uses of body language in presentation

Body Language in Presentations

The words you use during your talk certainly matter, but the body language presentation cues that you project are as important – if not more so – in getting your message to land as you intended.

The gestures you use, the eye contact you make, the expressions you convey, and your very movement through a room offer a multitude of nonverbal signals to your audience.

It’s through these body language presentation cues that an audience will make assessments about your credibility, your expertise, and your passion for the subject, as well as whether you are qualified to seek followers for the cause you are advocating, to suggest the changes you are recommending, or to pitch the product you are selling.

Even something as seemingly small as the number of seconds you maintain eye contact with your audience or the decisions you make about what to do with your hands when presenting can make a difference. It boils down to the impression your words and your actions are making. And as researchers have discovered, first impressions are formed in mere seconds and are often quite accurate and long-lasting. In a well-known study led by the late Nalina Ambady, a professor of psychology at Boston’s Tufts University, students who watched two-second video clips (with the sound muted!) of a group of professors formed similar impressions to the ones drawn by students during a full semester.

So how do you exhibit the right body language for presentation success?

Effectively using body language in presentations takes skill and practice. But before we get into the tips and strategies for how to achieve the right look and tone, let’s look at the basics of body language in professional presentations, as well as why it is important to be aware of your body language while giving a presentation.

What is the Importance of Body Language in a Presentation?

The proper body language in a presentation helps to convey that you have confidence in yourself and your message. A speaker who knows the importance of body language in an oral presentation can instill trust in the audience, which, among other things, helps to forge a connection. Further, a presenter who knows how to effectively employ body language presentation skills can help to emphasize the ideas that matter most.

If you are genuinely passionate about your subject, show it. A lackluster delivery not only belies your enthusiasm, but also does nothing to enhance the meaning and effectiveness of your words. What should your audience believe? The words you use to share how excited you are to be there, or the flat tone with which you delivered them? Typically, they’ll assume your monotone delivery is more indicative of your true feelings than your words.

Great physical communicators learn how to successfully align their facial expressions, gestures, movements, posture, and other nonverbal elements with their message.

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Presentation Body Language Basics

If you were delivering sad news, would you do it with a smile, a bright voice, and a bounce in your step? Or would you deliver it with a serious expression, a somber tone, and less pep? Any incongruity between your actions and your message is going to make it difficult for your audience to process, understand, and retain your message. You want your audience to be concentrated on your message and not the misalignment between your nonverbal movements and verbal delivery.

Your physical presence reveals your mental and emotional state to your audience – and everything about that presence should project that you feel comfortable, are in control of the room, and know your stuff. When it comes down to how to use body language to improve your presentation, it’s a matter of focusing on several key areas of your physical movements, including your eye contact, your gestures during presentation , and your presentation posture. (You can learn more about vocal cues here .)

When we work with our clients during our public speaking training sessions , we focus on how even small adjustments can make a difference in their delivery – such as a subtle shift of the shoulders, a more open stance, increased eye contact with their audience, and more natural and authentic gestures.

All these adjustments in your body language in a presentation can help to encourage audience participation, provide greater emphasis to your words, help you to appear and feel more natural, and increase your connection with the audience.

Eye Contact in Presentations: Why It’s Important

Given there is a large body of research  that reveals just how influential eye contact is when it comes to the assumptions, judgments, and perceptions people make about one another, it’s important to give more than, shall we say, a passing glance to how you plan to move your eyes about the room.

Authors, researchers, seasoned speakers, consultants, and trainers vary slightly on the exact amount of time to maintain eye contact with someone in your audience. It appears that a few seconds is the going rate. Or, to translate that into words – a sentence or two. We tend to approach it differently. We’ve found most speakers naturally strike a reasonable balance of how long to maintain eye contact with one person before moving on. If they focus too much brainpower on counting the seconds or tracking their sentences, it can trip them up.

So, instead, here’s a simple rule:

When looking at your notes, your slides, or any other place than your audience, you should not be talking. Any time you are communicating information, you should be looking at an audience member.

And you don’t want to be looking at just one person all the time. It’s important to have effective eye contact in your presentation skills toolbox. In this post , we dive more deeply into effective ways to lock eyes with multiple members of your audience, depending on the type of presentation and venue.

How to Use Facial Expressions in a Presentation

Animated and dynamic speakers know they have a fuller palette of expression to help tell their story when they enlist the more than 40 muscles in their face to move their eyes, nose, brows, and mouth. It is through facial expression that we convey emotions, including seven universal emotions identified by psychologist Paul Ekman through his decades of work. Researchers have found that your audience is likely to make assumptions about you, such as how intelligent, trustworthy, or confident you are, based on your expressions.

Here are some tips on how to better communicate through facial expressions:

Smile. Unless the material requires a more serious expression, smiling while presenting tends to convey warmth and competence, which can help you to connect with your audience. Be expressive. This is not a license to be a mime, but rather, to use your expressions to relay your enthusiasm, your excitement, and to reinforce and support your key points and ideas. Just as presenters are encouraged to expand their vocal range to avoid a monotone presentation, so too is it important to avoid a static expression throughout your entire talk. Observe your audience. Do they look confused? Disinterested? Just as your audience picks up cues through your facial expressions, you too may be able to make perceptions about your audience. (Just be mindful that not every neutral expression indicates boredom or disinterest.) Hone your talent. As with any language, using and practicing it leads to mastery. Nonverbal language is no different. As you practice and rehearse your talk, think about what your facial expressions are conveying and if they are effective. Do they align with your words? Do you appear natural and authentic? Do they support and reinforce your key ideas?

Correct Body Posture During a Presentation

It’s hard to think of a single situation where slouching would be advised – and a presentation is no exception. The correct presentation posture if you are standing is to …

• Square your shoulders with the audience
• Relax your stance. You are not standing at attention!
• Face them directly instead of tilting your body away from them. (The exception to this rule is when you are soliciting feedback from your audience. In that case, turning your body at a slight angle can encourage engagement.)

The correct presentation posture if you are sitting is to …

• Lean forward slightly
• Plant your feet firmly on the floor (avoid crossing your legs)
• Avoid slouching into the chair

Beyond the confidence this posture projects to your audience, researchers have found when you throw those shoulders back or sit upright in your chair, that feeds into your self-confidence , too.

How to Improve Body Language for Presentations

The best way to project body language in a presentation is to be natural. And while it may sound counterintuitive, one of the ways you can appear and feel more natural in your movements is to practice them. This is why it’s important to save some time for rehearsals or practice runs.

Some of the best ways to test your material and your delivery are to record yourself, offer a practice run to an audience of colleagues or friends, and recreate the run-through so that it is as close to the live event as possible.

And, please, this is not the time for harsh criticism. Use this opportunity to see where you did well, such as projecting a confident smile, standing tall, and maintaining meaningful eye contact. Also, look for the areas where you can improve. Did you employ effective body language with your PowerPoint presentation slides? (Here’s are some specific ways to improve your PowerPoint presentation through body language and gestures.)

If you were on a panel, did it appear as if you were slouching? Did you appear nervous or ill at ease? (Here are some ways to counter your fear of public speaking . ) Use this time to hone your skills. Every presentation – whether practice or “live” – is a chance to improve.

Success occurs with preparation, and growth occurs with practice, whether you are a novice or seasoned pro. Here are some specific ways to make the most out of that preparation.

Practice in Front of a Mirror

Record Yourself

There are several reasons that video recording a practice run-through – either with a camera or smartphone – will help your presentation run a whole lot smoother. In addition to tracking such things as your timing, your pace, and the overall flow of your presentation (For example, do you vary the time for each main point? Do you have a mix of message supports, including statistics, stories, and slides?), you also can analyze your body language. Here are some of the things you want to look and listen for:

• The pace, pitch, and tone of your voice and how effective those elements were in conveying your main points.
• How well you maintained eye contact with your “audience.”
• Your gestures and whether they add emphasis to your talk and reinforce key ideas.
• Any mannerisms that are creating distractions, such as pacing in a predictable pattern, fidgeting with your tie or jewelry, or constantly brushing your hair back.

Watch the tape, identify the two or three things you want to improve upon, and do another practice run. If you improve, add another element, and then do another practice run if you have the time.

Learn how to control your body language during a presentation!

Work with our experienced Throughline Group trainers to identify and use effective body language, including energy, gestures, and posture. Sign up today!

Rehearse in Front of Team Members

While a video recording can be an effective way to assess your presentation skills, rehearsing in front of an audience of colleagues is key to getting a feel for the “real” thing. It gives you a chance to assess the nonverbal communication of your audience in real-time, and make the body language presentation fixes that will help you to increase your chances that you are connecting with your audience and helping your messages stick. You can make these sessions more effective in several ways. They include:

Treating your practice like the real thing. Avoid caveats or skimming through sections ( “When I really give my talk, I’ll tell a funny story here.” ) Asking for honest reactions. Your team may be rooting for you, but they need to react honestly if your words are falling flat, your energy is low, or you are spending too much time looking and reading from your notes. Embracing slip-ups, technical difficulties, and distractions. You may be tempted to start over, but plow through any hiccups so you gain the confidence and experience in dealing with difficulties before your talk goes “live.”

  ( Here are 20 questions you can ask your practice audience. )

Additional Presentation Body Language Tips

Your facial expressions, your posture, and your eye contact are all important elements in your nonverbal delivery. But you have other body language presentation cues that you also can use to make your presentation more effective. Remember, your hands can do some “talking” and your feet can do some walking in the service of your speech.

Hand gestures during a presentation can be used to do many things, including:

• Adding emphasis to a word or point
• Pointing something out on a slide or other visual support
• Reinforcing a concept

In practice, this means you might hold your fingers up for each point you want to make ( “No. 1 is this …” ). Or, with an outstretched hand – palm open – you direct your audience’s attention to a point of data on your chart. Finally, if you are comparing two recommendations perhaps you pantomime a scale with your hands, indicating that one side should win out over the other.

As for movement, unless you must stay tethered to the lectern, make the most of your space. Movement is one way to keep your audience alert and its attention on you. This leads to a more dynamic presentation and better connection with the audience.

When done with intention and confidence, your gestures and your movement – really,  your overall body language in  a presentation – will help to solidify your credibility, reveal your control of your material and the room, and help you to emphasize your key points.

Here are some specific tips on how to incorporate these additional body language presentation techniques into your talk.

What To Do With Your Hands During a Presentation

You may have been told it’s best not to gesture when speaking, but in our work with clients we have found that speakers become less anxious, appear more natural, and remember and retrieve their words far more effectively when they gesture during their presentations.

And the research   backs that up. Gesturing not only adds emphasis and verve to your words but also can help you to better remember what you want to say.

However, there is a difference between gesturing and fidgeting. For instance, when you hold out your hand with the palm facing up when calling on someone during your Q&A, it is an effective and open gesture. It encourages engagement and connection. But, if you are hands are in constant motion, such as clasping and unclasping your fingers, twirling the ring on your finger, picking at your nails, or touching your face or hair, then your gestures can become a distraction.

When gesturing, remember to:

Be authentic.  Start with what comes naturally and work from there. Forced movement will be seen for what it is – forced. Be purposeful. Trade fast, undisciplined hand movements during the presentation for gestures with intent. Be open.  Avoid gestures such as pointing at your audience, gesturing toward them with your palm down, or crossing your arms – all of which can have a negative connotation or make you appear “closed” off and inaccessible. Be aware of cultural differences. Although certain presentation hand gestures and expressions fall under a universal language, gestures do not necessarily mean the same thing in every culture. For instance, your OK sign may mean just that, but to a person from another country, it might just be highly offensive. (Here’s a look at some of the more common nonverbal faux pas.)

What if My Hands Won’t Stop Shaking?

Anxiety has a way of hijacking whatever veneer of calm you, as a speaker, may have managed to induce before your talk. One of the ways your nervousness manifests itself is through your trembling hands. You may notice the shakiness as you organize your notes or take a sip of water. Most of the time, what you see as full-on earthquakes more typically come across as small-time tremors – if they are noticed at all by your audience. For most people, once the initial jitters ease, those tiny tremors fade. However, if that trembling never eases and you are wondering how to stop shaking hands during a presentation, it’s best to think beyond the symptoms and get to the core of the issue – anxiety. To do that, you must identify the cause of your fear – here are eight causes of public speaking fear – before you can find the techniques that will help you to reduce and manage it .

Photo by Martin Adams on Unsplash

Moving Around During a Presentation: Is That OK?

Movement is one way to keep your audience alert and its attention on you. Make the most of your space and your body language presentation skills so that you can create a more dynamic presentation and a better connection with your audience. What you don’t want to do is pace or create a predictable pattern in how you move around the room. That said, there are several ways you can utilize your space more effectively while walking during your presentation.

Here are several:

Use your movement to emphasize your points . You can begin on one side of the room and share your first, before moving to the other side for Point No. 2. Make your way to the center for your last point. Approach your audience. When answering questions or seeking participation, walk toward your audience. Avoid swaying. If you are standing still, try to avoid rocking from side to side. You can counter this by placing one foot about two to three inches in front of the other.

How You Dress is Important, Too

Here are a few tips:

Choose the outfit that best supports your message, which means knowing the tone you want to set about your topic and who you are. Purchase an iron or get your clothes pressed. You can certainly present in casual clothes, but wrinkles are a no-go in nearly any situation. Consider your accessories carefully. Ostentatious jewelry or lapel pins will probably attract more attention than you want them to. They also could interfere with your microphone. Be wary of fabrics that rustle or shoes that make noises when you move. Not only will that distract you, but your audience will notice it, too.

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• Delivery Techniques →

Body Language in Public Speaking: How to Master It

Public speaking can be daunting. Even seasoned speakers can sometimes lack confidence and poise in front of a crowd. Your words may be carefully constructed, but what about your body language? Are you making the best use of everything from your head tilt to your hand gestures to create the most impressionable, powerful performance? It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to improving your body language for public speaking. After all, there’s so much to take into account. Which can make you even more anxious! But never fear – in this blog post we’ll show you how to master your body language and make your public speaking more impactful. We’ll cover basics, like posture and facial expressions, to finer details, like microphone technique, to ensure you make the right impression every time. So let’s get started on taking your public speaking to the next level – the only way is up!

Quick Answer

Using body language when giving a speech or presentation can help to convey your message more effectively and engage the audience. Make sure to avoid any nervous habits such as fidgeting and maintain good posture. Use hand gestures and facial expressions sparingly and intentionally for maximum effect.

Understanding Body Language

Understanding body language is key for any public speaker to be successful in creating an impact. On one hand, researchers suggest that body language can provide insight into a person’s true feelings, intentions and thoughts.

Whether it be positive reinforcement like a thumbs-up or negative reinforcement like facial expressions of frustration - body language always plays an important role in the understanding of communication.

Additionally, during the speaking portion of a presentation, a speaker’s posture will affect their delivery, giving off strong signals of confidence and power when done correctly. On the other hand, many people have studied nonverbal communication and report mixed findings on its accuracy. 

Our own biases as individuals tend to influence our interpretation of what we observe in another’s body language. Context can also play a big role in how we interpret cues - something that someone may consider as confident body language could easily be considered intimidating or aggressive depending on the scenario and the audience it is being given to. Overall, understanding the basics of both verbal and nonverbal communication is essential for any successful public speaker to make an impactful statement. By understanding these essential differences between each form of speaking, a speaker can craft their presentation accurately and congruently in order to achieve their desired outcome. Now that an understanding of body language has been discussed, the following section will discuss "What is Body Language" in further detail.

Must-Know Summary Points

Body language, both positive and negative, plays an important role in communication. Body language can influence how successful a public speaker is, as their posture not only affects delivery but also signals confidence and power.

The interpretation of nonverbal communication, however, can be affected by the individual's biases and context-dependent cues. To make a successful impact through speaking publicly, one must understand both verbal and nonverbal forms of communication.

What is Body Language?

Body language is a form of communication that uses nonverbal cues, such as posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact to convey messages. It is defined as “ the behavior that one displays during communication through body movements, posture, and gestures .” 

Body language can be used to express a variety of emotions, including happiness, anger, sadness, confusion, or surprise. It is also an effective way to make a point or emphasize something important when delivering a speech. Body language can be both beneficial and detrimental depending on the context in which it is used. For instance, standing up straight with your arms crossed applied can make you appear more authoritative or confident. On the other hand, this gesture may come off as aggressive and intimidating if the tone of your message isn't aligned with the assertive body language. By being mindful of our body posture and movements before and during a presentation we can ensure that the message we are trying to convey is accurately interpreted by our audience. With a better understanding of how body language affects public speaking, we can use it to our advantage and create meaningful connections that foster trust and respect with our audience. In the next section we will explore how to use body language to make your public speaking more impactful.

The Impact of Body Language

When it comes to public speaking, what we say matters, but the way we say it matters even more. Body language is a universal language and can have an immense impact on how your message is received by an audience. Often times, before you have even said your first word, your body language has already spoken thousands of words to the audience. The lines of your face, curve of your throat, folds in your clothing and the look in your eye all speak volumes about how you are feeling and what kind of attitude you bring to the podium. For example, if a speaker appears tense or closed-off, it may cause some audience members to become defensive or uncomfortable. But if a speaker comes across as open and confident, it helps put the audience at ease and encourages them to respond positively to what they hear. Body language can also have numerous other nonverbal communication benefits during public speaking . For example, well-timed pauses , emphasis on certain points through gestures, and capturing attention with eye contact can all help take an average speech and turn it into something that really resonates with the listener. On the other hand, there’s no denying that people’s perception of body language can be highly subjective. While certain body language cues such as crossed arms may be indicative of being closed off to ideas that don't align with one’s own beliefs for some people, for others crossed arms may simply mean deep concentration.

So its important to keep in mind that how we interpret someone else’s body language largely reflects our own preconceived notions rather than calling out any specific trait of another person. The impact of body language when giving a public presentation should not be underestimated - it can turn a mediocre performance into something extraordinary by creating a connection with listeners and keeping them engaged throughout. Now let's take a closer look at how you can use body language effectively during public speaking to maximize this impact.

Body Language During Public Speaking

Body language during public speaking can have a huge influence on the delivery of your speech, as well as your overall success. The way you move and use your body to convey your message is one of the most important elements of delivering an effective presentation . Your body language can reveal how confident or hesitant you are about the material you’re conveying and how engaged or disinterested your audience is. When speaking in front of people, maintaining an open body language can demonstrate your confidence and help put them at ease. Some people tend to cross their arms when they become nervous , which can come off as confrontational or even hostile.

Your posture should be relaxed but upright—avoid slouching or hunching over, as this comes off as unprofessional and may signal a lack of confidence in yourself and your message. On the other hand, standing too straight and rigid can also be intimidating. Standing with your feet slightly apart in an open stance conveys openness and comfort with yourself and your message. Your facial expressions should also match what you’re saying—a grimace when telling a funny story, for example, is confusing for the audience. It’s important to stay aware of flinching or winking too much, which can make it seem like you’re not paying attention to what you’re saying or are uncomfortable with the content. Make sure to look out for any unintentional visual cues that might distract or confuse your audience. Keeping good posture and making sure your movements coincide with the flow of your speech will enable you to project confidence and enthusiasm that will keep your audience engaged throughout the duration of your presentation.

Your facial expressions play an equally vital role in helping you get your point across efficiently so it’s important to become aware of them while speaking. With greater awareness and practice, mastering nonverbal communication during public speaking will become easier and more natural. Next we will discuss how facial expressions and posture play key roles in how impactful a speaker is during public presentations.

Facial Expressions and Posture

The way we use facial expressions and posture when speaking publicly has a huge influence on how people perceive us. Our eyes, forehead, mouth, and chin all send organic cues to others about our feelings and thoughts.

It’s important to pay attention to the signals our faces are sending, making sure they are intentional rather than merely fleeting. Additionally, our posture speaks volumes when it comes to communicating with an audience. One of the most important gestures that can help you connect with your audience is smiling. A charming smile can boost credibility, increase positive reactions, and help keep the atmosphere light-hearted.

On the other hand, the opposite can also be true: frowning and furrowing your eyebrows may distract or upset a room of listeners. So practice your presentation with a big smile and choose wisely when changing expressions during your speech. In addition to facial expression, posture is essential in public speaking. Standing up straight and tall projects strength and authority while slouching signals weakness and uncertainty. By standing up with proper posture while speaking publicly you give off an impression of capability and confidence, which will make people better listen to what you have to say.

For example, when talking to an audience try planting your feet hip-width apart; this will ground yourself in your message. Slumping or swaying back-and-forth sends a negative message about self-belief that your audience can sense subconsciously; so pay attention to subtle adjustments that express dedication and seriousness for your speech topic . Overall, facial expressions and posture play an integral role in public speaking as they set up tangible associations with the message one is trying to communicate as a speaker or presenter. Next up in this article we will discuss practical tips for utilizing body language during public speaking.

