Presentations – body language

Don’t underestimate the power of body language. When you are standing in front of a group of people, your body is communicating a message to them. How you sit, stand or project your voice can reinforce or sabotage your message. If you are using strong, powerful words but your body is communicating that you are weak and unsure, your audience will not accept what you are saying as well as if you were using strong body language.
Dos
Stand tall. Look confident.
Maintain eye contact with your audience.
Smile.
If you are using a podium, stand back a little so that you don’t bend your head to read your text.
Keep your arms by your sides but bend them from the elbow to gesture.
Use natural, conversational gestures. Remember you are talking to your audience.
Move around, but between your key points.
Don’ts
Don’t cross your arms or put them behind your back.
Don’t fidget. Don’t scratch your nose, jiggle things in your pocket or shuffle from foot to foot.
Don’t point at anyone in your audience, even when you invite them to answer a question.
Don’t force your smile. Let it come naturally.

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