Tag: posture

Boosting Your Body Language for Better Presentations

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Feb 27, 2019

Preparing the content of your deck is only half the battle in delivering a presentation. You can have the most beautifully designed and eloquently written presentation in history, but if your public speaking skills are not up to snuff, then it will be all for naught. Your body language can tell a different story.

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As the saying goes, “it’s not about what you say, but how you say it.”

Simply put, delivering a good presentation takes demonstrating good body language. Presentation experts will tell you, beyond simply knowing your content, it’s important to be able to show confidence and relatability in front of your audience. When your body language complements your content, then you’re sure to deliver a great presentation.

In this article, we’ll tackle the key aspects of body language that will boost your presentation skills to the next level.

Posture

Whether you’re sitting down or standing up, how you carry yourself greatly affects the entire mood of your presentation. You never want to be caught slouching, as it makes you look lazy and unprofessional.

Maintaining an upright and open posture presents a confident and charismatic stance to your audience. It also makes you feel more confident.

A good tip is to loosen up before your presentation. It’s meant to release all the nervous tension that may cause you to stand or sit in awkward positions.

Eye contact

Perhaps one of the most neglected steps in presenting is establishing a good connection with the audience.

The stronger the connection, the more receptive your audience will be to what you’re presenting. The quickest way to develop that is with eye contact. It sends a subtle message that you are paying attention to them, making you deserve their attention.

It may seem like a small detail, but it also subconsciously tells them how confident you are in your presentation.

Facial expressions

While we’re on the topic of connections, remember to be aware of your facial expressions.

When it’s appropriate, you’ll want to smile as much as possible. No one enjoys sitting through a presentation from someone who looks like they do not want to be there.

Remember that audiences tend to mimic or feed off the emotions of the presenter facing them.

With a smile on your face, you have the power to uplift the room you step in front of.

Gestures and Movement

As the presenter, it’s your mission to keep your audience engaged. Incorporating hand gestures and movement can be what makes the difference between a dull presentation and a captivating one.

Think of your arms and legs as storytelling tools. Hand gestures add emphasis to your speech while movement along the stage can guide the attention of your audience. And like any tool, you must handle these with care and precision. You need to strike a balance in your use of gestures and movements so that they come off as part of your natural motions and not overly rehearsed.

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While presentation styles may vary from person to person, body language is universal. It’s a form of communication that speaks beyond words and potentially adds to the impact of your presentation.

To presentation specialists, using subtle hints in body language is an invaluable skill in communication and public speaking. With enough practice, you’ll be instinctively using your body language to deliver more dynamic presentations.

To learn more ways to elevate your presentations, you can contact us anytime! At SlideGenius, it’s our passion to design exceptional PowerPoint presentations. We believe that good business starts with a well-made presentation.

Let us handle the designs, while you can practice on your delivery!

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4 Things to Avoid in Order to Gain Respect During a Presentation

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Dumb Yourself Down

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Woody Allen

Sep 23, 2013

Making a positive, memorable impression is an enormous aspect of professional presentations. However, when we’re up on stage–under the magnifying glass–we might not be cognizant of how we’re being perceived by the audience. Here’s a few very common tendencies people tend to fall into without realizing, and ironically these are often done as an attempt to be more likable and relatable.

 

1. Don’t Make Jokes at the Expense of Others

This is a very commonly used ploy to win over the majority of the crowd at the expense of its minority. However, anyone who’s respect you want will see through this. It’s a cheap trick you should not stoop down to. Humor is a great tool during a speech, but either make it constructive, or even better, make yourself the butt of the joke. As long as you’re not too harsh on yourself, this is a great way to be relatable to the audience.

 

2. Don’t Dumb Yourself Down

If you’re attempting to come off as more colloquial or conversational, be careful not to take it too far. Sure, you don’t want to be rigid or robotic, but talking to an audience the way you talk to your friends on a Saturday night won’t score you any points. dumb_a

This is a fine line to balance. You may have an intensely technical background, and you might have to present on a complex topic that goes along the same lines. In this case, where you might have to actually simplify your ideas a great deal in order to relate them to your audience, it’s important to be very cautious aobut the tone you’re using. As we all know, nothing is quite so infuriating as being spoken to like a five year old. Keep in mind that you’re presenting to a room full of professional, of fully grown adults who deserve to be spoken to as such. Don’t dumb down. Simplify.

 

3. Don’t show off with your vocabulary

On the contrary, don’t try to dazzle your audience with your faux-intellect by using as big of words as possible when showing your PowerPoint slides. Presenting is about communication and relating to your audience. Using unnecessary language might distract or confuse, and you’ll likely come off as obnoxious.