Tips for Using Body Language in Public Speaking

When preparing to give a public speech , body language plays an essential role in connecting with and impressing your audience. It can be used to emphasize key points and create the kind of lasting impression you want to make. Here are some tips for using body language effectively: 1. Stand Confidently – A confident posture expresses power, passion, and conviction. Keep your hands at your sides instead of crossed over your chest as this has been shown to make people appear more defensive and tense. Make sure your body weight is well-distributed by standing with both feet firmly planted on the ground. 2. Don’t Fidget – People tend to fidget when nervous and this can be distracting or even annoying to an audience. To combat this, practice presenting in front of a mirror so that you can become familiar with how you move and where you may need to adjust. 3. Use Intentional Gestures – If done properly, gestures can help add energy and excitement to an otherwise dull presentation. Avoid robotic gestures that don’t mean anything; practice deliberate gestures that connect with the topic or point you are making in meaningful ways for maximum impact. 4. Make Eye Contact – People love it when presenters look them directly in the eye because it makes them feel included in the action, connected to their speakers, and more likely to remember what was spoken about. Aim for 3-5 seconds of direct eye contact with each person who is listening so that you communicate strong, vibrant energy throughout the room. By taking advantage of these speaking techniques and using meaningful gestures, powerful stances, and confident looks, you will have presented a far more impactful speech than had any of these body language methods been overlooked or neglected. Now, let's talk about common mistakes to avoid when delivering public speeches...

• Research studies show that a speaker's body language accounts for up to 93% of their communication when presenting (although this may not be true).
• Effective body language can help to create rapport between the presenter and the audience, leading to more effective communication
• Studies have shown that positive body language, such as open and inviting gestures, can help increase audience engagement and understanding of the message.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Public speaking is a challenging endeavor, and even seasoned presenters can make mistakes. It can be easy to forget about the need for attentive body language if you get too caught up in your presentation. To mitigate the possibility of ‘faux pas’, it is important to understand some common blunders that can lessen the impact of your performance. It is vital to avoid maintaining an unfavorable facial expression; for instance, scowling or yawning. Such expressions tend to leave negative impressions, making it difficult to maintain attention. Instead, try to adopt a relaxed and pleasant facial expression which will help put people at ease and keep them engaged.

Your posture is another essential aspect of body language. Don’t slouch or hunch your shoulders as this position communicates a lack of confidence or enthusiasm and disengages the audience. Aim to stand with even proportions; your feet shoulder-width apart with your chest held up and arms loose by your side. This establishes a stance that suggests dynamism, engagement, and assurance - words you want associated with yourself and your speech. On the other hand, it is also important not to contort yourself into an over-assertive pose that may distract from the content of your address. Many speakers adopt hyperextended poses such as spreading their arms wide and pacing back-and-forth across the stage setting their audience on edge rather than inspiring them with confidence in the speaker’s message. In conclusion, practice mindful body language when speaking publicly: maintain a friendly expression, appropriate posture, and avoid gestures that detract from what matters most -your presentation content! Building self-confidence to ensure successful public speaking requires both clever content delivery and skillful manipulation of body language – something we will explore further in the following section on building self-confidence while speaking publicly.

Building Your Self-Confidence

Confidence is the cornerstone of public speaking. It is essential for conveying effective messages and connecting with your audience. Building up your self-confidence before a speech or presentation will ensure that you are ready to deliver an impactful performance. Here are some strategic tips for increasing your self-confidence when you take the stage: 1. Practice, practice, practice – Before delivering a speech, engaging in multiple rehearsals helps individuals become more familiar and comfortable with their material. Rehearsing enables speakers to focus on specific points of their speech and practice the flow and delivery of their words with precision.

Additionally, rehearsing also provides an opportunity to perfect and enhance content that can potentially elevate the level of enthusiasm within your audience. 2. Boost your posture – Holding yourself in a “power pose” can be an effective way to channel confidence both onstage and offstage. Highlighting important moments with dramatic gesture indicates a grounded, passionate presence that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

When people feel as if they can trust and respect who is communicating a message, it increases engagement and creates opportunities to further dialogue or discussion afterwards. 3. Set attainable goals – Curating manageable objectives for yourself is another great way to build self-confidence before going on stage. This includes building out an agenda (also known as ‘ speaker notes ’) that lays out talking points and bullets important sections of your presentation beforehand so that you can confidently navigate transitions between slides or topics during delivery.

Setting clear expectations beforehand not only reminds the speaker what topics are of importance, but it also offers direction so speaking becomes easier when conducting research or writing scripts ahead of time.

4. Visualize success – Visualization is another form of preparation that can have significant effects on one’s self-confidence levels prior to taking the stage. It involves creating vivid mental images related to successful performance while simultaneously reminding oneself that they have successfully conquered other speaking engagements prior preceding this one; this essentially helps make it easier transitioning from anxiousness into preparedness pre-speech day nerves. Confidence can be seen as both an intrinsic quality associated with personality traits such as charisma, charm, poise and eloquence, as well as something environmental or situational like body language, external feedback or attitude surrounding a particular event or task at hand that contributes to overall comfortability levels onstage (or offstage).

Consequently it can be argued that one needs both external factors working in tandem with personality attributes to establish robust personal confidence capable of maximizing success onstage as a public speaker; however where people depict various levels of comfortability with how each contributes towards self-efficacy depends largely upon individual beliefs about their own character and abilities involving communication(s).

Ultimately, developing strategies for harnessing confidence for public speaking requires individuals to assess what works best for them based upon what makes them feel most prepared & competent when under pressure - that’s why it’s important to review all available options prior developing tactical plans designed to elevate public speaking performances; good luck!

Most Common Questions

How does body language emphasize content when public speaking.

Body language is an important factor when it comes to emphasizing content when public speaking. This is because people tend to take in nonverbal cues more than verbal cues. S

tudies have shown that 93% of communication is nonverbal, which means that what you do with your body language can be just as influential as the words you use.

When delivering a presentation or speech, gestures and movements can be used to emphasize key points, draw attention to certain ideas, and add depth and meaning to the content.

For example, making large hand gestures when discussing a significant idea helps communicate a powerful message, while pointing at relevant diagrams or visuals helps guide the audience’s attention toward important information.

Additionally, maintaining strong and confident posture while speaking also sends a signal of authority and helps engage listeners. Ultimately, by deliberately incorporating body language into presentations or speeches, presenters can effectively emphasize the content being presented and increase its impact on audiences.

What are some common mistakes to avoid with body language in public speaking?

One of the most common mistakes to avoid with body language in public speaking is not maintaining good posture. Keeping your head up and shoulders back shows confidence. Avoid slouching, which can make you appear uncomfortable or insecure.

Additionally, avoid excessive movements such as fidgeting, gesturing too much or rocking back and forth. These habits can be distracting to your audience and detract from the message that you are trying to get across. Another mistake to avoid is using negative gestures and facial expressions. Too many negative expressions like frowns or eyerolls can provide a conflicting message to your audience, weakening the impact of your words.

As a speaker, it’s important to project confidence, so negative body language can be counter-productive. Smiling or looking positive while speaking will give off a confident air and help keep the atmosphere positive and engaging. Finally, be aware of how much space you are taking up and remain conscious of what your body is saying. Invading too much personal space makes people in the audience feel uncomfortable.

Be sure to match people’s body language cues so that it doesn’t come off as aggressive or intimidating. By paying attention to these small nuances, you will be able to properly control your body language in public speaking and make a bigger impression on your audience!

What are the most important tips for using body language in public speaking?

The most important tips for using body language in public speaking are: 1. Establish good eye contact - to your audience, look around the room and make sure to engage people with eye contact at different points while you speak. 2. Use open body language - avoid postures that suggest discomfort or lack of confidence such as crossed arms, fidgeting, and avoiding direct eye contact. Instead, strive to use body language that suggests openness and comfort. 3. Use gestures to emphasize points - gestures can help engage your audience, amplify the message you're trying to get across, and give energy to your presentation. Practice beforehand what gestures will help accentuate each point in your presentation and use them appropriately when speaking. 4. Use facial expressions - don't just stand still like a statue! Make sure to smile, frown, use surprise and other subtle expressions as appropriate to convey emotion with your words and make your story come alive for the audience. 5. Vary Your Speech Pace & Volume - vary the speed of your delivery based on the content of your speech and don't forget about pushing up or down on the volume of your voice for multi-syllable words or when emphasizing a point – movement of your hands can be helpful too! Using these tips during public speaking can help make it more impactful and have better results in conveying your message across effectively to any audience.

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How To Use Body Language To Enhance Your Presentation Skills

How you physically hold and carry yourself makes a huge difference in how your audience receives your words.

Improve Your Presentation Body Language

As a manager, you know that mastering presentation skills is critical for effectively communicating ideas , motivating your team, and projecting leadership presence. But even if your message is compelling, poor body language can undermine your talk’s impact .

How you physically hold and carry yourself makes a huge difference in how your audience receives your words. Simple tweaks like standing with open posture, using natural hand gestures, maintaining eye contact, and having expressive facial reactions can dramatically boost your ability to captivate and connect with any crowd.

But how can you use all the tips to improve your next presentation ?

In this guide, we’ll help you understand all the small tweaks you can do to improve your presentation style . From building a strong stage presence to making sure that your audience doesn’t doze off , you’ll be able to become a speaker who naturally commands attention and gains trust.

So, let’s see how you can become a speaker that not only informs but also inspires.

Key Components of Effective Body Language in Presentations

Posture – conveying confidence and authority.

Proper posture is crucial for projecting confidence and professionalism while presenting. Stand tall with your shoulders comfortably back and down to achieve an open, grounded stance. Distribute your weight evenly on both feet, positioned shoulder-width apart in a power pose. This occupies space and subconsciously signals assurance and leadership capability. Avoid closed-off postures like crossed arms and legs, which telegraph discomfort or aloofness. Train yourself to stand upright often outside of presentations, as posture habits inform body language cues .

Keep your chin parallel to the floor and your head upright. This levels your gaze naturally to readily meet the audience’s eyes and establish an engaging connection . Periodically roll your shoulders back to keep your chest open if needed. Use torso twists to limber up before taking the stage. Stand with authority by clasping hands behind your lower back. Small posture adjustments like these will instantly lend you greater gravitas.

Hand Gestures – Adding Emphasis and Clarity

Hand motions are a powerful tool to punctuate words and underscore meaning, so use them with deliberate purpose. Open palm gestures fluidly direct the audience’s gaze, highlighting key points without unnecessary flourish. Sweeping hand motions also reinforce ideas spatially and describe size and shape. Avoid overuse of gestures which distract. Keep hand motions above the sternum where the audience can readily see them.

Prevent anxious habits like wringing hands or touching your face. Instead, drill smooth motions originating from the core that emphasise ideas. Calibrate hand gestures to your message’s tone using palm orientation, speed, size and range appropriate to each point. Well-executed hand motions timed to accent important content, clarify the presentation and amplify impact . But use sparingly, only when meaning is enhanced.

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Practical Application in Presentations

Integrating body language into presentation preparation.

When preparing your presentation , consciously plan how physical presence will complement the narrative. Script instances to stand tall to convey confidence at key points. Note when expansive gestures could underscore important ideas. Plan for natural eye contact with participants throughout the room. Identify areas where facial expressions might heighten engagement.

Practice fluid transitions between postures and gestures. Appropriately time movements and gestures to sync with speech patterns. Review the video to confirm body language aligns with your intentions. Refine through repetition to eliminate distracting motions and polish physical delivery.

Dynamic Body Language During Live Presentations

While presenting, let body language emerge naturally from the content while adhering to openness, purpose and confidence principles. Avoid remaining static, or you may disengage the audience. Move with an intention to occupy the stage using diagonal crossing patterns. Pivot your torso and stance when transitioning.

Continually scan the room, making eye contact . Use sustained gestures more dynamically when speaking passionately to boost energy and enthusiasm. Allow facial expressions to reflect the speech’s emotion. Respond physically to audience reactions. Adjust pacing, gestures, and proximity as needed to recapture wandering attention. An authentic , dynamic physical presence will keep your audience engaged .

Simple Exercises to Enhance Body Language Skills

Daily routines for better posture.

Building better posture requires daily practice. Set reminders so you periodically stand tall and roll your shoulders back to open your chest. Stretches like overhead reaches target tight muscles that pull shoulders forward. Yoga poses that extend the spine help counteract slouching. Perform exercises like planks to build core strength for a balanced stance.

Use visualisation techniques daily, too – imagine balancing a book atop your head as you walk. Adopt grounded public speaking stances like hands clasped behind your back. The more upright postures become an ingrained habit, the more poised and confident you’ll appear when presenting.

Practice Drills for Effective Hand Gestures

Avoid small, jittery hand motions – instead, drill broad, purposeful gestures that fluidly originate from your core. Rehearse synchronised motions in front of a mirror, timed to match speech patterns. Mark words for emphasis gestures on your script or teleprompter.

Vary gesture size and speed to fit the tone of your message. Watch TED talks and replicate speakers’ effective motions to expand your repertoire. With consistent practice, gestures will become a seamless way to emphasise key points and amplify your presentations.

If you are looking for In-House Presentation Skills Training for a group or teams, please see our

Advanced Body Language Strategies for Presentations

Adapting body language for diverse audiences.

Tailor your body language approach based on audience demographics to increase engagement:

• Research cultural norms on gestures and personal space to avoid miscommunicating with international attendees.
• Adjust formality appropriately for executives versus new hires.
• Adjust gestures to be visible and expressions to be exaggerated if presenting to an audience with visual or hearing impairments. Use simplicity, repetition, and descriptive language.
• Make body language inclusive by scanning the full room with eye contact, not just focusing on leadership.
• Naturally pace stance and gestures to resonate across generations.

Responsive, adaptive physical presence fosters audience connection.

Context-Specific Body Language Techniques

Adjust techniques based on the presentation context. Subtle, confined gestures suit lecterns, while expansive motions engage stage audiences. Convey passion facially and physically for motivational speeches. A CEO may feature formal postures, while an engineer can relax formality for tech demos. Conversational gestures engage small groups.

For video conferences, look into the camera when speaking, then pan side-to-side to show attentiveness. Lean slightly forward on intensifying words. Exaggerate nods, smiles and frowns for clarity onscreen. Contextual mastery makes every talk more effective.

Body Language in Digital Presentation Platforms

Challenges and strategies for virtual presentations.

Presenting through video conferencing poses body language challenges:

• Limited mobility due to being seated and on camera can make presentations feel static and disengaged.
• Distance from the camera may mean facial expressions and subtle gestures get lost.
• Lack of audience visual feedback is difficult.

However, some strategic tweaks can help amplify your virtual presence:

• Stand and gesture when possible to emulate live delivery . Incorporate periodic movement.
• Position the camera at eye level and look directly into it to simulate eye contact.
• Use visual aids like slides or images behind you for audience focus.
• Request audience webcams be on for virtual nods, smiles and eye contact.

Effective Use of Body Language in Video Conferencing

When presenting via video chat platforms:

• Properly position the camera at eye level to emulate eye contact.
• Look into the camera when speaking, then pan to side screens to view participants’ faces.
• Project confidence through purposeful posture and avoid distracting fidgets off-screen.
• Convey energy by varying pace, emphasis gestures, and vocal delivery.
• Use exaggerated facial expressions for clarity onscreen.
• Occasionally lean forward subtly on key points for intensified engagement.
• Send “looking to audience” visual cues before asking questions.

Proper use of virtual body language techniques makes online presentations more dynamic and impactful.

Elevate Your Presentation Skills With Impact Factory

Now armed with evidence-based techniques to amplify your body language impact, it’s time to put these tips into practice. Reflect on your upcoming presentations and identify areas needing improvement. Set goals to integrate one new technique per talk until a powerful physical presence comes naturally. Also, continue observing seasoned speakers to expand your skills repertoire .

For professionals seeking to master presentation skills beyond just body language, our Impact Factory Presentation Skills Training Course offers an intensive learning experience. The program elevates verbal delivery, content structure , audience engagement, and physical presence through hands-on sessions with expert coaches.

The course features modules dedicated to body language mastery, including stance, movement and eye contact for gravitas. However, you’ll also be able to identify your strengths, learn how to become less nervous and make your presentations more engaging.

So, whether you need to pitch ideas within the company, win over new customers, enchant stakeholders in a boardroom or talk to the public and media, you’ll become more confident and learn how to craft a presentation that allows you to reach your goals .

To learn more about our transformative presentation training, browse through our offer of courses or email [email protected]. Our knowledgeable coaches provide personalised guidance to dramatically boost your public speaking capabilities .

Contact us today to amplify your presence and confidence as a presenter.

What are soft skills for body language?

Key soft skills for mastering body language include:

• Self-awareness – recognising your natural gestures
• Empathy – reading others’ nonverbal cues
• Adaptability – adjusting body language by context
• Active listening – paying attention to others’ signals
• Authenticity – using gestures that feel natural

What are the 5 P’s of presentation skills?

The 5 P’s are a framework for excellent presentations:

• Planning – research and outline content
• Preparation – create slides, handouts, notes
• Practice – rehearse delivery out loud
• Presentation – deliver material confidently
• Post-Evaluation – review feedback afterwards

What is the 5/5/5 rule for better presentation?

The 5/5/5 rule suggests:

• 5 key points maximum per slide
• 5 words maximum per bullet point
• 5 text-heavy slides maximum in a row before visuals

This technique improves engagement by simplifying slides and varying content types.

Related Articles:

Here are more resources to help you plan your next steps:

• Presentation Skills Training – Browse through our offer to see what you can gain from the training.
• Presentation With Impact – In this course, you can find your unique presentation style and sharpen your skills to perfection. Explore what our course has to offer.
• Tips To Improve Your Presentation Skills From Industry Insiders – Learn more about small yet impactful tweaks to your next presentation so you can captivate the audience and reach your goals.
• How To Create Impactful Presentation Slides – The days with slides full of barely readable text are long gone. Explore our tips to make your slides more engaging.

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7 Body Language Tips to Ace Your Next Presentation

• By Judhajit Sen
• April 25, 2024

Key Takeaways:

• Body Language Impact : Effective body language is essential to improve your presentation, boosting audience engagement and speaker credibility. Maintain a confident posture to create a connection and convey confidence.
• Presentation Mastery : Mastering presentation skills involves minor adjustments in body language, such as an open posture. These adjustments significantly enhance audience engagement and message delivery.
• Body Language Consistency : Body language for presentations should align with the content of the presentation, emphasizing vital points and fostering clarity and persuasion. Being conscious of body language adds authenticity and impact to the delivery.
• Pre-Speech Preparation : Preparing body language to enhance presentations is as crucial as content preparation. Practicing before a mirror or recording helps refine delivery and ensure alignment between verbal and non-verbal communication.

The importance of body language in great presentations cannot be overstated. Using it effectively can boost your chances of clinching deals or winning over your audience. For example, maintaining eye contact helps create a connection and exudes confidence.

Conversely, bad body language can be a deal-breaker. Fidgeting can give the impression that you’re not confident and relaxed. Remember, your body speaks volumes, so don’t neglect to improve your body language in presentations.

Mastering presentation skills is vital for effective communication. Minor adjustments like expressive facial expressions can significantly enhance your ability to engage any audience.

A good presentation isn’t just about what’s on the PowerPoint slides; it’s also about how you use body language to present yourself. Being conscious of your body language adds clarity and persuasion to your  public speaking , pitch or project presentation.

Your body communicates even before you speak. How you stand and hold yourself can engage your audience or leave them uninterested. So, alongside perfecting your content, hone your body language skills.

Positive body language is a powerful tool to enhance presentations, demonstrating confidence and gravitas. It’s a skill you can develop to deliver impactful presentations consistently.

In presentations, your audience not only listens but also observes. Effective body language techniques reinforces your message, while poor body language undermines it. Understanding these non-verbal cues is essential, as they form a significant part of communication, often outweighing verbal communication. Therefore, body language is a powerful tool to engage your audience.

The following are seven body language tips for presentations.

Pose with Confidence

To pose confidently during a professional presentation, adopt a power pose to establish authority, such as standing with feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips, and chin lifted. However, use these poses sparingly to avoid appearing intimidating.

Maintain a stable stance throughout your talk by planting your feet and refraining from shifting which can convey uncertainty. Purposeful movement, such as walking to another area of the stage, should be deliberate and accompanied by brief stops and eye contact with the audience.

Stand tall with your shoulders and face the audience to project confidence and command attention. Avoid crossing arms, which may signal defensiveness, and focus on keeping the lower body still while allowing movement in the upper body to engage the audience effectively. By adopting these confident poses, speakers can convey assurance and captivate their audience without appearing rigid or closed off.

Maintain Eye Contact 

Eye contact is crucial in presentations, aiding in audience engagement and establishing a connection. Maintaining eye contact throughout your presentation makes listeners feel directly addressed and keeps them attentive.

To effectively connect with a large audience, focus on a few individuals across the room  instead of attempting to make eye contact with everyone. Holding a person’s stare briefly signals attentiveness without causing discomfort.

However, striking the right balance is essential. Avoid prolonged staring, which can make others uneasy. Instead, shift your gaze every few seconds to convey confidence without appearing overbearing.

Nervousness may lead to avoiding eye contact, while excessive confidence can result in prolonged stares. Aim for a middle ground, making eye contact for about two seconds per person and adjusting as needed.

While speaking, transition your gaze to a new listener, maintaining a steady flow of engagement. Avoid sweeping the room aimlessly, as it may convey uncertainty.

Remember, eye contact is a learned skill that improves with practice. Start by focusing on friends and gradually incorporate these techniques into presentations. These simple tips can enhance your presentation delivery and make you a more persuasive speaker.

