When delivering a presentation, your body language serves as an equal component to the content you have prepared. In addition to the information you share, and, whether you are aware or not, you will be communicating with your audience using body language which will help convey your message and effect the way they perceive your arguments.
Your body When done well, effective body language will boost confidence during presentations for both the speaker and audience. Some tips to consider include:
Opening your ams and chest and keeping your back straight.
You will breathe better in this position and will therefore feel more relaxed
Use intonation to keep from sounding monotonous
Relax your shoulders
Place your hands behind your back lightly if you are prone to fidgeting
Do not put your hands in your pockets
Smile at your audience
It will make them feel more comfortable
Unless your topic is particularly grim, smiling is your best weapon
Move away from the podium
It created a barrier between you and the audience
Face your audience
Resist the urge to face the projector
Do not turn your back on your audience- it makes it harder for them to hear you and causes disengagement
Gesture with your arms and hands in a natural way
It will engage your audience and they are more likely to pay attention to you
Varying your gestures (head, arms, hands) will also help keep the audience's attention
Be careful not to point directly at anyone, but use your entire hand, preferrably in an open gesture
If you point to a slide of particular importance, make sure you look at the slide simultaneously. Your audience will follow your eyes and hand.
Use small and stiff gestures
This conveys authority and reinforces your audience's confidence in you as a speaker
Use the space
You do not have to stay in one spot for the entirety of your presentation
Moving around will help you feel more calm
It will allow you to engage with the audience more effectively
Do not move around too much- your movement should not distract the audience
Sell your story with gestures
Using positive gestures such as nodding, mirroring, using open gestures, etc. will help to win over your audience and convey your confidence.
Your voice The tone of your voice has an important impact, so use it to your advantage. Some things to consider with regard to speaking include:
Convey enthusiasm
Regardless of the subject matter, you should speak with an appropriate level of enthusiasm
Use intonation to keep from sounding monotonous
Speak to everyone in the room
don’t just focus on one or two people, they will feel uncomfortable and others may feel left out
Be conscious of your speed
When we are nervous we tend to speak faster than our usual speed, so slow down, pause between statements giving your audience time to digest what you have said Image by David Gallagher from Flickr
Be mindful of how you are speaking
Speak clearly and concisely
Speak from the heart
If your audience looks confused, take the opportunity to check-in with them to clarify any issues or misunderstandings
Your eyes Where you are looking during your presentation reveals your level of confidence and ability to engage with your audience.
Make eye contact
Actively engaging in eye contact will capture the attention of your audience and demonstrate your confidence in delivering the presentation
Scan around the room so that everyone feels included
Visually checking-in with your audience will allow you to recognise if their attention is dwindling
Do not spend too much time looking at the slides or your notes
This makes you appear unprepared for your presentation and disengaged with the audience
