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Tips on Body Language

When you’re speaking in public, your primary physical objective is to appear comfortable and confident on stage.  Many coaches specializing in presentation training will give you very specific tips on how to use body language to your advantage, but the primary tip is to do whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident.  Observe yourself when you’re not on stage.  When you talk with friends, do you move your hands a lot?  Then you should probably do the same when you’re on stage.  If you try to stifle your hand movements, you’ll simply feel awkward. Learn more in the video.

5 Responses to Tips on Body Language

  • The topic has me recalling Tom Peters [along with Nancy Austin and others] with their heavily caffeinated ‘body dynamic’ that was part and parcel of their platform method back in the 80’s … using the full width of the stage, bolting back and forth, waving arms … I don’t think they lost anybody in the audience but I have to say that a less affected approach in the latter years was a welcome sight.

    I’d add to the point regarding standing up that I’ve always felt more comfortable — and by extension, always gotten agreement from the audience — that a small group [6 or less] would be cause to primarily sit WITH them [around a table] while occasionally getting up to write on the board or point to something on a slide or just for the sake [flying in the face of the preceding Peters comment, huh?!] of maintaining some movement and interest.

    As for the general body dynamic, I find it fascinating just to ponder the crazy stuff that goes on with the human body under awkward circumstances – especially the hands … then the posture … then the overall movement. I can recall a tool I developed from my first formal [public speaking] training where I would make an effort to – AS I was speaking – maintain a subordinate consciousness of my fingertips, thinking “… ok, what are those crazy guys doin’” and from that be very deliberate in the use of my hands, arms, body and so forth.

    Aside from this offbeat approach, I generally find that it boils down to a couple key elements – for me anyway: 1) Slow down, breathe & think and 2) As much as you THINK it’s a presentation, it’s really [got to be] a dialogue …

    By no means have I perfected any of this, having a few great days, a lot of good days and few stinkers …

  • Firstly greetings,

    JDE events, I very liked your presentation technique..
    I will follow you

    BR

  • Hi Travis:
    I loved this article and the movie. That guy who made the presentation at the (you know where!) SHOULD read and see the movie before he did that presentation! Thank you for the tips about the subject.
    Abraços.
    Adelaide

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