Using Good Body Language

At every moment of your waking life, you are sending out nonverbal signals about your feelings and intentions. It’s possible to use this body language in a presentation to help reinforce your message. Keep an open posture at all times, avoiding crossing your arms or creating a barrier between you and the audience. Use hand gestures selectively for emphasis, but don’t gesture so much with your hands become a distraction. When relaxed, your body language will reinforce your message naturally, but using the appropriate gestures can help you disguise your nerves.

Remember the following tips:

·      Eye contact establishes positive rapport with your audience

·      Make eye contact with somebody in the audience at every available opportunity

·      Relaxed body language conveys confidence

·      An open jacket presents an image of honesty

·      Open hand gestures emphasize key points

·      Sharing a relevant anecdote will put you at ease when speaking

Presentation Do’s and Don’ts:

·      Do use simple, concise language whenever possible for clarity

·      Do use eye contact to obtain feedback from the audience. Their body language will reveal their reactions to your presentation

·      Do keep pauses specific and emphatic. Use them to show your audience to absorb what you say

·      Don’t ever apologize for your lack of speaking experience

·      Don’t mumble or hesitate. If you lose your place, stay calm until you find it

·      Don’t drop your voice at the end of each sentence. It will sound as if you are not sure of what you are saying

Finally, use the 3 Es in your presentation. Every presentation has three essential objectives. The first aim is to educate: the audience should learn something from your speech. The second is to entertain: the audience should enjoy your presentation. The final element is to explain: all parts of your speech should be clear to your audience.