Use Hand Gestures

Hand gestures play a pivotal role in presentations, aiding in stressing important points, expressing emotions, and exhibiting passion for the topic. They demonstrate enthusiasm and engagement but should not distract from the message.

Research shows that effective hand motions contribute to successful presentations. Use purposeful gestures while speaking to enhance audience connection and comprehension. Utilize fingers to count points, emphasizing important ideas effectively.

Purposeful hand motions punctuate words and convey meaning. Avoid jittery movements, opting for broad, deliberate gestures originating from the core. Maintain motions above the sternum for visibility and clarity.

Practice synchronized gestures to match speech patterns and vary size and speed according to tone. Incorporate welcoming motions to engage the audience positively. Avoid distracting habits like fidgeting or pointing.

Use your hands to gesture symmetrically on essential words, keeping hands comfortably at your side when not in motion. Balance static posture and exaggerated hand motions to maintain audience interest without appearing unnatural or over-rehearsed while giving a presentation.

Employ gestures to clarify messages, engage the audience, and draw attention to visual aids. Use your hands to emphasize vital points and convey energy and authority. Practice and adjust hand motions based on room size for optimal impact.

Use Facial Expressions to Complement Your Message

Facial expressions are crucial in presentations, conveying emotions and building rapport with the audience. Expressing passion and authenticity through facial expressions fosters audience connection and trust.

However, it’s essential to strike a balance. Overly exaggerated expressions may appear insincere, while a blank face can disengage listeners. Stand in front of a mirror and practice facial expressions to refine your delivery.

During presentations, use expressions to complement your message. Expressions can effectively convey enthusiasm, concern, or surprise, enhancing audience engagement.

A smile is particularly powerful. It instantly creates a positive impression and fosters a friendly atmosphere. Incorporating smiles throughout the presentation makes you more approachable and helps alleviate personal stress.

Remember, your expressions play a significant role in communication. Being mindful and aligning them with your message enhances clarity, sincerity, and audience perception of trustworthiness. Adjusting expression size based on audience size ensures visibility and effectiveness.

Improve Your Posture

Posture is pivotal in presentations, influencing audience perception and speaker confidence. Maintaining proper posture projects professionalism and assurance, fostering audience engagement.

Stand tall with shoulders back and down, distributing weight evenly for an open, grounded stance. Avoid closed-off stances like crossed arms, which convey discomfort. Chin parallel to the floor and head upright facilitate eye contact and connection with the audience.

Practice standing upright regularly to cultivate confident body language. Set reminders to roll shoulders back and perform stretches targeting tight muscles. Visualization techniques , such as imagining balancing a book, reinforce good habits.

Avoid slouching or appearing tense during presentations, as these convey a lack of confidence and interest. Relaxation techniques , like deep breathing, help alleviate nervousness. Adapt to suit the audience and setting, maintaining openness and adaptability.

Whether sitting or standing, upright posture sets the tone for the presentation. Avoid slouching or appearing rigid to convey confidence and engagement. Be adaptable to different presentation setups and prioritize an open, communicative posture throughout.

Control Your Breathing and Delivery

When delivering a presentation , it’s easy to get caught up and speak too fast, causing the audience to tune out and leaving you breathless. Staying relaxed during your presentation and stopping to breathe ensures clarity and coherence and helps regulate voice pitch and tone, conveying confidence and calmness.

Feeling nervous or excited before presenting is common, often leading to a fast speech and breathlessness. Remind yourself to relax. Regardless of emotions, maintaining normal breathing rhythms is essential to feel relaxed during a presentation and seizing control of the situation. Controlled breathing allows moments for gathering thoughts and enables the audience to absorb information effectively.

Timing your breathing is crucial. Relax throughout your presentation. Too short, and you may appear flustered; too long, and it disrupts the flow. Incorporating brief silences after delivering a sentence or two establishes a steady rhythm, keeping the presenter and the audience engaged. This rhythmic cadence fosters focus, curiosity, and presenter composure, ensuring a smooth and controlled delivery.

Plan Your Movement

Incorporating movement into presentations enhances audience engagement and energizes delivery. Simple actions like stepping forward or gesturing with hands can reinforce crucial points effectively. However, excessive movement can be distracting, necessitating a balanced approach.

While it’s important to stand still for the majority of the talk to convey confidence and authority, planned movements strategically interspersed with breaks in content can enhance impact. Each movement should accompany a complete thought or point. Avoid pacing aimlessly and create a sense of purposeful progression.

On larger stages, controlled movement can engage different sections of the audience. Clear, purposeful movement around the stage towards or away from the audience can enhance interaction and demonstrate attentiveness to their involvement.

Strategic use of the stage, stepping out from behind the podium, communicates comfort and confidence in the topic. However, natural movement is key to avoiding the appearance of nervousness or distraction. By moving purposefully, speakers can maintain audience attention and convey confidence without detracting from the message.

Maintain a stable stance throughout your talk by planting your feet and refraining from shifting which can convey uncertainty. Purposeful movement, such as walking to another area of the stage, should be deliberate and accompanied by brief pauses and eye contact with the audience.

Mastering Confident Body Language for Impactful Presentations

Body language speaks volumes in presentations, influencing audience perception and speaker confidence. Every movement conveys a message. Effective body language enhances communication, fostering engagement and trust. 

Maintaining eye contact establishes connection and authority. Purposeful hand gestures emphasize key points, while controlled breathing regulates speed and tone, ensuring clarity and composure.

Strategic movement adds energy and visual interest, but excessive footwork can distract. Power poses exude confidence, but moderation is key to avoid intimidation.

In presentations, your body communicates even before you speak. Understanding and mastering body language is crucial for consistently delivering impactful presentations. By honing these skills, you can captivate your audience and convey your message with clarity, sincerity, and authority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is body language important in presentations?

Body language is crucial in presentations as it can significantly impact audience perception and speaker confidence. Maintaining eye contact and confident posture helps establish connection and authority, while purposeful hand gestures emphasize key points. Effective body language enhances communication, fostering engagement and trust.

2. How can I pose confidently during a presentation?

To pose confidently, adopt a power pose sparingly, such as standing with feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips, and chin lifted. Maintain a stable stance throughout the talk, avoiding shifting or pacing. Purposeful movement, such as walking to another area of the stage, should be deliberate and accompanied by brief pauses and eye contact with the audience.

3. What role does breathing play in presentation delivery?

Breathing is essential for regulating voice pitch and tone, conveying confidence and calmness during presentation delivery. Taking pauses to breathe ensures clarity and coherence, allowing moments for gathering thoughts and enabling the audience to absorb information effectively. Controlled breathing establishes a steady rhythm, fostering focus, curiosity, and presenter composure.

4. How can I effectively incorporate movement into presentations?

Incorporating movement into presentations enhances audience engagement and energizes delivery. Simple actions like stepping forward or gesturing with hands can reinforce key points effectively. However, excessive movement can be distracting, necessitating a balanced approach. Strategic movement towards or away from the audience sustains visual interest and demonstrates attentiveness to their involvement, while natural movement avoids the appearance of nervousness or distraction.

Master Confident Body Language for Impactful Presentations with Prezentium’s Interactive Workshops!

Unlock the power of body language to captivate your audience and deliver impactful presentations. Join our AI-powered business presentation service and interactive communication workshops to refine your posture and gestures.

Learn to establish authority with power poses without intimidating your audience. Discover the art of maintaining a stable stance while strategically incorporating purposeful movements for engagement. Our presentation training programs provide practical tips to enhance eye contact and hand gestures, fostering authenticity and enthusiasm in your delivery.

Don’t let bad body language sabotage your presentations. Invest in mastering confident body language with Prezentium ‘s workshops today, and stand out with confidence in every presentation!

Why wait? Avail a complimentary 1-on-1 session with our presentation expert. See how other enterprise leaders are creating impactful presentations with us.

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Seven Top Body Language Tips for Better Presentations [2023]

November 29, 2023

Better Body Language is a Key Presentation Skill

You can use positive body language to enhance your presentations. body language can be a powerful tool to engage your audience, demonstrate gravitas and deliver a more impactful presentation., developing good body language for presentations is a real skill.  and it’s a skill you can improve.  over the last 15 years our presentation coaching has helped thousands of people to be comfortable and successful.   if you need help, do please get in touch. we run in-house and online coaching sessions for business executives. it’s fast and good value., our presentation experts have put together a list of great body language tips you can use to improve your next presentation. and we’ve gathered some videos so you can see these body language tips in action., here is a quick guide to good body language and how to use it when presenting:.

Improve your presentation body language – top tips Use your body language to show confidence Use your hands to emphasize points Make eye contact Use your facial expressions to show emotion Use your body movement to add energy Beyond body language: use props effectively Practise good body language and stage presence

1. Use your body language to show confidence

Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, and make sure your body is facing the audience. This will help you project confidence and command attention. Avoid crossing your arms, as this can make you seem closed off or defensive. Keep the bottom half of your body relatively still and put all your movement in the top half of your body.

2. Use your hands to emphasize points

Our clients frequently ask “What should I do with my hands?”.

Hand gestures are best used to emphasise key points. They also add energy to your presentation, particularly when you use them above shoulder-height. Jill Bolte’s TED talk demonstrates this well. Too much movement can be distracting, however. Lots of tiny movements or flapping your arms around makes you look smaller and unconfident. Go for big, bold, purposeful gestures that you hold for a few seconds. These convey presence, leadership and authority.

When you aren’t using your hands to emphasise what you’re saying, hold your hands slightly in front of you, with bent elbows. That’s what good body language looks like. You may find this feels odd at first – but watch Ken Robinson to see how effective it can be. If you are using a lectern, then above-shoulder gestures will be the only ones your audience can see. If you choose to rest your hands on the lectern, keep them hands loose and relaxed. Avoid looking as though you are hanging on for dear life!

3. Make eye contact

Making eye contact with your audience helps establish a connection and shows that you are confident and engaged. To use your body language most effectively try to make eye contact with different people throughout the room, rather than just focusing on one person.

What would you think if  I didn’t look you in the eye?

Or if I avoided your gaze? Or if I looked down every time I said something? What impression do you get?

You need good eye contact to be a good presenter..

We like people who can make eye contact (remember the last time you were flirting with someone?). We trust people who can   “look you in the eye” . We want to see people “ eye-to-eye “.

When presenting or speaking in public you will get a better reaction  if you improve your eye contact. Eye contact is a learned skill that takes practice.  From extensive work with our clients, here are some easy tips you can apply for powerful eye contact:

• Only talk when you are looking at someone. No more looking into your notes or staring into the middle distance.
• Spend one or two sentences talking to each person. Get some ‘quality time’ with each person.
• Hold your eye contact until the end of the sentence.
• If you are nervous, if you don’t like looking into someone’s eyes, then look at their forehead or nose.
• Practice improving your eye contact. Start with friends. Make them point out each time your eye contact drops.

Just these simple tips for powerful eye contact will make you a more convincing and persuasive public speaker.

This is such a simple body language trick. Many people underestimated how powerful it is.

4. use your facial expressions to show emotion.

Your facial expressions can convey a lot of emotion and help engage your audience. Good body language means using facial expressions to show enthusiasm, concern, or surprise, depending on the content of your presentation.

5. Use your body movement to add energy

Adding some movement to your presentation can help keep the audience engaged and add energy to your delivery. Good body language can be as simple as taking a step forward or backward when making a point, or using your hands to gesture.

As with hand gestures, deliberate movements that emphasise your content work well. But too much movement is distracting. Getting the balance right takes practice.

Aim to stand still for the majority of your talk. This will convey confidence and authority. Plan in advance when you will move, combing those movements with breaks in your content. Express a full thought or point in your new position before moving again. Avoid pacing, which makes a speaker look distressed. Make a point, move to another part of the space and make your next point. Aim to emulate a pleasant countryside walk from viewpoint to viewpoint, rather than a nervous wait outside a labour ward!

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6. Beyond positive body language: use props effectively

Props can be a great way to add interest to your presentation and help illustrate your points. However, be sure to use props sparingly, as too many can be distracting.

7. Practise good body language and stage presence

Your stage presence, or the way you move and present yourself on stage, can greatly impact the effectiveness of your presentation. Practise your stage presence by rehearsing in front of a mirror, or by recording yourself and watching the footage. This will help you avoid any negative body language.

By using body language effectively during your presentations, you can engage your audience and deliver a more impactful message. Remember to pay attention to your posture, hand gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, body movement, and stage presence, and practice using these techniques to enhance your presentations.

As soon as we become conscious of our bodies, they get in our way. When we’re faced with an audience, we become like learner drivers, frozen and unnatural. Advice to ‘act naturally’ isn’t useful, as being watched isn’t natural. Besides, communicating to an audience requires different body language than everyday, one-to-one communication.

Your body language matters when presenting.

We’ve all seen powerful speakers, whether in person or on platforms such as TED.com. We use words like ‘charisma’ and ‘presence’ to describe impressive speakers. But some speakers are uncomfortable to watch. Others use such distracting body language that we cannot focus on what they are saying.

Good body language with strong, positive non-verbal communication can be more powerful. Here, we share our top tips for best use of your hands, eye contact and on-stage movement.

These top tips will help you improve your body language when presenting.

• Take control of your body language
• Ignore ‘Just act natural’ advice
• Get feedback and increase your body language self-awareness
• Establish good eye contact
• Use your hands when presenting
• Command the space where you are speaking
• Start with good content in your presentation

Remember, for Effective Body Language, Take control

Non-verbal communication has three uses , according to David Lambert.

replace speech (e.g. a wink)

Reinforce speech (e.g. nodding while saying ‘yes’) a, give clues about our true feelings (e.g. fidgeting when nervous)..

Successful speakers use open, controlled and strong gestures that reinforce their message . Less successful speakers contradict what they say with their non-verbal behaviour.

For instance, if your body language suggests nervousness when you speak, the audience will interpret this as a lack of confidence in your own message. Equally, if you fold your arms while you speak, you create an implied barrier between you and your audience. That’s why successful leaders learn how to control their posture and gestures to avoid negative or distracting body language.

Better Body Language: Just acting ‘naturally’ doesn’t work

Speaking to large groups of people isn’t a natural situation, so aiming to behave ‘naturally’ is an unhelpful goal. In fact, to transfer energy and enthusiasm to your audience, you need to be ‘more’ than you would normally be in smaller-scale interactions.

For example, to be impressive when presenting you need to be more expressive and more powerful in your command of space.

Positive Body Language: Increase your self awareness

At Benjamin Ball Associates, we film our clients during our coaching sessions. When they watch the footage, they are often surprised to see their body language contradicting their message.

For example, one speaker subtly shook his head in a ‘no’ gesture’ when he was answering ‘yes’ to a question. For a low-tech alternative, try delivering your talk in front of a mirror or recording yourself on a phone.  Learning how to watch yourself and improve from self-analysis is key.

A better presentation is the first step to better delivery

If your presentation is weak, even the best body language will leave audiences unmoved. Conversely, the better your presentation, the more confident you’ll feel about delivering it. You’ll find that your body language naturally improves once you feel confident and comfortable about your presentation.

That’s why we focus on getting that right first. In our presentation coaching We:

• Ensure you have a clear message
• Create a subtle structure that gently guides your audience
• Strengthen the language you use, so it is more powerful.
• Refine the start of your talk and end of your presentation until they produce maximum impact.

Then you’ll find polishing your body language much easier.

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It’s full of practical tips and insightful quotes that will help you make immediate improvements to your leadership talks and presentations, including:

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We can transform your presenting skills and your body language in as little as a few hours.

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The Importance of Body Language in Presentations

All eyes are on you.

Before you’ve even spoken the first word, your audience can already read how you’re feeling through your body language.

Nonverbal cues are the key indicators of your true emotions. If you’re a nervous presenter, this doesn’t work to your advantage, but fear not, as it is a skill that can be taught and mastered with practice.

We’ll dive into the importance of body language in presenting, which nonverbal cues are most important when presenting and what not to do when all eyes are on you. Plus, how to use body language in sit-down presentations.

• Why is Body Language Important in Presentations
• 5 Non-Verbal Cues to Think About When Presenting

What Body Language Not to Use When Presenting

• Body Language Tips to Rock Your Next Presentation
• BONUS: How to Use Body Language for a Remote Presentation

Why is Body Language Important in Presentations?

In simple terms, body language can make or break your presentation.

Anyone can get up on stage and talk. But it’s how you present and use body language to convey your passion and authority that will keep your audience engaged in the long run. Your body language can reinforce your points and guide your audience towards the next stage of your presentation.

Before you’ve even said the first word of your presentation or speech, it’s likely that the audience has already decided whether they trust you or not.

There are lots of different aspects that go into acing your body language. We’ll go over 5 of them in more detail.

5 Nonverbal Cues in Presentations

Body language is heavily influenced by 5 other nonverbal communication cues that you should be aware of in public speaking – trust us, they make a big difference. These include:

• Hand gestures
• Eye contact
• Facial expressions

Let's get started...

1. Hand gestures

The purpose of hand gestures during a presentation is to make your message clearer, not more complicated. Using the right amount of hand gestures is the key. Overly exaggerated gestures can be distracting but using clear gestures can add impact to your points. For example, using gestures to address certain slides, making contrasts or a numbered list – the combination of visual and audio aids will draw in your audience’s attention.

Show your enthusiasm through controlled and natural gestures, not forced hand gestures that can distract your audience.

2. Eye contact

Have you ever heard someone say, “…you could see the emotion in their eyes”? This isn’t a lie. Human beings portray lots of emotion and feelings in their eyes, so much so that many of us can understand what another person is saying just by eye movements alone. Use the audience’s eyes and body language to gauge their reaction to your presentation – if they look bored, make changes to your tone or try to engage them.

When it comes to eye contact when presenting, aim to use 50% eye contact as you’re speaking and looking around the room intently to show your audience your confidence and interest in the subject. Good eye contact can also help incorporate the audience into your presentation, making them feel part of the process.

If you avoid eye contact, you will come across as nervous. This can make your audience feel uncomfortable and prevent you from forming a genuine connection with your audience.

Top tip: It can be nerve-wracking when the attention is all on you. A common technique often used in public speaking is picking three central spots in the room to focus on. While presenting, look at each spot for 3-5 seconds, and then move onto the next. This gives the illusion that you are making eye contact with the audience without actually doing it.

Presentation posture is all about standing tall, chin up and open arms – never cross your arms. This can be tricky if you’re a nervous presenter. But, if your audience can tell that you’re afraid of them, it’ll be hard to win over their trust and full attention.

Stand with your feet apart, shoulders open and naturally relaxed. This will convey confidence and authority and will invite your audience in, instead of pushing them away. Having good posture will also help you to breathe more easily and project your voice further across the room – particularly useful if you’re presenting to a big group.

Here are some effective body language examples for presentation posture:

4. Movement

X marks the spot. There’s an old myth that every presenter should stand still, feet shoulder width apart and just simply speak – almost like a statue. Now, we see some of the best presenters (whether it be during TED Talks or CEO product launches) walking around the stage with confidence and natural energy. We are human beings after all – it’s not in our nature to simply stand still.

It’s easy to get this confused though. The key is not to walk or pace around as if you’re getting your daily steps in. Instead, walk slowly between your key talking points when describing less important details of your presentation.

Use your movements to punctuate your statements and stop to make an impact. Just be sure to match your movements with your presentation slides in the background so your audience isn’t distracted.

Want more body language examples? View our other post on why body language is important in communication for bonus videos.

5. Facial expressions

We, humans, can make over 10,000 facial expressions. When it comes to presenting, your facial expressions can suggest a lot to your audience. For example, a monotone facial expression can suggest a lack of interest or belief in your own ideas to your audience. If you’re not interested in your own words and ideas, you can’t expect your audience to be.

It’s important to fully utilise the power of facial expressions when presenting. Watch the faces of your audience to get an insight into how they’re feeling as you present – then you can make adjustments to your own expressions to keep them engaged. Also, if your audience is a big one, ensure you exaggerate your expressions so everyone can read your face.

1. Slouch or look uncomfortable

We get it, presenting isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But sometimes it cannot be avoided, especially if you hold a senior position in the organisation. Your posture tells a lot more about you than you think. Try to stand up straight, take your arms away from your body and relax your shoulders.

Not only will this make you feel more confident, but it’ll also make you look more confident, and it will tell your audience that you know what you’re talking about giving them a reason to believe you.

Watch this video for an example of a good and bad presentation – see if you can spot the differences! Tag us on Twitter at @UModernGov and tell us what you find.

2. Turn away from your audience

Moving around in the right moments of your presentation can be impactful but be sure to not turn your back on your audience at any point. As 93% of communication is nonverbal, turning your back on your audience means you’ve lost the impact of your nonverbal cues, but you’re also making it difficult for your audience to hear you and understand what you truly mean.

It’s okay to gesture to the screen if you’re talking about a specific presentation slide, but make sure to keep your body language open and turn towards your audience to keep the attention on your point.

3. Use too many/over-exaggerated hand gestures

Although hand gestures can be a great way to show your passion for a subject, using too many or overly extravagant hand gestures can be distracting or even off-putting to some audience members. You don’t want them spending their time calculating which direction their arms are going to go in next – you want them focused on your words and presentation.