 

4. Don’t Fidget Nervouslywoody-allen

No one wants to watch Woody Allen squirm nervously on stage while when they’re looking to gain meaningful information in a business setting. Most likely if you don’t think about your posture, body movements and posture, then they’re probably not working toward your advantage. Make sure your movements are slow, meaningful and deliberate. The confidence you’ll exude in doing so will go a long way.

 

If you can’t tell what the overarching theme with all of this is, it’s that you should present yourself as well as possible, but don’t falsify your image because your audience will see right through it. Be yourself, but make sure you’re being the best version of yourself possible.

How to Make Your First Impression Count in the Business World

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Jul 22, 2013

You don’t get a redo with a flubbed first impression, especially in the modern business world defined by a hyper-fast pace and short attention span.

We meet new faces every day, and you can’t downplay the importance of these first impressions, especially with an important contact or a corporate presentation. Because of the pressure and importance associated with first impressions, it’s easy to become nervous or over think the situation, but paying attention to a few basic concerns about your behavior and physical appearance can help you relax and make a memorable impression.

Whether you’re meeting someone face to face or engaging a group of people, knowing what cues will cause others to form opinions about you in less than 10 seconds can be the difference between success and failure.

Physical appearance

first impression

This may seem shallow, but your physical appearance and your body language will be the two key factors in how you will first be perceived by others, and keep in mind that the bulk of the first impression will be made in seven seconds, and that impression is unlikely to ever change.

Dress with care, it’s a sign of competency and attention to detail to others, but be wary not to overdress for the occasion. That can also show incompetency–even insensitivity. Furthermore, while it’s important to show individuality, creativity, and originality through your appearance, don’t go overboard, especially in a professional setting. Find out the appropriate dress code (i.e. casual, formal) and craft your creativity within that context. Also, making sure you’re well groomed and appropriately dressed can give you the boost of confidence you need if you’re walking into a situation that may make you a little apprehensive.

Remain open, confident, and relaxed

Your body language can say a lot about your personality and attitude as well, so it’s important to give off a positive, open vibe through your gestures, posture, and body language.

Good posture and a firm handshake will show confidence and assertiveness, which are too highly valued qualities in the business world. Conversely, slouching can be a sign of lack of self esteem and low energy.

Confidence is key to being taken seriously, but appearing open and friendly can’t be undervalued. Your body should face the person you’re speaking to. To ensure the person that you’re giving them your full attention, maintain eye contact, and don’t glance at your watch, phone, or what other people in the room might be doing.

Knowing what not to do is just as important. We all have nervous habits that we begin doing unconsciously. While we may not even be aware of these habits, such as biting our fingernails, crossing and uncrossing our legs, or touching our hair and face, others are, and becoming aware of and controlling these habits is imperative in order to present yourself effectively.

While this may seem like a hefty list of things to be conscious of, the most important tip is simply to be confident, because the majority of these techniques of good-impression making are just symptoms of confidence.

Body Movement in your Presentation; How to Make it or Break it

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Presentations

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Steve Jobs

Jul 19, 2013

Body movement during a presentation is a powerful non-verbal tool that can either enhance your message or become a major distraction. Effective use of movement can engage your audience, emphasize key points, and project confidence. On the flip side, uncontrolled or awkward movement can detract from your message, making you appear nervous or unprepared. Understanding how to use body movement correctly can make or break your presentation.

In this guide, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of body movement, showing you how to use it strategically to support your presentation and captivate your audience.

The Importance of Body Movement in Presentations

Movement during a presentation serves several important purposes:

  • Engagement: Movement helps keep your audience visually engaged, adding energy and life to your presentation.
  • Emphasis: Strategic movement draws attention to key points or transitions, making them more memorable.
  • Connection: Moving around the stage or room helps you connect with different sections of the audience, making them feel included.
  • Confidence: Controlled, purposeful movement projects confidence and helps you appear more authoritative.

However, too much movement—or the wrong kind of movement—can be distracting, confusing, or even alienating. The goal is to strike a balance between purposeful movement and moments of stillness.

How to “Make It” with Body Movement

1. Move with Purpose

One of the most critical aspects of body movement is making sure your movements are purposeful and deliberate. Random or constant movement can make you appear nervous or unorganized.

  • Move During Transitions: Use movement to signal a change in topic or section. For example, when transitioning from one key point to the next, take a few steps to the side or toward the audience. This visually reinforces the shift in focus.
  • Step Forward to Emphasize: When making a critical point, step closer to the audience. This adds emphasis and makes the moment feel more intimate and impactful.
  • Return to Neutral: After making a point or transitioning, return to a neutral, centered position on the stage. This helps you reset and maintain balance in your presentation.

