Use Full-body Communication

Be fully human when you're presenting in person. Use everything you've got. Keep in mind that many of these principles apply to presentations delivered over the phone or internet as well. 


TAKE THE STAGE WITH CONFIDENCE

"The stage" may be in front of thousands, or only six people in a small conference room. Regardless, walk up with vigor and energy, and make sure your face shows passion and enthusiasm for the subject. Your audience will unconsciously imitate the mood you project. Take a few seconds to look around the room, smile, make eye contact and build a connection with four or five people. Gather the energy of anticipation.

 

USE YOUR EYEBROWS


Eyebrows may seem like a funny place to start, but since you can't control your hair, they're the first thing from the top down that you can move to show expression. Raise them to show surprise or delight, draw them up together to emphasize a question, furrow them to show concern or concentration. Whatever you do, remember that these frames for your eyes draw people's attention.

Watch how David Epstein looks at individuals in his audience as he builds suspense. Are athletes really getting faster, better, stronger?


Eyebrows…...are the first thing from the top down that you can move to show expression.


MAKE EYE CONTACT

When we're nervous, we tend to focus inward and become self-conscious. We look down at the floor or at the wall. Remind yourself that you are talking to people, individuals sitting around a room, who generally want you to succeed. A great rule of thumb is to hold short "conversations" with audience members, spreading your attention throughout the group. Make sure your smile reaches your eyes, because a twinkle in the eye will make your audience inclined to smile back and feel more positive about both your presentation, and you.


PUT YOUR SHOULDERS BACK

Great posture conveys confidence, so roll your shoulders back and allow your limbs to hang from that strong framework. Straightening up your spine pulls your head up, too, and makes managing your arms and legs easier. Believe it or not, your posture actually changes the hormones in your body, replacing stress with confidence.

Watch this animated TED Ed video about The Benefits of Good Posture. Then call your mom and say thanks.


MOVE DELIBERATELY

When you've got some floor space, move deliberately within it to emphasize your points. For example, if you're talking about change over time, move from the audience's left to its right as you discuss each change. Avoid moving just to be moving. Walking back and forth on a single line with no reference to your content makes you look like a bored donkey.

Watch how Audrey Choi, CEO of Morgan Stanley's Institute for Sustainable Investing, uses space. Audrey Choi, How to make a profit while making a difference


46%

Percentage of respondents who admit to being distracted during a co-worker's presentation.


Distraction Action

Tasks employees do instead of listening to a co-worker’s presentation:

  • Send text messages
  • Answer email
  • Surf the internet
  • Check social media
  • Fall asleep
Carmine Gallo, "New Survey: 70% Say Presentation Skills Are Critical For Career Success".


KEEP YOUR FACE MOBILE

A stiff and immobile expression is off-putting - even disturbing - to watch. The larger your audience, the more you need to exaggerate your expressions and move your eyes, eyebrows, and mouth with more emphasis than you might in a personal conversation. 


SMILE

An authentic smile is one of your best bodily resources. It doesn't have to be a big toothy grin, but unless you're announcing a horrible tragedy, try to look happy. A wry smile is fine if you're a dry-humor person.



SPEAK UP

Your voice is a signature part of your self-presentation. Make yours effective by ensuring that it has good volume, pace, and clarity. You'll need to get feedback from peers on these features, because what you hear inside your head isn't what your listeners hear. Another option is to record a video of yourself and check how you sound. Just as you need to keep your face and body mobile, keep your voice mobile, too. Vary your speed, volume, and intensity to match your message.

Learn from sound researcher Julian Treasure how to better communicate your message using six voice tools. Julian Treasure: How to Speak so That People Want to Listen


USE SILENCE

Although your voice is an irreplaceable tool for communication, the absence of a voice also speaks loudly. Try using silence to gather attention, emphasize a point, or give people time to think about a rhetorical question. Don't be afraid of the illustrious pause. Silence is powerful.

Watch this short clip to see how Airbnb founder Joe Gebbiauses deliberate, strategized pausestohelp make his conclusionmore powerful. Joe Gebbia, How Airbnb Designs for Trust


DROP YOUR TICS AND FIND YOUR NEUTRAL

Practice a good neutral stance as a default. When nervous, people often do repetitive and distracting things (like clasping hands in front like a fig leaf, pacing, or pulling a ring on and off). Avoid the distraction this causes by practicing a comfortable neutral stance for yourself when listening to a question or showing a visual. Hands resting loosely at your side are always safe. In a casual presentation, one hand in the pocket is fine too.


GESTURE LARGE

When you're in a large space, go big or go home. Make sure your arm motions are above your waist and away from your body. Don't just flap your hands around near your body like you have tiny T-rex arms. Use large arm gestures to emphasize a trend ("Sales are up"). or demonstrate a concept ("We'll be spreading the task load more evenly among the teams"). Use your hands to do things like count out three points, put an ineffective policy on the chopping block, or raise people to their feet for a stretch.