3 Body Language Tips for Presentations

• Maintain eye contact – No matter how big or small your audience is, look them in the eye. No, we don’t mean staring so much to creep them out, we mean looking at them every so often to create a bond and ensure they are focused on you and your words.
• Use open body language – Avoid closing yourself off. If you’re standing still and tense, your audience will feel this. Using open body language will help you clearly express your message in a positive professional and natural manner.
• Get advice or record yourself to see how your body language really looks – it can be difficult to know how your body language really comes across when presenting, especially if it’s not something you do often. Ask a friend to help you practice your presentation or record a practice run to help you see how to improve your body language.

Use this helpful graphic to understand the body language you use and how you can improve.

Bonus: How to Use Body Language for a Remote Presentation

Sometimes you might not have the option of conducting a standing presentation. If this is the case, there are things you can do to still promote positive body language to your audience. Sitting down and presenting your ideas or opinions can offer a great chance to be intimate with your listeners. Use this time to engage in natural sharing in a casual and relaxed tone – putting the listeners at ease.

While you might not have the chance to use your full body to show communication, you can still keep your arms open, and back straight, hand gestures natural and use clear facial expressions and eye contact to support your points.

5 Quick Tips for an Effective Remote Presentation:

• Use vocal variety and modulation to increase your personal impact: A monotonous voice is difficult to listen to so ensure that yours is full of vocal colour. Practice by reading out loud and varying tone, emphasis, and pitch and never forget the power of the pause.
• Become an excellent storyteller : Create a narrative for the meeting so that it flows efficiently. Use examples and stories and ask questions to engage your colleagues in order to get buy-in so that you influence effectively.
• Articulate your message with clarity: Ensure that every word can be easily understood by opening your mouth well and using your articulators - tongue, teeth, lips, hard and soft palate - to maintain clarity. Keep your message short and concise to achieve maximum impact.
• Sit "well" and own your space: Ensure your feet are flat on the ground and that your sitting bones are comfortably in the back of the seat. Sitting too close to the screen can come across as being mildly threatening to the viewer. Use gestures with definition, but also with grace.
• Be aware of your physical presentation: Dress appropriately in single-block colours to avoid distraction. Look behind you to ensure the backdrop your colleagues are witnessing is one you want to reveal.

Your Voice and Body Language Go Hand in Hand – Learn How to Combine The Two Effectively

Now you’ve got your body language in check, it’s time to make sure your words follow suit. Take a look at our upcoming Confidence & Resilience training courses  to present the maximum impact.

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > How to use body language effectively during your presentation

How to use body language effectively during your presentation

Understanding grammar basics will make you a better writer, and mastering prepositional phrases is key. To improve your writing and communicate clearly to your audience, know what prepositional phrases are and how to use them correctly.

Your body has something to say

Body language is a powerful form of nonverbal communication. Whether you’re talking with a friend or waiting for a bus, your body is always sending signals out to those around you. During a presentation, when all eyes are on you, the importance of body language is heightened. Here’s some key areas to be aware of:

• Your facial expressions. You can heighten or emphasize your message as you speak or pause with subtle movements such as raised eyebrows or larger expressions such as a smile.
• Your hands. Your hands might be at your sides, in your pockets or gesturing to illustrate a point or your material. Each position conveys something different to observers.
• Your feet. Are you staying in one place, shifting your weight from foot to foot, or walking around? How fast are you walking? Those are potential clues to your feelings in the moment.
• Your position. How close are you standing to others? Are you standing straight or slouched slightly. Are you in front of, next to, or behind your materials and visual aids? During a presentation, position is key—try standing in front of a projector and see if your message gets across.

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Making body language work effectively for you

If you think about the areas above, you can probably think of strengths and challenges you have with each. Maybe you tend to “talk with your hands” or shrink away from your audience because of presentation anxiety . These tips can help you remember what to focus on and help you overcome some of your natural tendencies that might be distracting your audience. You’re the area of focus, so whatever you do will have a disproportionate impact on those watching.

• Smile. Smiling can help you feel more confident in the moment and eventually raise your level of happiness. Plus, you’ll look more approachable and even glad to see your audience, no matter if you’re still a bit nervous. Of course, if your content is more serious or has a moment where the tone changes, make sure your expression is appropriate for what you’re saying. But a slight smile that says, “I know what I’m talking about, and I want to share it with you” is generally a good default face to have.
• Shift your gaze. It’s totally ok if you’re still at the “look above the audience’s head” stage of presenting, and eye contact is less important in virtual presentations , since you need to be focused on the camera. But if you’re in person and you’re able to direct where you look, doing a slow pan glance over the crowd, or finding a few friendly faces to periodically zoom in on, can help provide that important illusion of confidence and strengthen your connection to the audience overall.
• Think about when you want to gesture. Don’t be afraid to gesture but try to choose gestures that will emphasize your language or your topic in any given moment, rather than wildly waving your hands about. Controlled gestures are a very effective tool, as your audience’s eyes will follow your hands—but not if they realize your hands are going nowhere most of the time.
• Be open and try to stand up straight. Have your shoulders tilted toward the audience rather than away to convey your desire to connect with them. Also, avoid slouching, which can also project a lack of confidence in your words or material, and instead try to subtly point your chest toward the crowd, as if you’re leading with your message. And try to be rooted but ready, not shifting from side to side as you speak.
• Control your pace. While you can stand in one spot while you present, it’s sometimes more impactful to be able to move around slightly when illustrating a point or perhaps telling a story. Try to move slowly and with purpose so as not to look too nervous, like you’re pacing, and so you can avoid being a distraction to those who already have trouble focusing. And, it goes without saying that you want to make sure you’re not talking too fast, particularly if you’re committed to moving around.

You can practice your presentation with an eye toward rethinking your body language, or if you’re working on a new one, look for moments to incorporate strategic body language, as if you’re an actor working through a scene. Have a friend or trusted colleague watch you and take notes so they can share feedback later, and if someone else isn’t handy, the mirror is a tried-and-true way to reflect on how you might be coming across as you speak.

Using body language effectively can take your presentations up a notch. So, start thinking about how you can train your body to be just as convincing and as confident as your words, and soon, the audience will be hanging on your every sentence.

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Avoid These 4 Body Language Mistakes in Public Speaking

Body language in public speaking is the nonverbal cues that your movements make during communication. Presenters often focus on what they are going to say and their visual aids. However, we often overlook an important part of the speech — body language. Non-verbal communication makes a lasting impression and makes a marked difference in your communication skills. And when it comes to public speaking, if you look poised and confident, your audience  will believe  you are poised and confident.

In this session, we’ll cover a few simple public speaking ideas that will give you good posture and encourage better body movement. First, we show how important the power of body language is during your presentation. Next, I’ll give you a few, simple tips to look more confident and create a good impression (even if you’re nervous). Finally, I’ll share a presentation secret that, once you understand it, will change the way you look at your nervous habits forever (and in turn, help you give a great presentation).

You Body Language in Public Speaking is Important to a Successful Speech.

When presentation coaches reference body language, they often refer to a 1967 study published by Albert Mehrabian. Dr. Mehrabian is a professor at UCLA. His study showed that only 7% of communication comes from the words spoken. He said that 38% of communication comes from the voice and tone. The final 55% of the communication process comes from body language. In reality, this study has nothing to do with public speaking or presenting. So, the reference to the “Mehrabian Formula” as a reason to focus on body language in public speaking is false. However, that doesn’t mean the power of nonverbal communication isn’t important.

The better that a speaker carries himself or herself, the more credibility the speaker has with the group. If you look timid or nervous, your audience will question your competence. Confident body language has a profound effect on the unconscious mind of your audience. So much so that, even if they know you’re a new speaker, they won’t help but feel turned off by the small details, like a lack of good eye contact and other aspects of body language.

To cover for nervousness, a lot of speakers will avoid negative body language by hiding behind a lectern. Others will deliver their entire presentation from a seated position and make the slideshow the presentation. When you do these things, though, you are losing your connection to the audience. You are also, likely, inadvertently making your presentation more boring.

A Few Simple Presentation Tips to Improve Body Language

If you want to see your ability as a persuasive public speaker improve, try these simple tips. Just testing out one or two of them will show you the real impact of body language.

1. Set Your Screen to the Side, Not the Front

What? What does the screen’s placement in the room have to do with body language in public speaking? Well, everything. Many presenters will set the projection screen or digital screen in the very center of the room. When you do this, though, your ability to move around the room is significantly limited. You’re forced to work in a smaller “stage” to present from, and you’re now off to the side. Your audience didn’t come to see you click through bullet points. They came to hear you speak.

2. Take a Deep Breath and Drop Your Hands to Your Side.

Please don’t misunderstand this tip. The tip ISN’T to KEEP your hands by your side. It’s just the opposite. When you start your presentation with your hands dropped loosely by your side, your first gesture will be bigger and more powerful. This is a powerful tool you can try from wherever you are right now.

Stand up and clasp your hands together in front of your waist as most presenters do. Now, break the clasp and try to make a gesture with one of your hands. Try it a few times. When you do, you will notice that your elbow will tend to rest around your hip. The gesture will look robotic. If you alternate moving your hands from that clasped position, you will likely look like a t-rex.  Fearless Presentations , I mentioned in the book that “People judge our competence by the confidence that we show.” This statement is so true.

Now, drop both hands to your side and let them hand loosely. Try to make the same gesture that you did before. When you do, you will, most likely end up moving BOTH hands. This time, the gesture will look more powerful and energetic. Also, when you stop making the gesture, you will probably return your hands to your side so that your next gesture is also powerful. (Your hands will often return to their starting point.)

If you’re having trouble remembering to drop your hands to your side, try one of these 3 tips:

Incorporate Slow Breathing and a Relaxed Stance:  Begin your presentation with slow breathing and a relaxed body language, keeping your hands at your sides. This not only calms your nerves but also sets a composed tone for your speech. A relaxed physical presence goes a long way in making your delivery appear confident and effortless. Remember, a calm demeanor and tone of voice can make a big difference in public speech.

Practice Purposeful Gestures and Open Palms:  When rehearsing, focus on using your whole body to make purposeful and open gestures. An open palm can signal honesty and active participation from the audience. Treat this as a learned skill, where each movement, including returning your hands to your sides, is a part of your physical expression. This technique enhances audience engagement and ensures your gestures complement the tone of your voice.

Visual Cues and Physical Movements Checklist:  Create a checklist of physical movements, including keeping your hands at your sides, which you can refer to as an exhaustive list during practice. This list can act as a reminder that each aspect of your body language, from your gestures to your posture, contributes to a great idea being effectively communicated. Regular practice with these visual cues helps in embedding these actions into your muscle memory, ensuring a more natural and engaging delivery.

3. Tell More Stories

If you want to have great body language when presenting, tell more stories. It is almost impossible to tell a story without using your hands to explain what is happening. For instance, when I start my  presentation skills seminars , I will often start with a story. Typically, I tell the class what happened to me the first time I had to speak in front of a room of executives. As I describe how my hands got sweaty, I often naturally rub my palms on my pants. When I tell them how I zoomed through the presentation, I move my hands quickly in small circles. These movements add clarity to my description. No one ever taught me how to do this. These gestures happen naturally as I relive the incident from memory.

These natural gestures add a lot of enthusiasm and fun to your presentations. So, if you want to use more poised body language, tell more stories.

Here are some additional tips on incorporating gestures into your presentation:

Mimic the Action : When narrating an event or action in your story, mimic the movement with your hands or body. For example, if you’re talking about opening a door to a new opportunity, physically mimic the action of turning a door handle and pushing a door open. This not only makes your story more vivid and engaging but also helps the audience visualize the scenario better.

Use Symbolic Gestures : Incorporate gestures that symbolize concepts or emotions in your story. If you’re discussing overcoming obstacles, you might show pushing against an invisible barrier with your hands. For stories involving growth or progression, use upward or forward-moving hand motions. These symbolic gestures can powerfully convey abstract ideas and emotions, enhancing the impact of your story.

Avoid Overuse of Gestures : While gestures can greatly enhance your storytelling, it’s important to use them judiciously. Be mindful not to overcrowd your narrative with excessive or exaggerated gestures, as this can distract or even confuse the audience. The key is to ensure that your gestures feel natural and spontaneous, complementing rather than dominating the story. Let your movements flow organically from the narrative; if a gesture doesn’t feel natural or necessary, it’s often better to omit it. This approach maintains the authenticity and impact of your storytelling.

4. Use Your Visual Aid

One of the things that bug me most is when a speaker stands (or sits) clicking a clicker. If you are going to take the time to create a great slide or visual aid… USE IT! One of the techniques that we cover in our  speaking class  is to visually touch your slide. I know it sounds weird, but it works like magic.

Have you ever been in a presentation where a speaker puts up a series of bullet points and just starts talking? As he presents, you may think he is on point four, but then he clicks to the next slide. This occurs because the speaker naturally assumes that you can figure out which point he is on. As a result, he doesn’t both to tell you when he moves from one point to the next. In most cases, the points aren’t clearly defined, anyway, so there is a lot of overlap. This makes the entire presentation confusing.

A better way is to physically go to the screen and point to bullet #2 when you move to bullet #2. If you combine this technique with telling a story, your presentation comes alive. This happens because the speaker will move toward the screen to identify the next point. Then, she will jump into an example or story to clarify the point. She will naturally move back toward the audience as she tells the story. Of course, as she tells the story, she will use those natural gestures as well. This combination of techniques adds a lot of enthusiasm and energy to a presentation.

A Presentation Secret that Should Help with Presentation Gestures

In reality, most speakers feel nervousness. It is just that most of the symptoms they feel aren’t visible either. If you understand this and use a few of the tips we covered earlier, you can look very poised when you speak. (Even if you are nervous!)

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Delivering your message brilliantly.

Creating a great presentation involves more than coming up with a topic or designing the  perfect PowerPoint  to go with it. While those things are important, there is one more element that you need to pay attention to—your body language.

While the  presentation template  you use is important, your body language during a presentation can make all the difference between  a successful presentation  and a downright disaster.

Because of this, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of body language in presentations and in this guide, we’ll explain what body language is along with different types of body language and share powerful body language tips that you can use for your next presentation.

What Is Body Language?

Body language is the way your body communicates without the use of words. It combines hand gestures, posture, facial expressions, and movements that tell others what’s going on inside your head. Body language can happen consciously and unconsciously.

For example, the way you’re sitting right now paired with your facial expression can tell others a lot about you. Based on your body language, they can tell whether you’re amused or concentrating hard. They can tell whether you’re approachable or if you’re having a bad day.

If you’re in a discussion with someone and verbally agree with them, your body language will either confirm that you indeed agree with what is being said; or betray you and tell others you don’t feel the same way.

In other words, your body language reveals the true story behind your words.

What Is the Importance of Body Language in Effective Presentations?

Using body language in  presentations  the right way can help you close more sales or win that pitch. Your body language can help you engage your audience and be confident and relaxed during your presentation. When you make eye contact, maintain a confident posture and eye contact, your presentation will be more dynamic, and you'll be able to connect with your audience.

On the contrary, if you don’t pay attention to it, bad body language during a presentation, such as slouching, no eye contact or arms on hips, will make your presentation appear dull and you'll wind up alienating your audience.

10 Quick Tips Body Language Tips For Better Public Speaking

Now that we’ve covered what body language is and why it matters while giving a presentation, here are 10 tips that'll show you how to use body language to improve your presentation.

Believe it or not, a smile is the most powerful tool you've got in your body language toolbox. A  UC Berkeley study  from 2011 found “that smiling can be as stimulating as receiving up to 16,000 Pounds Sterling in cash.” What’s more, a smile can instantly change the perception we have about someone, not to mention it leads people to smile back at us.

Smiling makes you seem more approachable. (Image source:  Envato Elements )

While it’s true that smiling can be hard when you’re nervous, but keep in mind that a University of Kansas study found that smiling  reduces stress . So, the next time you're up there giving a presentation, don’t forget to smile every so often. Not only will you seem more approachable to your audience, but you'll relieve that stress you’re feeling as well.

2. Don’t Slouch

Slouching makes you appear less confident and like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. If you're physically able to stand straight, then be sure to do so the next time you’re giving a presentation. Stand tall with your shoulders pulled back and your stomach tucked in—you'll appear more confident and get a quick jolt of energy to boot.

3. Assume a Power Pose

Professional speaker  Amy Cuddy  shows that a power pose can help you establish authority when you need to come across as confident and authoritative in your presentation. An example of a power pose is standing with your feet a shoulder-width apart, with hands on your hips, and chin lifted up. However, be careful not to overdo it, unless you want to come off as intimidating. Reserve the power poses for crucial parts of your presentation.

4. Make Use of the Space

Notice how the speaker has moved to the side, making use of the available space, rather than standing stiffly behind the podium. (Image source:  Envato Elements )

Another quick tip is to make use of the stage. Instead of standing still, move around the stage. By doing so, you'll send a message to your audience that you’re comfortable in your skin and confident about your topic matter. It'll also help you avoid fidgeting.

Step out from behind the podium and let your audience see you. Move from one spot to another by taking a couple of steps, stopping, and then taking a few more steps.

Be natural as you move about though and avoid pacing as this will achieve the opposite effect and make you look nervous, not to mention you'll run out of breath.

5. Don’t Forget Facial Expressions

Facial expressions can do wonders for keeping your audience interested and convincing them to believe in your cause. Your presentation isn't the time nor the place to bring on your poker face as you'll come off as a robot.

By letting your passion for your topic shine through with your facial expressions, your audience will be able to connect with you and trust you. A word of caution though: don’t purposely go overboard with your facial expressions as this will come off as exaggerating and insincere.

You can practice your facial expressions in front of the mirror while you practice your speech. Alternatively, record yourself with a camera and analyze your facial expressions later on.

6. Speak Clearly

It’s not uncommon for the nerves to get the better of you during the presentation and you stutter or mumble, especially if there are tricky words involved. Practicing your speech before the presentation is a good way to make sure you feel comfortable delivering it and that your audience will be able to understand you.

Another tip that'll help you speak clearly and confidently is to imagine you’re delivering your presentation to your friends.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Gesture

If you watch other presenters, you’ll notice one thing in common: all great presenters always use hand gestures to help deliver their presentation. Hand gestures will help you stress what's important as well as express feelings and convictions. Your passion for the topic will become more apparent as our gestures are more lively when we're passionate about something.

Gestures can help you express feelings during a presentation. (Image source:  Envato Elements )

Hand gestures will show your audience you care about the presentation topic and that you're an effective communicator so don’t be afraid to use them during a presentation.

8. Maintain Eye Contact

As you give your presentation, be sure to maintain eye contact with your audience and face them. Doing so will make them feel like you’re talking directly to them and will help keep them interested in your presentation.

Avoiding eye contact or turning your back to them, on the other hand, will come off as rude and break the connection with the audience.

9. Remember to Breathe

While you’re on the stage, it can be all too easy to get caught up in your presentation and start to speak fast. But if you speak too fast, your audience will tune out because it'll be hard to follow you and you’ll run out of breath. That’s why it’s important to take a pause and remember to breathe. Breathing properly will also help you with your voice pitch and tone so you don’t sound strained and nervous.

10. Learn From Other Presenters

The last tip is to learn from other great presenters. You can study their body language and see how they use facial expressions, movement, and gestures to help them convey their ideas. A good place to start is to check out various TED Talks.

Different Types of Body Language

By following the previous presentation body language tips, you'll be able to deliver more effective presentations. But if you want to implement those tips successfully, you need to be aware of different body language types.

1. Eye Contact

Eye contact is an important part of body language. (Image source:  Envato Elements )

We mentioned earlier how important it is to maintain eye contact with your audience. Eye contact helps you establish a personal connection with your audience. Keep in mind that you don’t have to look each person in the eye as this can prove to be difficult with large audiences.

Instead, focus your eye contact on a few people in different parts of the room will help you establish and maintain that contact. If they look at you, hold their gaze for a few seconds but avoid staring as long eye contact can make people feel uncomfortable.

Eye contact can also help you get a feel for how the audience is receiving your presentation. If you catch them yawning or trying to stifle a yawn or if they're looking around, it’s a sign they're losing interest in the presentation. Eye contact can help bring their attention back and re-engage them with the topic.

2. Head Movements

The way you move your head can signal a lot of different things. For example, when you lower your head, you send signals such as being tired or waiting for the right moment to speak. Looking up at the ceiling or away may signal you’re bored or that you’re hiding something from your audience as you’re avoiding eye contact. Nodding, on the other hand, signals agreeing with someone.

With the right  head body language , you can engage your audience and convince them to agree with your idea.

3. Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are another important part of body language. As you can see from the man's expression here, he's clearly happy and excited about something. (Image source:  Envato Elements )

Facial expressions  help us convey our emotions to others or mask them when we feel uncertain about the person we’re talking to. That’s why using facial expressions during a presentation is crucial.

When it comes to facial expressions, keep in mind that anyone can recognize the 7 universal emotions (as described in research into facial expressions from  Dr. Paul Ekman ). Given that fear is one of those emotions and also the emotion that can crop up during your presentation, it’s important to conquer your fear instead of letting it get the better of you. Practice your speech and practice giving your presentation in front of a familiar audience first. Once you feel confident about your speech and performance, it’s less likely that fear will show up when the time comes for the official presentation.

