Public speaking can be a daunting task. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it – your body language plays a key role too.
Mastering certain body language tricks can significantly boost your confidence when addressing a crowd. It’s about making those you’re speaking to feel engaged and connected to what you’re saying.
Trust me, I’ve been there. I know that these 7 body language tricks can make a world of difference to your public speaking game.
Let’s get started.
1) Power posing
Power posing is all about claiming space and standing tall. It’s a trick that many successful public speakers swear by.
Harvard Business School professor Amy Cuddy discussed this concept in her famous TED Talk. She explained that power posing – standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident – can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.
When you’re preparing to speak, try adopting a power pose. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, your chest out, and your hands on your hips. Hold this pose for a couple of minutes before you start speaking.
Although it may feel strange at first, power posing can help to reduce anxiety and increase feelings of confidence. It’s a simple body language trick that could make a big difference to how you come across to your audience.
It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about tapping into the confident version of yourself that’s already there, ready to take the stage.
2) Eye contact
I can’t stress enough how crucial eye contact is when you’re speaking in public. It’s a simple trick that can make your speech more engaging and personal.
I remember the first time I had to deliver a presentation to a large crowd. I was extremely nervous and found myself looking at my notes or at the blank wall at the back of the room. Later, a mentor told me that I’d missed an opportunity to truly connect with my audience.
He suggested I should try making eye contact with different individuals in the room throughout my speech. It was a game changer. Not only did it help me feel more connected to my audience, but it also made me appear more confident and in control.
Keep in mind, though, that there’s a difference between making eye contact and staring. You want to connect with your audience, not intimidate them. So, strive for meaningful eye contact with different people around the room as you speak. It’s a small trick that can have a big impact on your public speaking confidence.
3) Open gestures
Body language is a powerful tool in communication, and open gestures are a key part of that. When we use open gestures, we’re perceived as more approachable and trustworthy.
This concept is backed by research. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that speakers who used open body language, such as uncrossed arms and legs, and expansive gestures, were viewed as more persuasive than those who used closed body language.
During your speech, avoid crossing your arms or legs. Instead, try to use open gestures. This could be as simple as extending your arms to the sides when making an important point or keeping your palms open and facing upwards.
These subtle changes in body language can have a significant impact on how your audience perceives you. So next time you’re preparing for a speech, incorporate open gestures into your practice. It might just make the difference between a good speech and a great one.
4) Controlled movements
Controlled movements are another essential body language trick for public speaking. It’s all about moving with purpose and avoiding any unnecessary fidgeting.
When you’re nervous, it’s common to fidget or make unnecessary movements like shifting weight from one foot to the other or playing with a pen. These actions can be distracting for your audience and can give away your nervousness.
Instead, try to keep your movements controlled and deliberate. If you decide to move, do it with purpose. For example, if you’re moving from one side of the stage to the other, make it a clear, intentional movement rather than a series of small, uncertain steps.
By controlling your movements, you present yourself as confident and composed, helping to improve the audience’s perception of you and boosting your own confidence in return. It’s a win-win!
5) Smiling
Smiling is perhaps one of the simplest, yet most powerful body language tricks out there. But it’s not always easy to do, especially when you’re feeling nervous.
I recall a time when I was about to give a particularly important presentation. I was worried about how it would go, and as I looked out at the audience, I realized my face was mirroring my inner anxiety. It was in that moment I decided to smile, even though I didn’t feel like it.
To my surprise, the response from the audience was immediate. They visibly relaxed and started smiling back at me. This small change in my demeanor helped to create a more positive atmosphere and put both me and my audience at ease.
Not only can it help to reduce your own nerves, but it can also set the tone for your presentation and make your audience feel more comfortable.
6) Mirroring
Mirroring is a subtle body language trick that can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. It’s about subtly reflecting the body language, gestures, or speech patterns of the person you’re interacting with.
Let’s say you notice that a section of your audience is leaning forward, showing interest in what you’re saying. You might lean forward too, mirroring their body language to show them you’re engaged and responsive to their reactions.
However, mirroring should be done subtly and naturally. Overdoing it can make you seem insincere or even creepy. So use this trick sparingly and always in a way that feels genuine to you.
When used correctly, mirroring can help establish rapport with your audience and make you appear more relatable and trustworthy.
7) Practice
The ultimate body language trick for public speaking is practice. All the tips and tricks in the world won’t help unless you’re willing to practice them.
Public speaking, like any other skill, improves with practice. The more you do it, the better you become. Practice your speech out loud, practice your gestures, practice your eye contact, and most importantly, practice your confidence.
Public speaking isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. Your audience will forgive a minor stumble here or there if they feel connected to you. So practice until you feel comfortable and confident, and that connection will naturally follow.
Final thoughts: It’s all about connection
The art of public speaking is more than just delivering words to an audience. It’s about creating a connection, evoking emotions, and leaving an impact that lingers long after you’ve left the stage.
Body language plays a pivotal role in creating this connection. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it – how you stand, where you look, how you move. These non-verbal cues can speak volumes about your confidence and authenticity.
Remember, genuine confidence comes from within. It’s not something you can fake. But by practicing these body language tricks, you can start to tap into that inner confidence and let it shine through in your public speaking.
So whether you’re delivering a keynote speech at a conference or presenting at a team meeting, remember to use your body language to your advantage. Stand tall, make eye contact, use open gestures, control your movements, smile, mirror your audience, and most importantly – practice.
Public speaking is a journey, not a destination. So embrace the process, learn from each experience, and continue to grow as a confident and impactful speaker.
After all, as the renowned motivational speaker Les Brown once said, “Public speaking is the art of diluting a two-minute idea with a two-hour vocabulary.” But with the right body language tricks up your sleeve, you can ensure that every minute counts.
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