3. Body Language

The way we communicate with our audience is largely impacted by our gestures and facial expressions. A presenter’s body language has a major role in shaping discussions and arguments we want to convey, as well as influencing the audience’s response to the content and key messages presented. 

Watch this video below to learn more about how your body language can improve your presentation.

Body Language for Presentations

This video highlights three aspects to pay attention to when you are presenting in front of an audience:

This video highlights three aspects to pay attention to when you are presenting in front of an audience:

1. Eye contact and smile

2. Posture and gestures

3. Pause and nod

Helpful Tips

You may want to consider these helpful tips when you practice and later present your presentation.

The do’s:

•    Make eye contact with one person in the audience for one idea and for the next idea make eye contact with another person.
•    Smile to create a warm and friendly atmosphere. Use neutral facial expressions when presenting facts and emphasize important points using raised eyebrows and open eyes. 
•    Nod slightly when bringing a point across because it encourages the audience to nod and agree with you.

What not to do and what you should consider instead:

•    Do not stand with your legs too far apart or too close together. Rather, stand with soft knees and your legs shoulder width apart.
•    Avoid standing with your hands on your hips, hands in your pockets or crossed arms. Instead use subtle gestures to attract attention and use your gestures strategically. This way the audience will follow your hands and be interested in what you have to say.
•    Avoid pacing or walking back and forth. It is best to move after you have made a statement or finished a section or even when you want to explain something from a different point of view. 

Activity

1.    Rehearse the first three slides for a face-to-face presentation.
2.    Study the report giving you feedback on your presentation.
3.    In the comment section indicate any improvements you will make.
4.    Any questions can also be posted to the comment sections.

What was different between the online presentation and the face-to-face presentation?

Feedback:

•    Did you notice that using your hands while speaking happens naturally? Using your hands during the online presentation will help to improve your pitch and pace which keep the audience engaged.
•    Keep your hand movements small so your hands do not cover your face. Large gestures can be distracting.
•    Do not shuffle your feet – wriggle a toe to manage your nervousness.
•    Do not cross your arms as this closes you off from the audience.
Now that you have grasped the importance and effective use of body language, the next section will help you to present to your audience with confidence.