Unlocking the Power of Body Language in Public Speaking: 4-part series guide to presentation success (Part 1)

Presentation and public speaking abilities are critical in today’s fast-paced, communication-driven society. Your success can be greatly impacted by your ability to exude confidence and use gestures skillfully, regardless of the size of the audience or small team you’re speaking to. We’ll cover one of the four important topics related to public speaking in this article: displaying confidence through your posture.

1) Project Confidence with Posture

2) Use Gestures to Enhance Your Message

3) Maintain The Right Kind of Eye Contact

4) Pay Attention to Facial Expressions

Project Confidence with Posture

Your posture or poise conveys a lot about your self-assurance and speaking power. It sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and is the first nonverbal clue that your audience will notice. Here’s how to make sure your posture draws attention and exudes confidence:

Start by assuming a tall and upright stance, keeping your shoulders back and your feet firmly planted on the floor. This posture helps you breathe more easily and speak more clearly, in addition to giving off an air of confidence. You project control and readiness when your posture is aligned and your spine is straight. Leaning or slouching on podiums (or resting on one leg) might convey uncertainty or lack of preparation. Additionally, it may make you appear less powerful and smaller. Rather, keep your posture straight to project confidence and make sure you are the center of attention in the room.

Engage Your Core: You may keep a strong, yet non-stiff posture by using your core muscles. One way to keep your core engaged is to visualize/ imagine that there is a hook tugging on and pulling your chest outwards. Your overall presence and voice projection are enhanced by this natural alignment that engages the core and protrudes the chest (signalling confidence and reliability/ “sturdiness”).

Balance your body weight: Distribute your weight equally across both feet. Swaying or shifting can be unsettling and a sign of anxiety. Having a balanced posture gives you a strong base and keeps you focused and anchored. One way to achieve this is to visualize/ imagine you have a tennis ball under both the HEELS of your feet. Where would your body weight be inclined towards? Yes you’re right, the front portion, where the toes are. In this position, you will find fidgeting being reduced.

Mind your arms: Although it’s normal to use your hands when speaking, keep in mind that these motions can come out as tense or closed-off (i.e. “heed my words, you audience members know nothing! Let me lecture you, ignorant ones!” -> one can assume the impression that a closed-off posture will project). Instead, try to avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms. Keep your hands at your sides in a comfortable position or use them deliberately to highlight points.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in which we share tips with regard to the use of deft hand gestures as part of your body language strategy on to improve your public speaking and presentation skills!