Unlocking the Silent Symphony: Seven Ways for Public Speakers to Achieve Effective Body Language
Our language, as in the words we choose, plays a crucial role when presenting or public speaking. However, it’s important to remember that there is also another language, a silent yet formidable force, that is at play when we speak in front of an audience—the language of the body.
Effective non-verbal communication has the power to convey confidence and establish a connection with your audience. Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to mindfully use your body language in front of an audience—a pivotal and often underestimated aspect of persuasive and impactful public speaking.
1. Posture: The Foundation of Presence
Align Your Spine: A supported posture not only exudes confidence but also communicates authority, capturing and maintaining the audience's attention. Try using this spine roll down exercise before you step on stage.
Balance and Poise: If standing, distribute weight evenly between both feet, fostering stability and projecting a poised demeanor.
Open Stance, Open Reception: Avoid the closed-off posture of crossed arms, fostering approachability and receptivity.
2. Gestures: Speaking with Your Hands
Gesture with Intent: Purposeful hand movements can emphasize key points, and organically complement your speech, injecting dynamism into your delivery and enhancing audience engagement. Check out this article from Science of People with 60 hand gesture suggestions.
Measured and Mindful: Avoid excessive or erratic hand movements that may divert attention.
3. Facial Expressions: Establish Your Impression
Eye Contact: Establish a genuine connection by making eye contact with different members of the audience, conveying sincerity and building rapport.
Smiling: A genuine smile not only lights up your face but also conveys warmth, approachability, and a positive atmosphere.
Expression Alignment: Ensure facial expressions align with the tone and message of your speech, enhancing authenticity.
4. Movement: Navigate the Stage with Purpose
Purposeful Pacing: Move with intent, use strategic pacing to emphasize transitions or key moments in your narrative.
Use of Space: Utilize the stage wisely to engage different sections of the audience, creating a dynamic and inclusive experience.
Avoiding Distractions: Be mindful of excessive or aimless movement that may detract from your central message.
5. Silence Speaks Volumes: The Art of Pauses
Strategic Silence: Embrace the power of pauses, allowing moments of silence to punctuate and emphasize key ideas. Silence can help you reduce fillers, evoke reflection, and amplify the impact of your spoken words, says Forbes in The Power of the Pause.
Composure During Pauses: Maintain a composed and relaxed demeanor during pauses, exuding confidence.
6. Dressing the Part: The Visual Language
Attire and Authority: Your clothing and grooming contribute to the visual language of your body. Dressing appropriately for the occasion enhances your perceived authority and professionalism.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural considerations in attire, recognizing that different cultures attach varied meanings to clothing and accessories.
7. Embracing Vulnerability: Humanizing Your Presence
Balancing Professionalism and Authenticity: Strive for a balance between maintaining professional composure and letting your authentic self shine through, creating an engaging and approachable persona.
Each aspect of your non-verbal communication influences the impression you make on an audience. As you become more comfortable adjusting your posture, gestures, facial expressions, and movement, in order to orchestrate the impression you intend, remember that communication skill is like a muscle and takes time to strengthen. Be patient with yourself as you work to refine your non-verbal cues, for in doing so, you elevate not only your public speaking abilities but also the experience you offer to your audience. One effective way to practice effective body language when public speaking is to record yourself and then watch it back to identify any choices that are diluting your message or distracting your audience. Another is to practice in a safe space with an outside eye - check out Bespoken’s private training page for more details.
About the Author
Jackie Miller launched Bespoken in 2015 to channel years of professional performance experience into techniques that improve public speaking, presenting, and professional communication skills. She holds a B.F.A. and M.A. both from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.