Public Speaking

Body language can be a powerful tool – and it could be saying all the wrong things...

Most people dread public speaking. If we’re nervous – our body language could take over and say all the wrong things. Here are a few things NOT to say:

• Don’t look away from your audience. Avoiding eye contact diminishes your likeability, confidence and trust.

• Relax your hands. Clasping, fidgeting or wringing your hands is distracting. No clapping or knuckle cracking either. Just try to keep them relaxed by your side or resting on the closest surface.

• No dancing. Too much leg or foot movement – or gesturing with your arms will leave you looking anything but calm, cool and collected.

• Don’t turn your back on the audience – they can’t hear you. Make sure everything you need is in front or beside you – you’ll look and sound a lot more polished.

• Slow down. It’s natural for a lot of people to speed up in public. It’s important to rehearse and time yourself. Running out of time – or having to kill time can leave you looking unprepared and clumsy.

• Don’t roll your eyes. People will notice, and it conveys disdain – especially if you’re responding to a question or comment.

In most cases – it won’t be as hard as it sounds. Take a deep breath, relax, smile, make eye contact, know your material and speak up – and it will be over before you know it.