When giving a presentation or speech, the essay is considered extremely important.
But what many people forget or struggle with is that gestures have an important role in the process of interacting with the audience, and this is called body language.
What is body language?
Body language is a nonverbal way of expression. Body posture, foot spacing, arm movements, and facial expressions are all part of this language.
For example, when you feel stressed, you might cross your arms or hit the ground with your feet.
Unfortunately, the audience may conclude from these gestures that you are bored or that you do not want to be with them.
These gestures may also indicate a lack of professionalism. Let's review some ways to help you improve your body language.
You may feel physically tired while standing and speaking in front of an audience, especially if you are not used to it.
When we are tired, we usually lean on the left foot and sometimes on the right, or cross our feet, or do a little dance like this. This gives the audience the impression that you are confused and unprofessional.
Therefore, you have to be well positioned, that is, to stand in a stable position, which indicates strength and self-confidence. Put the feet a little wider than the hip.
Maintain a flexible and non-rigid posture. Make sure your feet are not tight and your knees are not tied. Avoid slouching by keeping your back and head stretched and raised.
Imagine an invisible thread pulling you upward. Concentration does not mean standing still.
Stand still, but you can move around and make gestures with your arms that fit the words you're saying.
See: How to Write an Informal Business Email or Letter in English
How do poses improve your presentation?
From here, we move on to another important point, which is controlling your movements. If you have room in the room, you can walk. But avoid walking for no reason, but rather make sure that you have a specific destination.
Walking around without a clear purpose can distract the audience, and may indicate that you are too nervous.
You can simply move from side to side on the platform. You can walk when you move on to a new idea in your speech.
And when you change the subject after a few minutes, you can go back to where you are. This is useful for several reasons:
- It helps change the audience's perspective and allows you to catch your breath.
- Most important of all, it enables you to move from one idea to another.
- This will change the audience's perspective and help them keep track of your story.
What is the role of gestures in improving your presentation
First, your palms should be facing upwards in front of the audience. You should make round, integral, and unclosed gestures with your hands. This way, you are careful not to keep your arms crossed.
Keep moving your hands and don't stick them to your body. Extend your arms a few centimeters. In addition, you should not pass your arms or hands in front of your face while moving.
You should perform full movements, but not exaggerated. This can sometimes be difficult if you are used to moving your hands as you speak.
In this case, use the energy within you or your passion for the subject at hand to control these gestures. Make gestures to give examples like “first, second, third” or to engage your audience.
What are the things to avoid?
- Do not cross your arms in front of you or put them behind your back
- Do not lean on the table or table
- Do not tap your pen or play with an object so as not to disturb or distract the audience
All of these movements indicate that you are bored or lacking in self-confidence and are distracting the audience from you.
See: Your Strengths: How to Know, Identify, and Plan for Them
What is the role of facial expressions in improving your presentation?
Don't fixate on one person all the time, the rest of the audience will feel that you are only addressing that person.
The person may also feel embarrassed or confused. Instead, address the entire audience.
Move your gaze in all directions and fix it at several stops. To do this, move your gaze over a wavy line.
For example, hold your gaze for a few seconds on someone, then move on to another person, and so on until you reach the last person in the audience.
Then, look back at the audience in the opposite direction. You can also turn your eyes in a different direction.
Involve everyone in your presentation and don't just focus on your boss or the important people. Look at everyone, talk to everyone, and then start the ball again
Summary
And last but not least, remember to smile. You should smile with your eyes, too. If your eyes don't smile, your smile will look fake.
If you're not happy to be on stage, the audience won't want to listen to you.
Remember that the skill of body language does not come from nature, but rather this skill can be developed with practice and experience.
So, practice and harness your knowledge and you'll be sure to grab the audience's attention within seconds.