4. Hand Gestures

According to a study by  Vanessa Van Edwards , lead investigator for Science of People, hand gestures are one of the five key patterns of all successful TED talks. In other words, the more you gesture with your hands, the better the likelihood of your presentation being a stellar success.

Use your hands to communicate different points in your presentation. The most effective way to do this is to use your fingers to count the points you’re explaining.  

5. Body Posture

Posture is another important part of body language. It's important not to slouch when you give your presentation. (Image source:  Envato Elements )

The way you hold yourself matters. As covered in one of the earlier tips, poor posture such as slouching will give your audience the impression that you’re not confident in your topic or yourself. If your back is tense, they'll sense your tension and wonder what’s causing it.

Remind yourself to relax throughout your presentation and to straighten up if your start to slouch. Not only will this give you the chance to improve your posture, but it'll also allow your audience to take in the points you’ve just covered.

Make Use of Your Body Language to Ace Your Presentation

Delivering a great presentation requires a carefully chosen topic as well as an engaging slide deck and body language that'll help you win over your audience. The topic should be relevant to your audience and help you raise brand awareness as well as generate trust.

Once you’ve nailed down your topic, make sure you've got a well-designed slide deck. You can save a lot of time by using a  professionally designed PowerPoint template  such as those found on Envato Elements or  GraphicRiver  so be sure to check them out.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of body language in a professional presentation. Your body language says a lot about you, not to mention it's got the power to help you deliver an engaging presentation. Put your body language to good use by making use of the space, maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly and with confidence, and by standing tall without slouching.

10 Ways to Unleash the Power of Effective Body Language in Public Speaking

To deliver a terrific presentation, professional speakers must possess confidence in their public speaking abilities, subject matter, and control over their body language. Effective use of body language in public speaking is crucial for speakers to engage their audience and leave a lasting impact. This article explores the significance of body language as a vital component of public speaking and highlights ten practical ways to enhance your skills in this area.

What is Body Language?

Body language refers to the nonverbal means of communication that public speakers employ to convey their thoughts, emotions, and intentions. Public speaking requires verbal prowess and communicating messages effectively through nonverbal cues.

Through gestures, postures, facial expressions, and other physical movements, speakers can communicate information about themselves to their audience. These actions can either be conscious or subconscious, influencing the audience’s opinion about the speaker and his presentation.

Effective use of body language involves being mindful of one’s gestures, postures, and facial expressions and using them purposefully to convey confidence, enthusiasm, and authenticity. In short, a speaker who can skillfully use body language as a tool can significantly enhance their delivery and ensure that their message resonates with their audience.

The following article will help you to improve your body language during public speaking.

10 Rules for Improving Your Body Language in Public Speaking

The use of body language can make or break a presentation, as it can convey both positive and negative signals to the audience. Therefore, speakers must hone their body language skills to engage and captivate their audience. By implementing the below-mentioned tips, speakers can improve their body language and enhance their public speaking abilities.

1. Have a Correct Posture

Good posture makes you look confident and in control. When you stand up straight with your shoulders back, you appear more self-assured and authoritative, which can help you convey your message effectively. It enables you to look and sound confident, reduces physical strain, and enhances your ability to communicate your message clearly and emphatically.

So, to make a lasting impression on your audience, maintain a calm but attentive posture while performing. Powerful poses convey confidence and authority and enhance one’s overall appearance. 

Here are a few public speaking tips to have an upright body posture while speaking:

• Try to place your feet shoulder-width apart. While speaking, tilt your body towards the audience so they feel included. 
• Your hands should remain by your sides. So that you can make hand gestures freely wherever required.
• Keep your posture open and straight.

Pro Tip: Power posing is essential for projecting confidence, maintaining good health, and making a good impression on your audience.

2. Keep Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact can help you build a connection with your audience and make them feel more appreciated. This will nudge them to respect and listen to you because you make them feel important. 

Eye contact is a powerful tool for delivering an impressive and effective presentation. It is essential for creating a connection, projecting confidence, keeping them engaged, and allowing them to give feedback. 

While looking at everyone in the audience may be challenging, you can scan the seated people as part of audience engagement. 

Pro Tip: Using a zigzag pattern is one effective technique for maintaining eye contact while addressing a large audience. It involves starting from the left side of the back row and gradually moving your gaze to the right while including the center and front rows in your sequence. By repeating this pattern, you can make eye contact with a more significant portion of the audience and ensure that everyone feels engaged and included in your presentation.

Remember to hold eye contact for a few seconds before moving on to the next person, and vary your pace and tone of voice to keep your audience’s attention throughout your presentation.

3. Use Hand Gestures

Utilizing hand gestures is an effective way to enhance your presentation skills. It will make your message more engaging and memorable. 

Check out some of the tips on how to use hand gestures effectively:

• Keep your hands visible and above your waist to ensure your audience can see your gestures.
• Coordinate your hand gestures with your speech to emphasize key points. For example, when you say miniature or dwarf, you can use your fingers to denote it. 
• While conveying different emotions, use your hand movements to emphasize your points . 
• Your hand gestures should be natural and flow with your speech . Avoid deliberately using them in a way that feels uncomfortable.

Pro Tip : Excessive use of hand gestures can be counterproductive, as it may distract the audience or come across as unnecessary. Instead of adding to the impact of your message, using too many hand gestures can have the opposite effect and undermine the effectiveness of your delivery. 

Therefore, it is important to use hand gestures strategically, focusing on those that enhance the meaning and importance of your words. By using hand gestures, you can make a more effective and engaging presentation that holds your audience’s attention and effectively conveys your message.

4. Have a Clear Speech

Clear speech is crucial because it allows the speaker to communicate his message to the audience effectively. Stammering and mumbling are signs of nervousness and lack of confidence. 

Let’s check out the importance of clear speech:

• When the speaker enunciates each word clearly and articulately, the audience can easily follow along and grasp the content of the public speech.
• By speaking clearly and with conviction, the speaker can hold the audience’s attention and keep them engaged throughout the speech.
• The clear speech demonstrates that they know the subject and have taken the time to prepare for the address.
• A clear speech can build the speaker’s credibility. The audience will be likely to view the speaker as credible and trustworthy.

Pro Tip: Confident and professional delivery of your message is critical to attracting an audience and establishing a positive reputation. You can capture your listeners’ attention and leave a lasting impression by projecting confidence and professionalism while speaking. 

It helps you gain credibility and respect as a speaker and makes your message more likely to be well-received and remembered. Therefore, developing strong communication skills and practicing effective delivery techniques is essential to ensure you can convey your message with confidence and professionalism.

5. Voice Modulation, Pausing, and Pacing

Mastery of voice modulation is a valuable skill that can help highlight important points and make your speech more engaging. Along with modulation, the strategic use of pauses can also be a powerful tool in public speaking. By incorporating breaks at strategic points, you can create a sense of anticipation and allow your audience to absorb your message.

Additionally, varying the pace of your speech can also be an effective technique for creating a dynamic and exciting speech.

 By slowing down to emphasize a point or speeding up to convey urgency or excitement, you can keep your audience engaged and create a sense of momentum that drives your message forward. In summary, incorporating these techniques into your public speaking can help you become a more effective and engaging communicator.

Few speakers also enroll themselves in speaking classes or public speaking courses. Executive speech coaching online class is also one of the options for upgrading your skills to perform in your next presentation. 

Pro Tip: Listen to popular speakers on Ted Talks. Please note their voice modulation, pacing, and pausing techniques. By varying your tone and using these techniques, you can create a more engaging and dynamic speech that effectively conveys your message and captures the audience’s attention.

6. Steady Your Nerves

One of the most effective body language tips for public speaking is to steady your nerves by maintaining relaxed breathing. Doing so lets you keep your nerves in check and project a powerful, confident voice throughout your presentation. 

Proper breathing techniques also allow you to pause or stop speaking when necessary and help you modulate your voice and pitch to convey your message effectively. It can be helpful to take a few deep breaths before speaking and focus on the present moment to calm your nerves and stay centered. 

Pro Tip: Slow breathing and tactical pauses in the speech will help calm your nerves.

7. Physical Delivery

While speaking in public, your voice and whole body convey your emotions, thought process, and message. Physical delivery is like expressing an inner situation that can be felt and seen from the outside through your body language. 

Here are some tips for practical physical delivery in public speaking:

• Have control over unnecessary body movements.
• Use facial expressions to convey your emotions and enthusiasm. Avoid looking bored or disinterested.
• Be relaxed, but at the same time, be alert. The upright posture on stage will convey the right impression to your audience.
• Hold your head up and keep your shoulders stretched. It will help you look confident and authoritative.

Pro Tip: Practice before a mirror or in the presence of a friend to become more comfortable and confident. The speaker’s body language should be natural and authentic.

8. Be Empathetic

Empathy can profoundly impact your body language during public speaking. It is a sure-shot tip to improve your body language during public speaking. It allows you to bond with your audience meaningfully, adjust your body language to better reflect your message, and ultimately deliver a more impactful and effective presentation.

Empathy allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level and understand their needs, concerns, and perspectives. It also allows you to tailor your body language to better reflect their needs and interests and convey your message more compellingly and engagingly.

Adopting an empathetic mindset can also help you develop greater self-awareness and a more nuanced understanding of your body language. It can help you identify any unconscious behaviors or habits that may detract from your message, enabling you to adjust your body language to reflect your intentions better and connect with your audience.

Pro Tip: Empathy is about understanding and connecting with your audience, not necessarily agreeing with them. Incorporating empathy into your public speaking can create a more engaging and impactful presentation.

9. Use Facial Expressions

Your facial expression can be considered a screen that displays your emotions and helps you connect with your audience. When you speak in public, your face is one of the most essential tools for communicating your message and engaging your listeners. Effective facial expressions convey many emotions and create a powerful connection with your audience.

For example, a smile can convey warmth and friendliness, while a furrowed brow can indicate concern or seriousness. Eye contact can also be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and expressing emotions such as sincerity, confidence, or enthusiasm.

Avoid using your facial expressions deliberately and strategically. They may break the connection with your audience. By remembering these tiny tips, you can enhance your public speaking skills and become a more effective communicator.

Check out some valuable tips for facial expressions in public speaking:

• Use Eyebrows : Use your eyebrows to express surprise, concern, or skepticism. 
• A Big No for Blank Faces: A blank expression will make you appear dull, detached, and dispassionate. 
• Nod Your Head : Nod your head to show agreement with your audience. 
• Raise Your Eyebrows : To express shock or confusion.
• Frown : To depict concern, anger, or displeasure
• Smile : While sharing a happy story or communicating with the audience. 

Pro Tip: Sync your expressive face with the tone and content of your speech. Your facial expressions should be natural and authentic. Do not wear a poker face for your excellent presentation. 

10. Dress Appropriately

Establishing a positive first impression is crucial when delivering a public speech, and one way to achieve this is by dressing appropriately for your audience and the occasion. Your clothing can help you create a sense of credibility and professionalism while also allowing your audience to connect with the purpose and tone of your speech.

It’s important to select clothing appropriate for the setting and audience. For example, if you deliver a speech to a corporate audience, wearing business attire such as a suit or dress may be relevant. Alternatively, if you are providing a speech to a more casual audience, you may opt for more relaxed attire that reflects the event’s tone.

Ultimately, the key is to select clothing that aligns with the purpose and goals of your speech while also allowing you to establish credibility and connect with your audience. By dressing appropriately, you can create a positive first impression and set the tone for a successful and engaging presentation.

Have a look at a few tips to remember while dressing appropriately for public speaking:

• For a corporate event, wear a formal dress or suit. 
• Dress in a comfortable way that allows you to move freely. 
• Do not pick too tight, too loose, or restrict movement. Go with which fits you best. 
• Do not wear flashy, revealing, or distracting clothes. Your purpose is to convey a message, not to become an object. 
• Ensure to iron your clothes, polish your shoes, and groom your hair and nails. 

Pro Tip: Click here for a Comprehensive Guide On What To Wear To A Conference For Men & Women .

Why are Verbal Cues and Nonverbal Signals Important?

Verbal cues are the spoken words and vocal elements, including tone, pitch, and speed, used to communicate a message. 

On the other hand, nonverbal signals include body language, use of objects, posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact. 

The combination of both expresses our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. It also expresses emotions, enhances understanding, builds rapport with the audience, avoids misunderstanding, and navigates social situations. 

Check out the importance of verbal cues and nonverbal cues:

• It can help resolve conflicts and de-escalate tense situations. 
• It can help establish trust and build relationships with the audience.
• It can also emphasize specific points and make them more memorable.
• It can provide clues about a speaker’s feelings and help us interpret their message more accurately.

The human face is an essential tool for communication skills to understand the subtle clues for the underlying motives of great presenters. 

Avoid Common Body Language Mistakes

Our words and body language must synergize with one another. Body language broadly varies from person to person. A few negative body language is specific and needs special supervision or training to work on them. However, speakers tend to commit some common body language mistakes. Let’s have a look and discuss it elaborately:

• Rubbing your palms together : This motion may indicate that you are feeling too cold or may display your nervousness. While delivering a speech, it may create distance between you and your audience. Instead, keep an open stance. 
• Crossing your arms : A crossed arms posture reflects that you are rushing to end a meeting immediately. It also shows that you are aloof, unenthusiastic, or hostile towards the audience. Concurrently, if you find some of your audience members leaning back and crossing their arms, it’s time to wrap up your speech soon. 
• Shrinking your body: Presenters who are submissive and demure are more likely to shrink their bodies. The cocoon stance with lowered heads and hunched shoulders tells your audience you are submissive or lack confidence. It also conveys ineptitude and insecurity, gradually pushing your audience to lose trust in your abilities. You can avoid this by keeping your head and chin up and standing erect. 
• Fidgeting: You may become nervous about performing in front of higher authorities if they are in the audience. If your limbs are shaky, then it undermines your message and reputation. You can overcome this habit by practicing in the presence of close loved ones or front of a mirror.
• Exaggerated gestures : Avoid unnecessarily smiling, touching your face, leaning wrongfully, or itching anywhere while speaking. These gestures will give wrong signals and may decrease your credibility.

Key takeaway

One key takeaway from public speaking is to upgrade your body language. Positive body language is nonverbal behavior conveying much information about the speaker’s confidence, sincerity, and authority. Body language can help a speaker connect with the audience, communicate their message more effectively, and make a lasting impression.

Since most of our movements and body language are done unconsciously, it can be challenging to eliminate long-standing habits. However, it would help if you also learned how to comprehend body language to master the art of public speaking. Thus, consistent practice is the key to success and the quickest path to having confident body language, just as with any other skill.

To adopt the correct body language, you can start by maintaining a good posture, direct eye contact, and using hand gestures appropriately. It’s also important to be aware of your facial expressions, as they can convey a range of emotions that either enhance or detract from your message. In addition, you can work on your tone of voice and overall delivery to create a more engaging and professional presentation.

Overall, upgrading your body language can help you become a more effective public speaker and increase your ability to connect with your audience.

Meanwhile, if you’re a speaker, we hope you found this helpful article. You can also register yourself on Eventible’s Gazebo Speaker Directory as a speaker. You can fill out this Google form to get started. If you are an organizer, this platform will help you find passionate and experienced people to speak at your next event. 

In conversation with Raf De Kimpe, CEO at Fintech Week London

7 Things to Consider While Writing a Formal Guest Speaker Invitation

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Alison Bensch

Senior director of global events, cloudinary, proudest of.

In both cases, we had to figure out how to take what are historically in-person events and translate them into engaging virtual experiences with a team of just two in-house event marketers, counting myself.

ImageCon is our flagship customer summit. In 2021, more than 1,700 people across 107 countries registered for the two-day event, which included 20 virtual sessions designed to help retailers unleash the full potential of their visual media.

Our hosted event series included about 8 virtual events across North America and EMEA markets. To drive up attendance and engagement, we hosted unique virtual cooking and mixology classes, wine tastings, tequila pairings, and more, with celebrity chefs and bartenders such as Marcus Samuelsson, Julio Cabrero, and Amanda Freitag.

Rockstar Mode

ImageCon was a success, in part, because we secured high-quality speakers and focused on providing true value to attendees by creating sessions to optimize their usage of the Cloudinary platform to improve their business. We featured customers in the content by doing customer spotlights. We also improved the production level of the summit by partnering with an agency.

I am proud we were able to pull off a high-quality event of this scale while managing 30 other events for the year.

Prior to the pandemic, our hosted event series consisted of in-person dinners and intimate happy hours. We wanted to recreate these virtually, without making them feel like webinars. We succeeded, in part, because we invested in high-quality talent to attract participants and create fun, memorable moments we probably could not have pulled off in-person.

We also took pains to make the events as easy as possible to attend, for example, by mailing guests meal kits or drink kits with everything they needed to participate. Of course, everything was branded, right down to the salt and pepper. We know our attendees’ time is precious, so we encouraged them to involve their family and were sure to include enough food and/or drink to share.

After the experience, we broke out into small groups, allowing people to network with peers and Cloudinary team members, who led discussions on relevant industry topics. Thus, attendees topped off a great culinary or cocktail experience with valuable learnings that could help their business. In fact, I see us continuing with some of these virtual events even after we have resumed in-person ones.

Our on-demand event content is now a powerful sales enablement tool for our sales team, who share session recordings with prospective customers, as well as existing ones who are considering adding on a new capability. We will continue to measure the performance of this content.

For the hosted events, we evaluate success by measuring pipeline acceleration. So, we consider where event guests are in their consideration process before attending the event. We use the event, and event follow-up, to help move the prospect or customer to the finish line. We usually see prospects who engaged in marketing campaigns were more likely to close, and close faster, than those who did not attend an event.

While this is harder to measure, we know our event series keeps the Cloudinary brand top of mind and deepens our relationship with customers. We document the positive feedback we receive from attendees and sales reps for internal use and marketing purposes.

Survivor Mode

Another challenge was creating an event strategy against a backdrop of so much uncertainty. I have seen industry colleagues invest resources in planning in-person events, only to have to rejigger in the final hour. I made the decision from the onset of the year to plan for virtual events, given our small team and resources. This allowed us to create more effective and engaging virtual events from the start and maximize our budget.

Nothing beats in-person events, and I am excited to be moving forward with these in 2022. But I plan to continue with digital and hybrid events, as well, for a number of reasons. When done right, they can be more memorable than in-person ones, and certainly more convenient. They also allow me to engage people across a wider geographic region (all of Europe for example or across the US), which leads to cost-savings and unique and widened interactions for our attendees.

Annie Yuzzi VP

Global corporate events and experiences, sumo logic, bethany roskin murphy, director of global events, drift, charlene kate ditch, founder, charlene kate events, gabrielle d., global events director, automation anywhere, gerilynn marburger, director, global events, hewlett packard enterprise, hollie ashby, senior manager, cxo and third party events, palo alto networks, lindsey cohen, director- event marketing, snyk, ceo & chief event strategist, liz king events, nicola kastner, vice president, global head of event strategy, sap, rachel russell, field marketing manager, even, samantha calle, associate director, xandr, margaret shaeffer, head of field marketing & events, linearb, traci depuy, head of global events, salesforce, dale rickert, global conference head of greentech festival, matthew lin, head of marketing, beetc, emilie watrob, head of event marketing, zs, katherine leong, director, corporate events, gainsight, sr. director, marketing technology (brand and events), salesforce, karim youssef, creative director, dpw, elizabeth thomas, head of global events, elastic, gerry schneider, vp events at wearedevelopers, director, global events at hewlett packard enterprise, mike kalyan, event and seminar marketing manager, shrm.

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Body Language in PPT Presentations: 8 Tips & Tricks

Gestures and facial expressions play a major role in shaping our communication. This also applies to PPT presentations: A presenter’s body language is a crucial factor in influencing the audience’s response to content and key messages.

So, you’ve got great content, slick PowerPoint slides and the latest presentation technology. Don’t forget one of the most versatile and effective presentation tools at your disposal – your body .

If you hide behind the podium, ignore your posture or use awkward gestures and facial expressions, you’ll have no chance of convincing your audience. In this article, we’ll show you eight effective tips and tricks to use body language to your best advantage.

Why body language is so important in PPT presentations

Admittedly , body language is something we tend to use unconsciously — it’s difficult for us to control. Most of the time, we don’t notice that our body language has an adverse effect on our presentation until it’s too late. Nervousness plays a role in this, especially when presenting in front of a large audience. Our hands get cold and clammy, we gesture too much and too excitedly, or we just hide behind the podium.

The wrong gestures can impact negatively on your presentation. Even the most polished PPT presentation will fall flat if we hide our hands in pockets, gesture too much or slouch. Audiences decide within a few seconds whether the speaker is likeable or competent.

Body language and gestures are just as important for a successful presentation as the content itself. It pays to review your rhetoric skills from time to time and brush up on them.

How can facial expressions enhance a presentation?

Facial expressions show the audience how the speaker feels about the content. The more you connect with your content on an emotional level , the more impact your words will have on your audience. With a little practice, you can find the right facial expressions to set the right tone for your presentation.

Tip : Practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror. How do you feel when you smile? Is your smile genuine? Or give your presentation in front of a familiar audience, such as your family or friends. Get honest feedback on your facial expressions and try to incorporate the critique. You can also find many helpful videos online.

How can the right gestures enhance your presentation?

