Think back to the last time you made a snap-decision on somebody not on the basis of what they said, but how they said it; how they were moving during your conversation. It is estimated that about 55% of the communication signals we take notice of aren’t spoken, but motioned. Even when speaking is impossible, we look for body language to fill the gaps.
Unfortunately, not all of us are efficient with our body language. Fidgeting, face-scratching, keeping our hands pocketed, moving too much, or even not enough often sabotages our best attempts at public speaking. As there as many people, so are the number of styles that we can use our bodies to communicate more effectively; so to improve our use of body language, here are a few clues and ways that you can use body language to your advantage so that you can become a more successful speaker.
Improving Mastery of Body Language
Here are a few clues and ways that you can improve your use and timing of body language so that you can become a more successful speaker.
1) Video Therapy
Practice your speech before a video camera, and watch out for the instances where you may adopt poor posture, let your head drop, or start fidgeting with your fingers. This is just energy trying to find a way to expend itself.
In subsequent practice runs, find a way to use those instances into something that supports the material. Are there visual aids to use? Can you use your hands to illustrate a point or even create scenery for the audience? There are many way that the energy one has during a speech can be focused towards a more successful presentation.
2) Moving Around
A lot of us still find ourselves glued to one spot on the floor, giving the podium a white knuckled death-grip as we push through our lines. It’s natural to do this as we are (often) speaking to a room of strangers and/or executive superiors. Yet with all the energy we would put into trying to “secure” ourselves to a piece of furniture, we could again channel it into effective movement.
Envision the space you have to present in, and while practicing your speech, move around the space, just to get a feel for it. Think about this space, and how you can use movement to put a physical dimension on your material.
Humans are hard-wired to become more interested in a moving object than one that stands still. When a speaker moves around the room and importantly, towards the audience, they instantly become more engaging. An audience is more receptive when they are familiar and comfortable with the speaker’s actions.
3) Do (almost) Nothing
A third and rather simple technique, one you can do anywhere anytime is visualization. People usually make and use images in order to remember complex things, because even thought they are compact, they contain a wealth of associated information and emotions.
Many of us go into a speech with the image of failure already on our minds. Here is where we can turn those thoughts to our advantage. When you have a couple minutes to spare, close your eyes and envision yourself confidently giving the presentation; how you will stand, your tone of voice, the body language you use to drive your supporting points home. Most often we will unconsciously straighten our back and act these thoughts out as we envision them.
Now keep these empowered images in your mind as you make your presentation. Notice how you begin to mirror the positive qualities and physical attitude of your ideal speaker. This simple technique tends to work on you and your audiences in positive yet mysterious ways as both begin to engage each other throughout the presentation.
Body Language Speaks Volumes
During a presentation, the body language sent out by the speaker is essential. It is picked up by the audience and sets the tone for the environment that the material inhabits. Proper physical cues can also help to draw your audience deeper into the presentation; and aid you as you gather instant feedback. Most important of all, it instantly establishes your credibility with the audience; it is there that you have won them over.