poor posture can show unease and make you look weak.
Gestures: Gestures are intentional or unconscious movements of your hands, arms, or head. They can be used to emphasise a point or to add visual interest to your presentation.
Facial expressions: Your facial expressions can convey various emotions, from happiness and excitement to sadness and anger. Pay attention to your facial expressions and make sure they match the feelings you want to share.
Now that we've covered body language let's move on to the seven best body language tips for public speaking.
7 Best Body Language Tips for Public Speaking
1. Watch Your Posture
When you are practising your presentations, it helps to practice in front of a mirror or use the record function on your computer or phone. How does your posture look to you? Do you look off-balance or uncomfortable? Or perhaps you look relaxed and strong. Your audience will immediately read your posture, so self-awareness, knowing how you look, is key.
Remember to stand up straight and avoid crossing your arms or legs. Both of these can make you look closed off and unapproachable. Instead, keep an open stance with your hands at your sides or in front of you. Being relaxed in an open posture will help you look more confident and approachable.
Good posture conveys confidence and shows your audience that you're in control. Keep your chin parallel to the floor and your shoulders back. Remember to breathe deeply and relax your body. When your body is relaxed, it will be easier for you to focus on your presentation. Your mind will not be distracted, and you will be able to engage with your audience more quickly.
2. Remember to Breathe
When it comes to public speaking techniques, one of the most important things is to remember to breathe. Your breathing can help you stay relaxed and calm during your presentation. It can also help to control your pace and regulate your voice.
The best way to breathe is from your diaphragm, and not from your chest. The diaphragm is the muscle located between your stomach and chest. When you breathe from your diaphragm, your stomach will expand as you inhale and contract as you exhale.
Here's how to breathe from your diaphragm, using your abdominal muscles:
Place one hand on your stomach, just below your ribs, and the other on your chest.
As you inhale, slowly and deeply, allow your stomach to expand. Yes, allow your belly to stick out.
As you exhale, tighten your stomach muscles and push the air out.
You will notice that most of the movement is in the stomach area and not the chest.
Now practice doing this naturally to see which part of your body moves the most. Is it your chest, belly or are your shoulders moving?
Breathing from the diaphragm and not your chest will give you the power you need in your voice to sound authoritative and convincing.
3. Use Hand Gestures
Hand gestures are a great way to add visual interest to your presentation. They can also help you emphasise a point and help your listeners to retain your key messages.
When using hand gestures, it is crucial to be aware of your body language. Avoid tight and unauthentic gestures as these will make you seem insecure and false. Again practise in front of a mirror or using the record feature on your computer.
Some common hand gestures that you can use in public speaking are:
Pointing: A single finger point can be used to shock and wake up your audience and a full finger point can be used to be more assertive.
Showing openness: Open palm gestures, palms upwards to the audience/ceiling, convey openness and honesty.
Talking about yourself: When using 'I', 'me' or talking about your feelings, touch your chest with your palms or fingers.
4. Maintain Eye Contact With Your Audience
Maintaining eye contact is essential for public speaking. It helps you connect with your audience and build rapport. When you make eye contact, it shows that you are confident and in control. It also helps to let the audience know you are fully in the moment with them.
Make eye contact with as many people as possible during your presentation. Don't scan the room, it is unnatural and robotic.
If this technique is new to you, welcome the first attendees and encourage them to sit at the front. They will be your 'friends'. Aim to speak to them personally, as individuals, at the beginning as you slowly gain confidence.
5. Move Around the Stage
Our brains are hardwired to follow things that move and so we are immediately engaged. So if you feel confident to move whilst presenting, plan where, how, and when you're going to move. Always move with purpose and strong energy. Be sure to not pace back and forth.
If you have a large presentation space and you stay static in one spot, this may signal you are a little restricted.
Depending on your personal style and goal, you may want to convey more passion and energy. If that's you, experiment with some movement.
That said, I have witnessed many powerful speeches with zero movement. Reflect on our incredible Noble prize winners and many famous political or social justice speeches where the individuals have stood behind a lectern.
6. Pay Attention to Your Facial Expressions
According to the research of Dr. Paul Ekman, human facial expressions are universal worldwide. Even the most isolated tribes in Papua New Guinea express happiness, sadness, and anger the same way the rest of us do.
Your facial expressions are essential for public speaking. They can help you convey your emotions and connect with your audience.
Some common facial expressions that you can use in public speaking are:
Smiling: A smile helps you come across as friendly and approachable. It can also help to build rapport with your audience.
Frowning: Frowning can help to convey seriousness or concern. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much frowning can come across as angry or upset.
Raising your eyebrows: Raising your eyebrows can help to emphasise a point. It can also help to convey surprise or disbelief.
7. Speak Clearly and Confidently
Confidence is critical in public speaking. Articulate well and speak clearly, and project your voice so everyone can hear you. Avoid filler words, such as "right, "you know", and non-words "um" or "er," and take pauses if you need to gather your thoughts.
Practising these body language tips will help you appear more confident and poised when giving a presentation. Just remember to relax and be yourself, and you'll do well!
Concerning public speaking, body language supports the words you say. Your body language can convey confidence, trust, and approachability. It can also help you emphasise a point or connect with your audience.
Coaching and Training to Master Public Speaking
Mastering public speaking is not a challenging or impossible task. Step by step, it can be fun and gratifying. With these seven body language tips, you can start your journey to becoming an engaging spokesperson.
If you want to discuss your organisation’s (corporate, NGOs, Associations and Universities) Public speaking or Presentation skills needs, I offer free 30-minute consultations through my site. I’d love to meet you.