A gesture is a hand or arm movement that expresses or emphasizes an idea. Many presenters know the feeling of not knowing where to put their hands during a presentation. A common awkward reaction is to clasp your hands behind your body or just let your arms hang. This often comes across as insecure, unprofessional and uninspired. Instead, use your hands to punctuate your presentation at specific points and underline key messages . This communicates professionalism and dynamism.

Here’s an example : You present a process in your presentation using a diagram. Leaving your arms hanging down from your body gives the impression that you’re uninterested and unmotivated. Don’t underestimate the power of gestures – use them to your advantage!

With that in mind, let’s go back to the example above . Whenever you explain a new section of the process, point to where you are on the slide. Or punctuate the process itself. If the process went forward, represent this with forward-moving had gesture. If it went backward, make a backward motion with your hands. This shows that you’re involved, energized and professional.

Tip : Again, be sure to practice in front of a mirror beforehand. Which gestures complement your presentation? Do they support your statements? Next, test these gestures in front of family and friends. Make sure to get feedback. You can also find a lot of online resources to help you, for example here .

Here are some helpful tips and tricks for using your body language correctly.

Effective body language during presentations: 8 tips and tricks

The right way to present: sitting or standing.

Are you someone who likes to keep it comfortable and plan to sit during your presentation? Please don’t! When you present, you need to be the literal center of attention . Presenting while sitting will immediately take the focus off you. You’ll appear unmotivated, uninspired and limit how much body language you can use. If you’re sitting behind a table or have your laptop in front of you, you’re basically hiding from your audience.

Stand while presenting. You’ll have freedom to move around and use your body language in a more purposeful way. You’ll appear more animated and motivated. Be aware of distracting objects in front of you, such as tables, and remove them. You want to be fully visible to the audience and not create an unconscious barrier.

Posture: How to stand correctly

You now that you should stand while presenting. Standing – sounds simple, right? Even here, you need to pay attention to a few points:

• Don’t stand with your legs too far apart . This can make you look less elegant.
• Don’t stand with your legs too close together. It’s an easy way to lose your footing and maybe even trip.
• Do stand with your legs about shoulder width apart so you have a firm and stable stance.

Also, stand up straight . Make yourself as tall as possible. Avoid slouching or slumping your shoulders forward . Rocking your upper body back and forth or swaying side to side creates an unsettled effect. What has a positive impact on your posture?

The answer is simple: Self-confidence . Know your presentation topic inside and out and rehearse your presentation several times over. The more familiar you are with your topic, the more confident you will appear . Self-confidence straightens the back.

Keep your head as still as possible while speaking . Raising your head and voice at the end of a sentence sounds like you’re asking a question. And this makes you seem less confident. Avoid nervous hair flicking or touching .

Hands & Gestures

You’re standing up straight with your head held high. What about your hands? As we described above, hand gestures can be game changers during a presentation.

Avoid the following pitfalls:

• Hands on hips: This quickly comes across as unsympathetic or judgmental.
• Hands in pockets: This makes them look insecure and unprofessional.
• Pen in hand: You may find yourself playing with the pen, either unconsciously or out of nervousness. No one wants to hear click…click…click… This can be incredibly distracting. ..click…click… This can be incredibly distracting.
• Crossed arms: It may be a comfortable position for you, but it expresses resistance and detachment. You’ll subconsciously build a barrier and come off as defensive to your audience.

The solution: Use gestures as often as possible to emphasize statements. Don’t worry about how often you should gesture. Feel free to use your hands whenever you feel it’s necessary. A good neutral position is with bent arms and hands at belly-button level. Leave a space between your elbows and torso when gesturing . This makes you take up more space and appear more confident. You can find more tips here .

Gear the use of gestures to the size of the audience. Smaller groups require “quieter gestures” . Raising your arms will quickly look artificial. The three-joint rule helps to correctly identify which gestures to use:

When speaking to a smaller group, use hand gestures , the so-called “quiet gestures” we mentioned above. With 20 to 30 people, the elbow, the second joint, should move the most . This creates “loud gestures” . Use the shoulder, the third joint, in front of a large audience only . These “louder gestures ” can be used to emphasize a point right to the back of a large room.

Gestures attract attention but don’t go overboard. Use your gestures strategically. The audience will follow your hands and be interested in what you have to say.

Walking around

Everyone who presents has faced the question, ” Can I move around, or should I stay in one spot?”. Here’s the answer: you can do both. But there are some rules to follow in both cases. Here’s one: Avoid walking back and forth all the time – give your movements intention and meaning . For example, move after you’ve made a statement or finished a section. Or when you want to explain something from a different point of view .

Eye contact

Eye contact with an audience is key to a good presentation. Maintain eye contact with each audience member, but only one person at a time. Why? Most of us get nervous when we have to speak in front of several people. Our gaze moves from one audience member to the next, we wonder what they’re thinking — and we become insecure.

If you concentrate on only one person at a time, it will feel like you’re having a one-on-one conversation. Much less intimidating than addressing a large crowd at once, right ? In addition, each audience member will feel like you’re speaking to them directly – a positive and personal interaction that guarantees you’ll have their attention.

Keep in mind that if the room is large and at capacity, you’ll probably not be able to make eye contact with everyone present. In this situation, divide your audience into sections : front, center, back, left, right. Fixate on one person from one area and then another from the next area. Once you have made eye contact with one person from each area, start again from the first section.

You can also support your key messages by slightly lowering your chin at the end while maintaining eye contact with your audience. This will add weight to your statement and the audience will find you more credible and competent.

The right facial expressions

We’ve already described how facial expressions a major role in presentations. Here are some additional points to think about:

• A genuine smile always makes a good impression. Particularly when welcoming your audience, it can help you create a friendly, pleasant atmosphere.
• Use a neutral facial expression when presenting facts , such as figures and data. Emotions will seem out of place here.
• Emphasize important points with raised eyebrows and open eyes . A smile can also enhance the effect.
• If you have to present less-than-optimal data or results, pull your eyebrows down and squint your eyes a bit. This clearly signals a negative emotion.
• When you make a rhetorical pause or lose your train of thought, make sure that you keep your mouth closed . This will make you appear calm and confident. Breathe calmly and continue the sentence you have started.

Here’s a fun video about the science behind smiles and how to smile more effectively.

The right outfit

Ever heard the saying, “Clothes make the man (or woman)?”. We all know looking good is important, but did you know that your choice of outfit can directly affect your body language ? Choose something comfortable but at the same time is appropriate for the occasion (no sweatpants!). If you’re not a suit-and-tie guy, don’t decide to become one for your presentation. You’ll be uncomfortable and won’t be able to present confidently.

As for women: Sure, high heels look elegant, chic and businesslike. But make sure that you can walk in them if you want to wear them during your presentation. Nothing is worse than an unsteady gait or even slipping or falling. Think about your footwear!

Avoid wearing clothes that are too colorful or garish . This quickly distracts from your actual presentation and may even make your body language look funny. Coordinate your clothing with your background so that you don’t “disappear”.

Before you start your presentation, check that your clothes fit . Are all buttons closed? Is the zipper of the pants closed? This will allow you to go into the presentation with confidence, which will only benefit your body language.

Finally: Other countries, other body language

If you’re planning an international presentation, remember that your body language must be understandable to everyone . Learn about potential cultural differences between the body language you’re familiar with and what your audience understands.

Score points with the right body language in your PPT presentation!

Body language is a presentation tool which shouldn’t be ignored . Most of the time, body language happens naturally. Nevertheless, it’s important to focus on the right body language , especially during important presentations. Without a bit of forethought and practice, you can quickly come across as boring, awkward, unmotivated or unprofessional.

Use our tips and think about how you can incorporate them into your presentation. Don’t hesitate to practice in front of a familiar audience and ask for feedback. With practice, you’ll be able to perfect your body language and get the best results from your presentation . A good video summary on body language in presentations can be found here .

Extra tip: Here are some tips for online PPT presentations or when you have to present wearing a mask .

We’re happy to help you with and questions about body language, general questions about presenting or PowerPoint presentations themselves. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] .

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Body Language During Presentation? Best 14 Tips To Use In 2024

Mattie Drucker • 08 April, 2024 • 14 min read

What your body language during presentation says about you? Do’s and Don’ts! Let’s learn the best tips with AhaSlides!

So, what is the best presentation posture? Got awkward hands syndrome? You probably don’t because I just made that up. But – we all have moments when we don’t know what to do with our hands, legs, or any part of our body.

You may have a fantastic icebreaker , impeccable introduction , and excellent presentation, but the delivery is where it matters most. You don’t know what to do with yourself, and it’s perfectly normal .

• Tips for Better Engagement
• Personality in a Presentation
• How do you Express Yourself?
• Use  live word clouds  or  live Q&A  to  survey your audience  easier!
• Use  brainstorming tool  effectively by  AhaSlides idea board

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Get free templates for your next interactive presentation. Sign up for free and take what you want from the template library!

To what extent do you know about a successful presentation? Aside from well-designed PowerPoint templates, it is important to utilize other performance skills, especially Body language. 

Now that you know that body language is an irreplaceable part of presentation skills, it is still far from mastering these skills to deliver effective presentations. 

This article will give you a holistic view of body language and how to take advantage of these skills for your perfect presentations.

Table of Contents

• Importance of body language during a presentation

Consider Your Appearance

Smile, and smile again, open your palms, make eye contact, hand clasping, touching ear, don’t point your finger, control your voice, walking around, frequently asked questions, importance of body language for presentation.

With body language presentations, when it comes to communication, we mention verbal and non-verbal terms. It is crucial to remember that these terms have a relative relationship. Hence, what it is?

Verbal communication is using words to share information with other people, including both spoken and written language. For example, the word “how’s it going” that you choose to let others understand what you are trying to greet them. 

Nonverbal communication is the transfer of information through body language, facial expressions, gestures, created space, and more. For example, smiling when you meet someone conveys friendliness, acceptance, and openness.

Whether or not you’re aware of it, when you interact with others, you’re constantly giving and receiving wordless signals besides talking. All of your nonverbal behaviours—your posture, your intonation, the gestures you make, and how much eye contact you make—deliver vital messages. 

In particular, they can put people at ease, build trust, and draw attention, or they may offend and bewilder what you are attempting to express. These messages don’t stop when you stop speaking, either. Even when you’re silent, you’re still communicating nonverbally.

Similarly, a presentation is also a way of communicating with your audience; while speaking up about your idea, show body language to emphasize it. Thus, understanding the importance of non-verbal and verbal communication skills simultaneously will help you avoid dull presentations.

To make it much more straightforward, we explore elements of body language, a part of non-verbal communication skills. Body language comprises gestures, stances, and facial expressions. When you are presenting, robust and positive body language becomes a powerful instrument for building credibility, expressing your emotions, and connecting with your listeners. It also helps your listeners to concentrate more intently on you and your speech. Here, we give you 10+ language body examples and tips to leverage your 

10 Tips to master Body Language in Presentations

First, it is essential to have a neat look during presentations. Depending on which occasion, you may have to prepare the appropriate outfit and well-groomed hair to show your professionalism and respect to your listeners.

Think about the type and style of the event; they may have a strict dress code. Choose an outfit you’re much more likely to feel poised and confident in front of an audience. Avoid colours, accessories, or jewellery that might distract the audience, make noise, or cause glare under stage lights.

Don’t forget to “smile with your eyes” instead of just your mouth when smiling. It would help to make others feel your warmth and sincerity. Remember to maintain the smile even after an encounter—in fake happiness encounters; you may often see an “on-off” smile that flashes and then vanishes quickly after two people go their separate directions. 

When gesturing with your hands, make sure your hands are open most of the time and people can see your open palms. It is also a good idea to keep the palms facing most of the time upward rather than downward.

It is usually a bad idea to make eye contact with individual members of your audience! Finding a sweet spot for “long enough” to look at your listeners without being offensive or creepy is necessary. Give it a try to look at others for about 2 seconds to lessen awkwardness and nervousness. Don’t look at your notes to make more connections with your listeners.

Check out tips on Eye Contact in Communication

You may find these gestures helpful when you want to conclude a meeting or end an interaction with someone.  If you want to appear confident, you can use this cue with your thumbs stuck out—this signals confidence instead of stress.

Around close friends and trusted others, it’s lovely to relax your hands in your pockets once in a while. But if you want to make the other feel insecure, sticking your hands deep in your pockets is a surefire way to do it! 

Touching the ear or a self-soothing gesture subconsciously takes place when a person is anxious. But do you know it is a good help when encountering difficult questions from audiences? Touching your ear when thinking of solutions may make your overall posture more natural. 

Whatever you do, don’t point. Just make sure you never do it. Pointing a finger while talking is taboo in many cultures, not only in presentations. People always find it aggressive and uncomfortable, offensive somehow. 

In any presentation, speak slowly and clearly. When you want to underline the main points, you may speak even more slowly and repeat them. Intonation is necessary; let your voice rise up and down to make you sound natural. Sometimes say nothing for a while to have better communication.

Moving around or staying in one spot when you are presenting is fine. Yet, don’t overuse it; avoid walking back and forth all the time. Walk when you intend to engage the audience or while you are telling a funny story, or while the audience is laughing

4 Body Gestures Tips

In this article, we’ll spell out some quick tips on body language and how to develop your presentation skills regarding:

• Eye contact
• Hands & Shoulders
• Back & Head

Your body language is crucial because it not only makes you look more confident, assertive, and collected, but you will also end up feeling these things. You also should avoid looking down while talking.

Eyes – Body Language During Presentation

Don’t avoid eye contact like it’s the plague. Many people don’t know how to make eye contact and are taught to stare at the back wall or someone’s forehead. People can tell when you’re not looking at them and will perceive you to be nervous and distant. I was one of those presenters because I thought public speaking was the same as acting. When I did theatre productions in high school, they encouraged us to look at the back wall and not engage with the audience because it would take them out of the fantasy world we were creating. I learned the hard way that acting is not the same as public speaking. There are similar aspects, but you don’t want to block the audience from your presentation – you want to include them, so why would you pretend they aren’t there?

On the other hand, some people are taught to look at just one person who is also a bad habit. Staring at one individual the entire time will make them very uncomfortable and that atmosphere will distract the other audience members as well.

DO connect with people like you would a normal conversation. How do you expect people to want to engage with you if they don’t feel seen? One of the most helpful presentation skills I’ve learned from Nicole Dieker is that people love attention! Take time to connect with your audience. When people feel that a presenter cares about them, they feel important and encouraged to share their emotions. Shift your focus to different audience members to foster an inclusive environment. Especially engage with those already looking at you. Nothing is worse than staring down at someone looking at their phone or program.

Use as much eye contact as you would when talking to a friend. Public speaking is the same, just on a larger scale and with more people. 

Hands – Body Language During Presentation

Don’t restrict yourself or overthink it. There are so many ways to hold your hands incorrectly, like behind your back (which comes off as aggressive and formal), below your belt (limiting movement), or stiffly by your sides (which feels awkward). Don’t cross your arms; this comes off as defensive and aloof. Most importantly, don’t over-gesture! This will not only become exhausting, but the audience will begin to fixate on how tired you must be rather than the content of your presentation. Make your presentation easy to watch, and, therefore, easy to understand.

DO rest your hands at a neutral position. This will be a bit above your belly button. The most successful looking neutral position is either holding one hand in another or simply just touching them together in whatever way your hands would naturally.  Hands, arms, and shoulders are the most important visual cue for the audience. You should gesture like your typical body language in a regular conversation. Don’t be a robot!

Below is a quick video by Steve Bavister , and I recommend you watch it to visualize what I just described.

Legs – Body Language During Presentation

Don’t lock your legs and stand still. Not only is it dangerous, but it also makes you look uncomfortable (making the audience uncomfortable). And no one likes to feel uncomfortable! The blood will start to pool in your legs, and without movement, the blood will have difficulty recirculating to the heart. This makes you susceptible to passing out, which would definitely be … you guessed it … uncomfortable . On the contrary, don’t move your legs too much. I’ve been to a few presentations where the speaker is rocking back and forth, back and forth, and I paid so much attention to this distracting behaviour that I forgot what he was talking about!

DO use your legs as an extension of your hand gestures. Take a step forward if you want to make a statement that connects with your audience. Take a step back if you want to give space for thought after an astounding idea. There is a balance to it all. Think of the stage as a single plane – you shouldn’t turn your back on the audience. Walk in a way inclusive of all people in the space and move around so you can be visible from every seat. 

Back – Body Language During Presentation

Don’t fold into yourself with slumped shoulders, drooping head, and curved neck. People have subconscious biases against this form of body language and will begin to question your capability as a presenter if you project as a defensive, self-conscious, and insecure speaker. Even if you don’t identify with these descriptors, your body will show it. 

DO convince them of your confidence with your posture. Stand straight like your head is connected to a taught string attached to the ceiling. If your body language portrays confidence, you will become confident. You will be surprised by how little adjustments will improve or worsen your speech delivery. Try using these presentation skills in the mirror and see for yourself!

Lastly, if you have confidence in your presentation, your body language will improve drastically. Your body will reflect how proud you are of your visuals and preparedness. AhaSlides is a great tool to use if you want to become a more confident presenter and WOW your audience with real-time interactive tools they can access while you’re presenting. Best part? It’s free!

Conclusion 

So, what does body language during the presentation say about you? Let’s take advantage of our tips and consider how to incorporate them into your presentation. Don’t hesitate to practice in front of the mirror at home or with a familiar audience and ask for feedback. Practice makes perfect. You’ll be able to master your body language and get favourable outcomes from your presentation . 

Extra tip : For a virtual online presentation or wearing a mask, you may encounter difficulties in showing body language; you can think of leveraging your presentation template to capture the audience’s attention with 100+ AhaSlides types of presentation templates . 

What to do with your hands when presenting

When presenting, it’s important to use your hands purposefully to make a positive impression and enhance your message. Therefore, you should keep your hands relaxed with open palms, use gestures to benefit your presentation and maintain eye contact with your audience.

When presenting to a neutral audience, why should I present both sides of the issue?

Presenting both sides of an issue to a neutral audience is essential, as it helps lots to engage with the audience, enables your critical thinking skills, makes your presentation better and also helps to increase credibility.

Which type of gestures should be avoided in a speech?

You should avoid distraction gestures, like: speaking dramatically but not relevant to your contents; fidgeting like tapping your fingers or playing with objects; pointing fingers (which show disrespect); crossing arms and surprisingly and overly formal gestures!

Mattie Drucker

Public speaking trainer at AhaSlides

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How to use body language during a presentation

• 19 February 2018
• 10 minute read

It’s easy to spend a long time agonising over what to say when it comes to giving a presentation. However, it’s important to remember that a great presentation is about much more than just content. Elsewhere on the Future Skills Blog we’ve talked about the most important public speaking skills to have in general, but here we’re going to focus on body language.

Body language can make all the difference between a dull, static presentation and a dynamic, engaging one. Of course, body language has many different elements, and so we’ve broken it down into five categories:

• Facial expressions
• Eye contact
• Position and movement

Some of these may seem like small details, but they have a big impact on how your presentation comes across. When your body language is working hand in hand with the other aspects of your presentation, such as content and tone of voice, then you’re sure to win over your audience.

1) Facial expressions

People will travel half-way around the world to meet one another “face-to-face” for a reason – when it comes to interacting with others, what we do with our faces is vital. We may not usually control our facial expressions in any conscious way, but there are times when we have to think about what our face is telling others, such as when giving a presentation. Study-body-language.com has produced a fun guide to facial expressions and why they matter.

The first and most obvious thing to remember is to make sure that you are using your face at all. Giving a presentation with a blank face, without any particular facial expression is like speaking in a monotone – no matter how great your content is, your audience will not be engaged. Even some simple steps from the outset, such as opening your eyes wider, raising your eyebrows a little, and smiling, can make a huge difference in setting the tone for your presentation. You can also “reset” at different points during your presentation to make sure that you haven’t fallen back into a dull resting expression and to re-engage your audience’s attention.

Of course, putting rehearsed facial expressions into your speech mechanically is never going to be effective, and what you do with your face should look natural. The important thing is to be attentive to what you’re saying. If your facial expressions are in line with the tone of your words, then the information you are presenting will come across more clearly, and you will seem more sincere. Remember that the expression you wear tells people a lot about how trustworthy you are. Don’t forget that the size of the room and the audience matters too – a bigger crowd requires bigger facial expressions.

2) Eye contact

Having thought about what your face is doing in general, it’s time to get even more specific and think about eye contact. This is crucial when it comes to communication, as explored in a recent Psychology Today article .

Just as with facial expressions and the other parts of body language we’ll be looking at below, the way in which you use eye contact and look at your audience depends on the size of the room and the audience. However, here are some general tips:

• Make sure you look at everyone – Staring at the same spot throughout a presentation is visually dull and unengaging for your audience. Make sure that by the end of your presentation you have made eye contact with everyone at least once – that might mean every individual if you have a small audience, or every section of a crowd if you have a bigger audience.
• Don’t be afraid of eye contact – Prolonged eye contact can make people nervous, but that’s because it’s so powerful. You may be perceived as aggressive or bullying. A brief glance, however, suggests that you are monitoring their expression as you speak to them, and thus that you care about how your message is being received. While it may be tempting to find a spot to stare at on the back wall, it is always better to try and make a more personal connection with members of your audience. But remember…
• Don’t stare – No one wants to feel uncomfortable or that they are being put on the spot. Keep your gaze moving and engage as many people as possible.