2. Use Movement to Connect with the Audience

Moving around the stage or room allows you to engage with different sections of the audience. This helps establish a connection and ensures that everyone feels included in the conversation.

  • Address All Sections: Avoid staying in one spot or addressing only one part of the room. Shift your position throughout the presentation to engage the entire audience. This could mean walking to different areas of the stage or making subtle shifts in body orientation.
  • Use Proximity Wisely: Moving closer to the audience during key moments can create a stronger connection. For example, during a Q&A session, stepping toward the person asking the question can make the interaction feel more personal and engaging.

3. Anchor Movements to Key Points

Linking specific movements to key points in your presentation can help reinforce your message and make it more memorable.

  • Visualize Movements for Concepts: For example, if you’re explaining a process with multiple steps, consider moving from one side of the stage to the other as you outline each step. This visual association helps the audience follow along.
  • Use Spatial Anchors: Assign different areas of the stage to represent specific topics or ideas. As you move back and forth between these areas, the audience will subconsciously associate the movements with your key points.

4. Control Gestures and Body Language

While body movement involves the whole body, gestures—especially hand movements—are another key component. Use gestures that complement your message rather than distract from it.

  • Emphasize with Gestures: Use open and deliberate hand movements to emphasize important words or concepts. Gestures should be natural and proportional to the size of the room; smaller rooms call for smaller, more controlled movements, while larger spaces may require more expansive gestures.
  • Open vs. Closed Gestures: Open gestures, such as open palms, indicate honesty and inclusivity, while closed gestures, like crossed arms or hands in pockets, can signal discomfort or defensiveness. Aim for open and inviting gestures to enhance audience connection.

5. Maintain Balance Between Movement and Stillness

While movement adds energy to your presentation, moments of stillness are equally important. A balance between movement and stillness allows your audience to process information and focus on your message.

  • Pause for Impact: After making a key point, pause for a moment in stillness. This gives your audience time to absorb the information and underscores the significance of what you’ve just said.
  • Avoid Fidgeting: Constant, small movements, such as shifting from foot to foot or fidgeting with clothing, can be distracting. Be aware of nervous habits and practice staying still when needed.

How to “Break It” with Body Movement (What to Avoid)

1. Pacing Without Purpose

Constant pacing is one of the most common mistakes presenters make. Walking back and forth without clear intention makes you seem nervous, restless, or unorganized.

  • Avoid Random Pacing: Uncontrolled pacing is distracting and can make the audience lose focus. Instead, use intentional, measured steps to emphasize transitions or key points.

2. Standing Still the Entire Time

Just as too much movement can be distracting, standing completely still throughout your presentation can make it feel stiff and unengaging. Being stationary can create a barrier between you and the audience, making your presentation less dynamic.

  • Don’t Lock Yourself Behind a Podium: If you’re using a podium, step away from it at times to engage with the audience. Moving around the stage or room makes the presentation feel more interactive.

3. Overusing or Exaggerating Gestures

While gestures are an important part of body language, overusing or exaggerating them can be just as distracting as poor movement.

  • Avoid Constant Gesturing: If your hands are always in motion, the audience may become distracted. Limit gestures to moments where they support or emphasize your words.
  • Don’t Overdo Large Movements: Exaggerated gestures or wide, sweeping motions can overwhelm the audience. Keep your gestures appropriate for the room size and the context of your message.

4. Fidgeting or Nervous Movements

Small, repetitive movements such as playing with your hair, adjusting your clothing, or tapping your fingers can signal nervousness and detract from your presentation.

  • Control Fidgeting: Practice becoming aware of any nervous habits and work on minimizing them. If you have a habit of fidgeting with objects, try holding a pen or clicker to keep your hands occupied in a controlled way.

5. Turning Your Back to the Audience

Turning your back on the audience, even briefly, can disengage them. This often happens when a presenter is reading from slides or looking at a monitor behind them.

  • Always Face Forward: Stay aware of your body orientation. Even if you’re referencing your slides, try to face the audience as much as possible. If you need to look at your slides, glance quickly and return your focus to the audience.

Final Thoughts

Body movement is a powerful tool that can either elevate or diminish your presentation. When used correctly, purposeful movement adds emphasis, boosts engagement, and makes you appear more confident. However, random or nervous movement can detract from your message and make you seem unprepared.

The key to “making it” with body movement is awareness and intentionality. By moving with purpose, using gestures strategically, and maintaining a balance between movement and stillness, you can command the stage and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Avoid common pitfalls like pacing without purpose, overusing gestures, or standing rigidly still, and instead, use body movement as a dynamic tool to amplify your presentation’s impact.

With practice and mindful execution, your body language will become an asset that powers your presentations and helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.