Again, remember that different situations call for different approaches, but as long as you are consciously using eye contact, you’ll be well on the way to making your presentation as involving as possible.

We’ve talked about facial expressions and eye contact, now it’s time to look at the bigger picture: posture. Whether you’re sitting or standing, the way in which you hold yourself is incredibly important and sets the tone for the whole presentation before it’s even begun.

With this in mind, here are a few Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to posture during a presentation:

• DON’T slouch – In almost all presentation situations, your posture should be upright and open. This will make you look and feel more confident, and it will invite your audience in rather than pushing them away. If you are not sitting or standing upright it suggests that what you have to say is not particularly important to you. If you suggest to your audience that what you have to say is not really worthy of your attention they are unlikely to pay much attention either.
• DON’T be tense – It’s important to look and feel relaxed during a presentation. If you’re standing upright but look rigid, it won’t make a good impression. No matter how nervous you may feel, a speaker who seems to be afraid of his audience will not win their trust. Pause and take a deep breath before you begin, and remind yourself to relax at different points throughout the presentation. Pausing and giving your audience time to think about what you have just said is a good thing to do anyway. You can take that time consciously to relax and re-set your expression and posture.
• DO think about your audience – A formal presentation to the board of a company is very different to an interactive talk with schoolchildren. While you still need to be upright, open and relaxed in all situations, remember that different situations require different levels of formality. Do you want to be interrupted if someone has a question for example, or will you only take questions at the end of your presentation? Adapt your posture to be more open or more formal accordingly.
• DO be adaptable – If you are sat down or have a lectern for your presentation, don’t hold onto them for support or let them get in the way. You should have an open and communicative posture no matter what the specific set-up is. Be prepared to adapt to unexpected situations. If you are addressing a large audience or being recorded you may need to use a microphone – this may mean you have to remain at a lectern, or you have to hold a microphone in one hand, which can restrict your gestures. Try to find out beforehand, but if things are not at you expected, adapt quickly to make the best of the facilities provided.

In addition, Ethos3 also gives some very helpful advice on how to improve your posture for a presentation .

4) Gestures

Varied facial expressions, eye contact and a good posture will put you well on the way to presentation success, but if you stand still without moving any other part of your body, it can create a very strange impression. On the other hand, over-rehearsed or exaggerated hand gestures can be off-putting and look unnatural.

A happy medium is needed. Remember that the purpose of using gestures when giving a presentation is to make your message clearer and more interesting. In short, your gestures should mean something. For example, if you are making a contrast between big and small, you can use hand gestures to represent this. If you are giving a numbered list, you can show the numbers with your hand so that both people’s eyes and ears are engaged. Alternatively, if you want to address the audience directly, you can gesture towards them (but try not to point aggressively as though you’re accusing them of something). If you have a PowerPoint slideshow or other visual aids, use gestures to draw people’s attention to them. If you have a particular point which is one of the key messages of your presentation you may want to make your gestures more exaggerated as you work up to that point – in this way you can communicate to the audience which of the things you have to say matter most to you.

The Science of People blog’s article on hand gestures gives some great insight into this aspect of presentation along with some further ideas. Remember that whatever happens, gestures should look relaxed and natural. If you are struggling with this, remember that practice makes perfect – film yourself presenting or ask your friends to give you feedback. Also, as with all the other aspects of body language we’ve been talking about, you’ll need to adjust things depending on the size of the room.

5) Position and movement

This last area is more variable depending on the specific set-up of your presentation. It will be clear straight away whether you have any flexibility over where you position yourself or if movement around the space is even possible, but it’s always worth considering.

For example, if you are giving your presentation on a big stage, a bit of movement around the space can help to create visual interest and keep different parts of the audience engaged. Likewise, if your presentation has interactive elements, you could move closer or slightly further back from the audience depending on whether they’re involved or not. The golden rule is that any movement should be clear and directed – you should never look like you’re just wandering around the stage. You may, for example, want to engage your audience early on in your presentation by moving to the front of the stage and asking them a question – “Who can tell me…”, “Put your hand up if you have ever…” – this not only enables you to make some judgements about how much your audience already knows about what you have to say, it also engages them and suggests that you care about their experiences. Most people are much happier if they feel a speaker is “talking to” them rather than “talking at” them with no concern for their opinions.

The five topics above give an overall sense of how you can use body language to make your presentation clearer, more engaging and more powerful. Remember that body language is not something you apply later to a pre-written script, but a core part of how you present. It should go hand-in-hand with every other aspect of the presentation, such as the content and the tone of your voice, to create a compelling overall experience for your audience. Good luck and happy presenting!

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Mastering Power of Body Language in Public Speaking

Body language is key in public speaking. Posture, gestures, and movements can show confidence and engage an audience. This article explores the power of nonverbal communication and how to use it.

When we take the stage, our body language sets the tone. A strong stance and open posture show confidence. Eye contact, hand gestures, and purposeful movements help build rapport with the audience.

Nonverbal cues can also emphasize key points. A pause and lean forward can underscore an idea. Changing speed and rhythm with facial expressions can add emotion to speech.

It’s not just what we say, but how we say it. Enthusiasm, passion, or conviction can be shown even without words. By combining verbal and nonverbal elements, we can leave a lasting impression.

Pro Tip: Mirror the audience’s body language to build trust and create familiarity. This subtle technique connects us to the listeners on a deeper level.

The importance of body language in public speaking

Public speaking is an art. It goes beyond verbal communication. Body language in public speaking is very important. Facial expressions, hand gestures, and posture are all key. They convey confidence, enthusiasm, and authenticity. This makes the audience more engaged.

Body language can help speakers establish credibility and make a deeper connection. Good posture shows confidence. Avoid fidgeting and crossing arms . Eye contact is essential for building trust. Make eye contact with each individual listener . This keeps the audience focused.

Hand gestures can also be used. Purposeful movements emphasize points. This helps to express emotions that words cannot. Facial expressions offer another way to communicate. Smiling creates warmth. Frowning or looking bored can be off-putting.

To use body language well, practice good posture . Rehearse hand gestures. Use visual aids like props or slides. This reinforces the message. Visual cues keep the audience’s attention .

To master body language, practice and be aware. Understand how nonverbal cues work. Use verbal and nonverbal skills to connect with listeners. Communicate in a compelling way that resonates emotionally and intellectually.

Also Read: Find Your Passion: A Path to Self-Discovery and Fulfillment

Key elements of body language in public speaking

Body language plays a huge part in powerful public speaking . Let’s investigate the fundamental elements of body language that contribute to successful speeches!

• Gestures : Movements can make or break a message. Natural and purposeful gestures keep people engaged and help them understand.
• Facial expressions : The face is an amazing tool for communication. Expressing emotions on the face helps create a bond, and builds trust with the audience.
• Posture and stance : How you hold yourself on stage affects how people see you. Good posture and confidence build authority and trust.

Also, making eye contact with the crowd builds a connection and grabs their attention. Varying your voice adds flavor to your speech, keeping people interested. Lastly, props and visuals can boost nonverbal communication, by strengthening key points.

Pro Tip: Copy the body language of influential speakers to master your own stage presence!

Also Read: Techniques for Innovative Thinking: Boost Creative Thinking

The role of nonverbal cues in conveying confidence and credibility

Nonverbal cues are crucial for public speaking. These cues, like body language, facial expressions and gestures , influence the audience’s opinion of the speaker. Good posture and eye contact show confidence and trust. Hand gestures make the message more engaging. Dressing professionally reflects respect and creates a good impression. Speaking with the right tone and volume adds depth to the message. These unique details set the speaker apart from others.

Strategies for improving body language in public speaking

It’s vital to develop body language when public speaking. Here are some tips to better your nonverbal communication:

• Posture : Stand tall, shoulders relaxed and show an open stance to look confident.
• Gestures : Use hand movements to emphasize points, but don’t go overboard.
• Eye contact : Keep eye contact with your audience to make them feel involved.
• Facial expressions : Show enthusiasm, empathy or seriousness through facial expressions.

Moreover, put focus on small details like nodding or mirroring the energy of your listeners. This creates a connection.

Many famous public speakers have used body language well. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s commanding gestures during his renowned “I Have a Dream” speech, caught the attention of millions. His use of nonverbal cues enhanced his message.

To conclude, it’s important to understand body language in public speaking. With practice and knowledge, you can engage your audience and deliver an effective speech.

Also Read: Impact of Physical Fitness: Boost Self-Improvement

Case studies and examples of effective body language in public speaking

Studies have shown that open, confident body language such as good posture and eye contact can make one appear more persuasive. A well-known speaker used hand gestures and facial expressions to draw in their audience. Dynamic body movements can help maintain an audience’s attention and emphasize key points.

Subtle details like proper posture and facial expressions can help create credibility, build rapport, show sincerity, and reinforce the message . For instance, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963 . His confidence, gestures, and passionate tone conveyed a deep commitment to equality and justice.

Overcoming challenges and common mistakes in nonverbal communication

Maintaining eye contact is a common challenge for speakers . They may feel nervous or find it hard to connect with their audience. To master this, practice eye contact and focus on individual members of the crowd.

Poor posture and body language is another mistake. Slouching or fidgeting can reduce credibility and lessen the effect of the message. To fix this, practice proper posture, stand tall, and use gestures to highlight key points.

To combat nervousness, use techniques like deep breathing or visualization. Nervous behaviors such as pacing or avoiding movement completely can stop a speaker from communicating effectively.

Cultures have different interpretations of body language. To prevent misunderstandings, research cultural norms or ask cultural experts.

To improve nonverbal communication:

• Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself for areas needing improvement.
• Seek feedback from trusted people for constructive criticism and tips on body language and delivery.
• Join public speaking clubs or workshops to learn from experienced speakers and get advice on nonverbal communication.

These suggestions work because practice helps individuals become more relaxed and confident. Feedback offers useful information and allows for necessary changes. Interacting with public speaking communities provides chances for growth and gaining from others’ experiences. By working on nonverbal communication skills, people can become better public speakers and make an impact.

Also Read: Top 100 Commonly Used A to Z Phrasal Verbs for English Fluency

Nonverbal communication is a powerful tool in public speaking. It allows speakers to convey messages and connect with their audience deeply. Body language can show confidence and credibility. It can also engage listeners.

We have explored various aspects of nonverbal communication in public speaking. Gestures, facial expressions, and posture can express emotions and enhance the message delivery. By understanding and using these cues, speakers can build rapport and create an impact.

Eye contact is also important. It communicates sincerity and builds trust. It creates a connection between the speaker and listeners, which encourages active participation.

Vocal tone and pace can also be used effectively. By modulating the voice, speakers can emphasize points and keep the audience interested. A well-paced speech helps listeners absorb information and stay engaged. Know More – The Fluent Life

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does body language affect public speaking? A. Body language plays a crucial role in public speaking as it can significantly influence how your message is received by the audience. Positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, using open gestures, and standing tall, can enhance your credibility and make you appear more confident. On the other hand, negative body language, like slouching, crossing your arms, or avoiding eye contact, can create barriers between you and the audience, detracting from your message.

2. What are some effective body language techniques for public speaking? A. There are several body language techniques you can employ to improve your public speaking skills. These include:

• Maintaining good posture and standing tall
• Using appropriate hand gestures to emphasize key points
• Making eye contact with the audience to establish connection and engagement
• Smiling and displaying genuine enthusiasm for your topic
• Using mirroring techniques to establish rapport with your audience
• Moving purposefully and confidently across the stage

3. How can I use facial expressions effectively in public speaking? A. Facial expressions are a powerful tool for conveying emotions and engaging the audience. To use facial expressions effectively in public speaking, make sure to:

• Smile genuinely to appear friendly and approachable
• Match your facial expressions with the tone and content of your speech
• Use your eyebrows, eyes, and mouth to express emotions or emphasize certain points
• Avoid excessive or unnatural facial movements that may distract the audience

4. What are some common body language mistakes to avoid during a speech? A. To deliver a compelling speech, it’s important to be aware of and avoid common body language mistakes. These include:

• Slouching or standing with poor posture
• Fidgeting with your hands or other objects
• Using closed-off gestures like crossed arms or hands in pockets
• Overusing hand gestures, which can become distracting
• Shifting weight excessively or pacing back and forth

5. Can body language help in conveying confidence during public speaking? A. Definitely! Body language is one of the key factors that contribute to conveying confidence during public speaking. By adopting confident body language techniques such as maintaining steady eye contact, using open gestures, and standing tall, you can project an image of confidence and authority. Additionally, being mindful of your posture, smiling, and speaking with a clear and steady voice also contribute to appearing confident in front of an audience.

6. How can I improve my body language in public speaking? A. Improving your body language in public speaking can be achieved through practice and awareness. Consider the following steps:

• Record yourself while practicing a speech and analyze your body language
• Take note of any negative body language habits you may have and consciously work on eliminating them
• Observe and learn from skilled public speakers who have excellent body language
• Attend public speaking workshops or classes that focus on nonverbal communication
• Seek feedback from trusted friends, family, or mentors on your body language and continuously strive for improvement.

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5 body language tips to improve your presentations

"What does body language have to do with a PowerPoint presentation?" you ask. Well, more than you think. In the same way it's always worth putting some thought into the placement of our text and images or the way we design a slide, it's also worth thinking about the placement of other things "outside of the presentation" like our hands and eyes, as well as the way we present ourselves (no pun intended).

The thing is, you're using body language whether you realise it or not. There's no vacuum here, so you may as well be intentional about it. Being aware of and leveraging the way you come across when presenting can be a great way to add that extra layer of clarity, conviction or persuasion we need to win that pitch, secure that raise or get the team on board for the next project. 

Your body language can either help you engage your audience and be confident and relaxed during your presentation, or make you look dull and uninterested thanks to slouching, lack of eye contact or nervous pacing back and forth. So, while we normally focus on helping you design your slides, in this post, we're giving you five pointers to help you look as good as your deck!

If you're nervous, your body will often instinctively try to avoid eye contact. If you're overly confident, you might stare for too long, making the other person nervous. The goal here is to find that sweet spot and look for long enough to appear confident without coming across as creepy. 

Here are a few tips for healthy eye contact: 

• Aim to move around and look at everyone in the room at least once
• Try about 2 seconds – less looks nervous, longer feels awkward 
• If you're too nervous to lock in, try looking just above people's eyes
• Don't look down at your notes the whole time if you're aiming to connect

2. Use hand gestures ... the right ones, that is

According to a  study by Vanessa Van Edwards , lead investigator for Science of People, hand gestures are among the five essential ingredients that make up a successful TED talk. I ntentional, well-timed hand gestures can show your audience that you care about the topic and that you're a knowledgable and effective communicator. On the flipside, unintentional hand gestures can easily cause distraction and make you look nervous or unprofessional and even annoying. 

Here are a few common ones to avoid: 

• Fiddling with a watch, wedding band or microphone
• Playing with keys, pens, coins or stuff in your pocket
• Stroking your hair, beard, mustache (or eyebrows!)
• Repeatedly adjusting items of clothing
• Pointing at people 

And a few to try: 

• Pausing to point an important element or message on your slide
• Using welcoming, positive gestures to engage with the audience
• Using a gesture to invite the audience to answer a question
• Counting key points on your fingers for emphasis
• Clapping to celebrate or acknowledge an achievement 

3. Consider your clothes

A lot can be said about people's choice of clothing, and there are obviously plenty of landmines to be mindful of here, including everything from company dress code to individual taste. We won't go too deep here, and also try to leave some room for personal preferences, but here are a few questions to ask yourself: 

Are your clothes enhancing your message or distracting people?

A t-shirt with an eye-catching design or some provocative wording might be perfect for a night on the town, but if it's not supporting your message, it may be distracting and detracting from it. If in doubt, go neutral. Plainer clothes are often a good choice, or at least items of clothing that don't carry conflicting messaging. 

How will your audience be dressed?

If they're in suits, you might not want to rock up in swimwear, unless of course you're doing a talk on water safety, in which case it might be an appropriate way to grab, and hold, people's attention. Many suggest dressing slightly better than your audience, helping establish some level of professionalism while also hanging on to some relatability. 

Are your clothes clean, ironed and in decent condition?

We're not suggesting you invest in a new wardrobe every time you need to get the team together for a 5-minute stand-up meeting at the office, but it's worth checking your clothes are neat and tidy enough not to distract people while you're talking. There's nothing worse than staring at a guy with big square-shaped creases on his recently purchased shirt because he didn't allow time to iron it before taking the stage. 

4. Remember your posture

Body language matters. As mentioned in one of the earlier tips, a poor posture such as slouching will give your audience the impression that you’re not confident nor interested in your topic or yourself. If you're tense, they'll sense your nervousness. Remind yourself to relax throughout your presentation and to straighten up if you start to slouch. Not only will this give you the chance to improve your posture, but it'll also allow your audience to take in the points you’ve just covered.

Within your own personal style, try to be comfortably confident. 

So here are two dos and two don'ts when it comes to posture during a presentation:

• Don't slouch – Your posture should be upright and open. This'll make you look and feel more confident, inviting the audience in rather than pushing them away.
• Try not to be tense – It’s important to look and feel relaxed during a presentation. Appearing too rigid won’t make a good impression. No matter how nervous you may feel, a speaker who seems to be afraid of his or her audience will not win their trust. Remind yourself to relax at different points throughout the presentation. Use your pauses to consciously to relax and reset your expression and posture.
• Think about your audience – A formal presentation to the board of a company is quite different from an interactive talk with a junior coworker. While you still need to be upright, open, and relaxed in all situations, remember that different settings require different levels of formality. Adapt your posture and the delivery of your message to be more open or more formal accordingly.

Read more:   10 dos and don'ts of impactful presentations

  5. Don't forget to breathe

Whether you're nervous, excited or insecure about delivering a presentation to an audience, it's surprisingly common to either freeze or to speak faster than normal, leading you to experience a shortness of breath. Regardless of  how you feel about presenting, it's important to remember to breathe normally. It's a great way to center yourself, find some calm and take control of the situation.  Breathing at a healthy pace will also give you the chance to gather your thoughts in between points, and most importantly, give your audience the opportunity to take in what you've just said.

Much like eye contact, pausing to breathe needs to be timed well. Too short and you seem flustered, too long and it gets awkward.  Try delivering a sentence or two and then pausing to breathe. Soon, you'll find a rhythm and cadence that enables both you and your audience to settle in for the ride so they remain focused and curious, and you stay calm and in complete control. 

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Why is body language important in a presentation?

This is the first of three chapters about Body Language . To complete this reader, read each chapter carefully and then unlock and complete our materials to check your understanding.   

– Discuss the key features of an academic presentation

– Introduce the concept of body language when presenting

– Outline twelve body-language strategies for students of English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Chapter 1: Why is body language important in a presentation?

Chapter 2: What is effective body language in a presentation?

Chapter 3: Which body-language mistakes should be avoided?

Before you begin reading...

• video and audio texts
• knowledge checks and quizzes
• skills practices, tasks and assignments

If you’re a student that’s studying at university in English then it’s quite likely that you’ll have to prepare an academic presentation to complete your bachelor’s or master’s degree . Even outside of academic contexts such as in job interviews or business meetings, the aspects of delivering a successful presentation are quite similar. Regardless of a presenter’s motivation for presenting, anyone that wishes to create an effective performance will want to focus on and improve aspects of their delivery, language accuracy and audience engagement.

This short three-chapter reader on body language focuses specifically on the features of facial expression, posture, position and movement that should, when used correctly, lead to a more successful academic presentation. This chapter first discusses the key features of presentations and body language, exploring the significance of these aspects when presenting in any context. Chapters 2 and 3 then introduce, explore and exemplify the twelve most important tips and pitfalls that students should follow and avoid if they wish to receive the highest grades in their assessments.

What are the key features of a presentation?

Students may not at first realise that there are many aspects that must be considered for a presentation to be successful. In truth, few people are naturally skilled at presenting (especially not the first time), and so practice and energy must be spent in evaluating personal weaknesses and in improving upon those weaknesses wherever necessary. While the topics of body language , delivery , presentation language and the use of visual aids   all have their own more detailed short readers, we’ve nevertheless summarised these four aspects for your reference below:

What is body language?

Body language – also known as kinesics – is a type of non-verbal language in which a speaker uses their body to communicate with a listener or wider audience. A speaker may either (1) use their body to communicate as fully as in any other language, such as in sign language, (2) use only their body and not their voice to communicate simple concepts, as in mime, or (3) use their body to assist, deepen or emphasise their verbal communication – which is what we term the ‘body language’ of a presentation. Focussing on number three, there are five key types of body language that a new presenter should become familiar with, and these are:

• Gestures = such as using open hands or pointing towards a PowerPoint slide
• Eye Contact = how the presenter uses their eyes to incorporate the audience
• Postures = whether standing straight, spreading the legs, leaning or slouching
• Positioning = how the presenter moves about their performance space
• Facial Expressions = such as a smile, a raised eyebrow or a furrowed brow

It’s worth mentioning at this stage, however, that body language is somewhat cultural. A simple hand gesture or facial expression, for example, may mean one thing in one language and something entirely different in another. On Academic Marker , we will of course be referring to the interpretation of body language that’s most commonly used by English speakers around the globe.

Why is body language important?

While every feature of a presentation is likely to be just as important as the next, body language certainly assists in how confident, natural and engaging a speaker is. As a form of non-verbal input, body language can be used to guide the audience towards the correct opinion or the next part of the presentation. Such language can in fact be used to reinforce the speaker’s opinion or attach emphasis to a phrase, adding a layer of depth to the communication that words  alone cannot muster. Ultimately, if you’re trying to get the best grade possible for an assessed academic presentation, or wish to impress your audience to the highest degree, then the careful application of correct body language will most certainly help.

What are the key body-language strategies?

As will be explored in much more detail in Chapters 2 and 3, there are twelve common strategies that students should pay attention to if they wish to have effective body language during their presentation. We’ve separated these twelve categories into six ‘tips for success’ and six ‘pitfalls to avoid’:

To learn more about these strategies, continue studying with Academic Marker .

Downloadables

Once you’ve completed all three chapters about body language , you might also wish to download our beginner, intermediate and advanced worksheets to test your progress or print for your students. These professional PDF worksheets can be easily accessed for only a few Academic Marks .

Our body language  academic reader (including all three chapters about this topic) can be accessed here at the click of a button.

Gain unlimited access to our body language  beginner worksheet, with activities and answer keys designed to check a basic understanding of this reader’s chapters.

To check a confident understanding of this reader’s chapters, click on the button below to download our body language   intermediate worksheet with activities and answer keys.

Our body language  advanced worksheet with activities and answer keys has been created to check a sophisticated understanding of this reader’s chapters. 

To save yourself 3 Marks , click on the button below to gain unlimited access to all of our body language  chapters and worksheets. The All-in-1 Pack includes every chapters on this topic, as well as our beginner, intermediate and advanced worksheets in one handy PDF.

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6 Tips to Use Body Language in Your Presentations

Presenters used to pay a lot more attention to their body language. Then PowerPoint was invented, and many people breathed a sigh of relief. No need to bother about body language any more!

Nothing could be further from the truth. Whether using PowerPoint or not, your body language says more about what you really think about the subject matter than your words do – and has a huge role in taking your audience with you. All presentations are, in effect, multilingual.

It’s quite likely that you’re not even aware of your body language: particularly in a presentation situation, where additional nervousness and stress can make your gestures and stance more defensive and rigid. Have someone video your next presentation, and then take a look. You might be shocked!

But being shocked is good if it helps you to improve.

Let’s look at some of the key pointers. Even if you’re speaking your words quietly, your body language can be shouting at your audience – and the signs it gives are interpreted instinctively.

1. Get the stance right

Particularly if you’re new to the presentation game, you might feel a tendency to stand stiffly in one place, hug your lectern for support, slouch, or sway while you’re standing. It’s also natural to lean back, put your hands in your pockets or on your hips, and look straight ahead while speaking.

Natural they might be  – but all of these are big turn-offs to the audience.

2. Move around while you speak

Be alive and energetic. Don’t sway, don’t slouch, and don’t lean back. If you stand tall and lean forward, you send an unconscious but powerful message to your audience that you’re passionate about your subject, that you’re confident and that you’ve got something to say that’s worth hearing.

3. Hands are a speaker’s best weapon

Hands are a speaker’s best weapon – yes, even more than the voice. If you don’t believe me, take a look at films of great orators. They’re certainly not standing with their hands in their pockets! Their hands are driving the points they’re making, underlining them, illustrating them.

4. Shoulders are important too

When addressing a large gathering, hands can’t always make big enough gestures – but shoulders can. Gesturing from the shoulder and using your whole arms can also help to relieve any tension or nerves.

5. Look at people in turn

The facial expression is vital, of course. Many experts recommend that you should look at different people in turn, engaging each of them with your eyes before pausing slightly and moving on to your next point. (The pauses help give your message importance, and give added drama and impact to what you’re saying.) Make sure you don’t ignore any part of the audience, but engage with as many members of it as possible. This will help make them feel connected with you.

6. Above all, smile!

Even in a serious or weighty presentation, you should be able to smile at the start: another good tension reliever. In many presentations, you’ll be able to smile several times. Look as if you’re having fun, and two things will happen: you’ll start enjoying yourself, and so will your audience.

Use body language for feedback

Last but not least, body language works the other way too. In many presentations, nobody in the audience will speak until you get to the end and ask for questions. But their body language will provide powerful unspoken feedback.

If everyone’s sitting back or slouching, they’re not paying attention. If they’re looking away or have their eyes closed, that’s even worse. If they’re sitting with their arms folded looking directly at you, you might have offended or annoyed them in some way. If they’re leaning forward and maintaining eye contact, you’ve made a hit. All these pointers and many others can help you adjust what you’re saying – and doing – in your presentation.

By David Vickery

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the tips was rely great also i would like to add few more: 1) should give an related day-to-day example and like it with the presentation, 2) can also use few technique to capture the attentaion of the audiance like posting few questions, by giving a explosive start, can also have some demo make audiance to paticipate in the presentation. 3)dress code and the physical appearence also helps on getting the attentaion of the observer.

The presentar should remember few things:

he should be precise in his presentaion, not too long not too short.

he should also make clear what his observers want to understand so there should be a proper preperation.

Great Tips on here. Found it quite revealing and useful.

very useful information. thank you. anyway very difficult to avoid some mannerisms, especially at presentation

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9 Ways You Can Use Body Language to Improve Your Presentation

1. Take a deep breath

2. pay attention to your facial expressions, 3. use your voice effectively, 4. keep stress at bay, 5. use the right gestures.

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 6. Move around

7. For a decisive look, rotate your palms down

8. widen your stance, 9. use hand-held devices smartly, more articles on presentation skills.

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8 Elements of Confident Body Language

August 10, 2017 - Sophie Thompson

If you want to find the truth, do not listen to the words coming to you. Rather see the body language of the speaker. It speaks the facts not audible. – Bhavesh Chhatbar

When you speak, you don’t just speak with what you actually say, you also speak with your body language. From your facial expressions, to your posture and eye contact, they all add up to the ‘truth’ behind what you are saying. If you’re feeling nervous, your body could be giving a different message to your audience than the one you’re saying.

Body language is an essential part of  public speaking success . Your non-verbal cues will impact on the way your message is received, how engaged your audience is, and what they think of you as an individual. Even if you’ve prepared the best speech in the world, if you aren’t animated, open or active then your audience won’t know what you’ve said.

Working on your body language can make a big difference to how you come across to your audience, and how you feel about public speaking in general. We’ve put together 8 of the most important elements of your body language that will shape how successful your speech is, explaining why they’re important and how you can use them to your advantage.

• Body Language: Online Course with Examples and Practice

1. Power pose

Why?  In 2011, US social psychologists Amy Cuddy, Dana Carney and Andy Yap proposed that holding a ‘ power pose ‘ resulted in people actually feeling more powerful.

Their theory suggests that an open pose can raise testosterone levels and lower your cortisol levels – ie. increase your dominance and lower your stress. If you have confident body language and pretend you feel powerful, you’re more likely to actually feel it! And, who doesn’t want to feel powerful on stage?

• Stand straight with your shoulders back and feet shoulder width apart.
• Imagine your shoulders opening up from one another so that they rest centrally.
• Place your hands either side of your body so that you can easily make hand gestures when you need to.
• Face the audience as much as possible. If you’re in a large room, tilt your whole body towards different parts of the audience so everyone feels included.

Amy Cuddy demonstrates a power pose — spreading your arms wide to appear more powerful. Image from  TED .

Note: Issues with replicating this theory

There has been some debate recently as to whether power posing is actually effective. Read more here:  Power posing replication failure

2. Eye contact

Why?  Making eye contact with your audience builds a connection between you and them and they feel more valued by you. This makes the audience more likely to respect and listen to you because they feel important. It also makes the  audience trust  you more because people tend to avoid eye contact when they’re lying.

Confident body language can also be used as a feedback loop. Making eye contact is the easiest to way to receive feedback from the audience about your speech.

You can see if your audience are listening and read their facial expressions to see if they are interested, bored, angry, happy, and so on. You can then alter your speech accordingly based on the feedback you see. Without making eye contact, you could go through your whole speech irritating the audience!

• When talking to a large number of people, maintain eye contact with one audience member for 4 or more seconds before moving to another member of the audience for 4 seconds, and so on.
• Make eye contact in a ‘Z’ formation – look at one person at the back left corner of the room, then the back right, then to the front left, and finally to someone at the front right. Be careful not to just repeat the Z formation with the same audience members each time you do it – you want to connect with as many members of the audience as possible.
• In one-on-one settings, maintain eye contact for 9-10 seconds and then break away to save yourself from coming across as intense or like you’re starting. (The same applies when answering a question from an audience of any size.)

Practice your eye contact in the virtual world with  VirtualSpeech . A heatmap shows you where you were looking.

3. Hand gestures

Why?  When used correctly, hand and arm gestures can help enhance your message and make you seem more confident and relaxed.  Gestures amplify your stories  and will help you come across as more genuine and believable. They’re an essential element of our non-verbal communication in showing others how we feel, and in turn how we make them feel.

Hand gestures are one of the most clear non-verbal ways we communicate confident body language or nervous body language – and your audience will react more positively to the former.

• Think of your hand gestures as a storytelling tool; put verbs into action by acting them out with your hands.
• Don’t overdo it – gesture sparingly, and focus on action words. Make your gestures strong and defined.
• Begin in a neutral position with your hands either side of your body so that your hand gestures flow smoothly.
• Use symbolic gestures to communicate numbers and position, eg. 2 fingers for the number 2 and a raised hand for stop.
• Use descriptive gestures to communicate movement, eg. shapes, size, length, etc.
• Use emotional gestures to communicate feelings, eg. hands clasped together to show pleading, hands raise either side of your head to show despair.
• When  using visual aids , point and turn slightly to look at the relevant data, and the audience will automatically follow your hands and eyes.
• Vary your gestures with different parts of your body. You don’t have to just use your arms- you could use your legs, facial expressions and full body movement as gestures too.

Learn how to use body language to improve your professional relationships. Practice what you learn in virtual reality exercises. Learn more about the  body language course .

4. Movement

Why?  Moving around the stage is a great way of showing your audience you are confident in what you’re saying and including everyone in the conversation.  Commanding the space  around you shows strong leadership and, after all, when you’re presenting you are the leader.

When you have confident body language, you’ll be more dynamic and interesting to listen to and your audience will not only be more engaged but they will have more trust in your message too.

• Don’t pace around the stage every 30 seconds – this is distracting to your audience. Wait at least 3 minutes before moving to another area of the stage.
• Time your movement on stage with a change in topic – this is a way of physically marking the transition.
• Move towards the audience when asking questions or making an important point.
• When you’re walking to another side of the stage, try to avoid turning your back to any areas of the audience as this disconnects them and can come across as rude.
• Avoid swaying or rocking on the spot – either walk to another area of the stage or don’t move your entire body at all.

Watch 3 examples of positive and negative body language while giving a speech

5. expressions.

Why?  People depend on facial expressions to interpret motives and emotions so an audience will respond better to you if you are expressive. This is a bit like acting – you want to emphasize your expressions so that everyone in the audience can interpret meaning from them.

You could  film yourself speaking  and identify artificial or unfriendly facial expressions you make when telling a story and replace them with more genuine, believable expressions. Try to practice speaking with your face to show happiness, sadness, anger, and surprise. Your face should reflect the emotions within your stories.

• When trying to show shock or confusion, raise your eyebrows.
• If you’re conveying anger or concern, frown.
• When you’re happy in your story, simply smile.
• For sad moments, frown a little and slightly tilt the sides of your lips downwards.

6. Mannerisms

Why?  Mannerisms are the nervous habits most people have that detract from your message and can make the audience feel uncomfortable. They are key to confident body language.  Common habits  you have that you might not be aware of are fiddling with your hair or suit, putting your hands in your pockets, and excessively using filler words such as ‘um,’ ‘so’ and ‘like’.

• To break these habits, film yourself speaking and become aware of them.
• You could ask a trusted friend to tell you if you have any.
• Once you’ve acknowledged your nervous habits, work in your everyday conversation to break them. If you can break them on a small scale, you’ll likely find they disappear in front of larger audiences too.

7. Breathing

Why?  Even though your audience can’t see your breath, it is a significant factor in portraying confident body language. Maintaining a slow, steady breath can reduce your stress levels and make you less likely to revert to nervous habits, bad posture and excessive movement.  Relaxed and deep breaths  also ensure that you’re speaking at the right pace and your voice can project across the room, which in itself will make you feel and sound more confident.

• Before you present or speak in public, do some breathing exercises to warm up your voice and fill your lungs. Slowly inhale for 3 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. Repeat this as often as you need to, in order to feel calm.
• Always make sure you’re standing up straight so that your lungs can expand fully.

To maximise your breath, and thus your voice and consequently your influence, you should aim to fill your lungs all the way down.  Image from RADA Effective Communication .

Why?  Your vocal expression is physical and so your body language has an effect on your voice and can enhance or detract from the message of your speech.

Albert Mehrabian wrote extensively on the relative importance of verbal and non-verbal messages and his findings have been quoted for years as the ‘ 7-38-55 Rule ‘.

Importance of verbal and non-verbal communication:

• 7% – words
• 38% – tone
• 55% – body language

When you combine these 3 elements, your audience will be more engaged and connected with you. So don’t forget that your body language should always enhance your voice and emphasize your message.

• Imagine you have a string on the crown of your head that is being gently pulled. This will help elongate your spine, maximise your rib cage and allow more air to inflate your lungs and support your vocal expression.
• Watch videos of good and bad speeches to see how their words are in tune with their body language, or how they are not.
• Practice varying your pitch. You can do this with the VirtualSpeech app that you gain access to when purchasing the Essential Public Speaking course.

Most of our body language and movement is subconscious so it can be difficult to retrain ourselves away from habits we’ve had for years. However, to master the art of public speaking you must also master your body’s language too.

Of course, you don’t want to distract yourself from your speech by consciously thinking how you are standing, where you are looking, and if you’re breathing correctly.

So, as with any other skill,  regular practice  is the secret to success and the quickest route to confident body language. You could practice the techniques above in your day-to-day life so that they become deep-rooted habits and then you won’t have to consciously think about doing them when you’re on stage.

How to Summarize a PowerPoint Presentation: Tips and Tricks for Techies

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Have you ever sat through a lengthy PowerPoint presentation and struggled to recall the key points? As a presenter, it’s important to keep your audience engaged and ensure that they leave with a clear understanding of the main takeaways. One effective way to achieve this is by summarizing your presentation. In this article, I will share my personal experience and provide tips on how to summarize a PowerPoint presentation effectively.

When I first started presenting, I would often include too much information on each slide, making it difficult for my audience to keep up. I quickly learned that summarizing my presentation helped me to focus on the key points and made it easier for my audience to follow along. Summarizing a presentation also helped me to stay within the allotted time and prevented me from going off on tangents.

To summarize a PowerPoint presentation effectively, it’s important to review the entire presentation first. This allows you to get a sense of the overall flow and the key themes. Pay attention to the title slides and the concluding slides, as they often contain the main message and summary points. Once you have a clear understanding of the presentation, you can start to identify the key points that you want to highlight in your summary.

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Designing with Clarity and Purpose

Incorporating visual aids and media, utilizing ai tools for enhanced productivity, identifying main points, creating a compelling summary slide, effective use of speech and body language, interactive elements and audience participation, exploring powerpoint’s ai capabilities, customizing presentations with advanced tools, crafting an effective powerpoint presentation.

When it comes to crafting an effective PowerPoint presentation, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. These include designing with clarity and purpose, incorporating visual aids and media, and utilizing AI tools for enhanced productivity.

To design a PowerPoint presentation with clarity and purpose, it is important to choose a theme that is both visually appealing and easy to read. Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides offer a variety of templates and themes to choose from, so take the time to explore your options and choose one that fits the content of your presentation.

In addition to choosing a theme, it is important to use a consistent font and color scheme throughout your presentation. This will help to create a cohesive and professional look that is easy for your audience to follow.

Visual aids and media can be a powerful tool for enhancing the effectiveness of your PowerPoint presentation. This can include images, videos, and other multimedia elements that help to illustrate your points and capture the attention of your audience.

When incorporating visual aids and media, it is important to use them strategically and sparingly. Too much visual stimulation can be overwhelming and distracting, so choose your images and media carefully and use them to enhance your message rather than detract from it.

Finally, AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot can be a valuable asset when it comes to creating an effective PowerPoint presentation. These tools can help to automate repetitive tasks and suggest content and design elements that are tailored to your specific needs.

When utilizing AI tools, it is important to remember that they are meant to enhance your creativity and productivity, not replace it. Use these tools as a starting point and then customize the content and design of your presentation to fit your unique needs and style.

In summary, crafting an effective PowerPoint presentation requires careful attention to detail and a focus on clarity, purpose, and visual appeal. By following these tips and utilizing the right tools, you can create a presentation that is both engaging and informative for your audience.

Summarizing Key Points for Impact

As I mentioned earlier, summarizing a PowerPoint presentation involves distilling complex ideas or data into concise and easily understandable points. In this section, I will discuss the two most important aspects of summarizing key points for impact: identifying main points and creating a compelling summary slide.

To effectively summarize a presentation, it is important to identify the main points. This involves reviewing the entire presentation and paying close attention to the title slides and concluding slides. These slides often contain the main message and summary points. Additionally, it is important to identify the key themes and supporting data points that reinforce the main message.

One effective way to identify the main points is to create an outline of the presentation. This can be done by breaking down the presentation into sections and identifying the main idea or message of each section. Once you have identified the main points, you can then prioritize them based on their importance and relevance to the overall message of the presentation.

A compelling summary slide is an essential component of an effective presentation summary. This slide should contain the main points of the presentation in a concise and visually appealing format. It should be easy to read and understand, and it should capture the audience’s attention.

One effective way to create a compelling summary slide is to use visuals such as graphs, charts, or images to illustrate the main points. Additionally, it is important to use clear and concise language that summarizes the main points in a way that is easy to understand.

To make the summary slide more impactful, it is also important to include a call to action. This can be a simple statement that encourages the audience to take action based on the information presented in the presentation. For example, if the presentation is promoting a product or service, the call to action could be to visit the company’s website or contact the sales team for more information.

Overall, summarizing key points for impact requires careful consideration of the main message and supporting data points. By identifying the main points and creating a compelling summary slide, you can effectively summarize a PowerPoint presentation and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Engaging Your Audience

When it comes to delivering a PowerPoint presentation, engaging your audience is crucial. It is not enough to simply present your material; you must also find ways to connect with your audience and keep them interested throughout the presentation. In this section, I will discuss some effective methods for engaging your audience during a PowerPoint presentation.

One of the most important ways to engage your audience during a PowerPoint presentation is through effective use of speech and body language. It is important to speak clearly and confidently, using a tone of voice that is both engaging and informative. Additionally, your body language can play a significant role in engaging your audience. Make eye contact with your audience, use natural gestures, and move around the stage to keep your audience’s attention.

Another effective way to engage your audience during a PowerPoint presentation is through the use of interactive elements and audience participation. This can include things like polls, quizzes, and other interactive elements that allow your audience to participate actively in the presentation. Additionally, you can encourage audience participation by asking questions, soliciting feedback, and inviting discussion throughout the presentation.

In conclusion, engaging your audience during a PowerPoint presentation is essential for delivering an effective and memorable presentation. By using effective speech and body language, as well as incorporating interactive elements and audience participation, you can keep your audience engaged and interested throughout the presentation.

Leveraging PowerPoint’s Advanced Features

As a frequent user of PowerPoint, I am always exploring ways to enhance my presentations. PowerPoint offers a wealth of advanced features that can help you customize and summarize your presentations. In this section, I will explore some of the most useful features that can help you take your presentations to the next level.

One of the most exciting features of PowerPoint is its AI capabilities. With the help of Microsoft 365, PowerPoint can now create intelligent slides that can summarize your presentation in real-time. By using the Copilot feature, you can ask PowerPoint to summarize your presentation, and it will automatically generate a bulleted summary of the key points. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you need to create a summary of a long presentation.

PowerPoint also offers a range of advanced tools that can help you customize your presentations. For example, you can use the ribbon to access a range of functions that can help you create charts, diagrams, and other visual aids. You can also use the ribbon to customize the functionality of your presentation, such as adding animations and transitions.

If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can also take advantage of the subscription benefits that come with it. These benefits include access to a range of templates, themes, and other design tools that can help you create professional-looking presentations. You can also use the subscription to access a range of advanced features, such as the ability to collaborate with others on your presentations.

In conclusion, PowerPoint offers a range of advanced features that can help you take your presentations to the next level. By exploring the AI capabilities and customizing your presentations with advanced tools, you can create engaging and informative presentations that will capture your audience’s attention.

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Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Digital Transformation Tech Talk – 21 May 2024 – presentation slides

This publication contains the presentation slides used for the Digital Transformation Tech Talk held on 21 May 2024. During this webinar, we looked at latest updates on digital transformation for the aged care sector.

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Download [Publication] Digital Transformation Tech Talk – 21 May 2024 – presentation slides (PDF) as PDF - 3.35 MB - 59 pages

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• Digital transformation for the aged care sector

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