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Importance of Body Language in Presentations: +How to Use It Effectively

To create a great presentation, you need more than an interesting topic or the perfect PowerPoint template. While those things are important, there is one more element that you need to pay attention to— your body language.

While the presentation template you use is important, effective body language can make all the difference. Learning how to speak body language sometimes increases the chances of a successful presentation.

So, do you know how to stand during a presentation? Or even speak body language as a communication tool? It might feel like magic, but it doesn't have to be a mystery. In this guide, we’ll explain what body language. You'll also learn different types of body language and share body language speech tips that you can use right away.

What Is Body Language?

Body language is the way your body communicates without the use of words. It includes hand gestures, posture, facial expressions, and movements that send messages of their own. Body language can happen consciously and unconsciously.

For example, the way you’re sitting right now paired with your facial expression can tell others a lot about you. Based on your body language, they can tell whether you’re amused or concentrating hard. They can tell whether you’re approachable or if you’re having a bad day.

If you’re in a discussion with someone and verbally agree with them, your body language will likely reveal your thinking. It may either confirm that you indeed agree with what is being said or betray you and tell others you don’t feel the same way.

In other words, your body language reveals the true story behind your words. But you can choose and control your body language with practice.

What Is the Importance of Body Language in Effective Presentations?

Using body language in presentations the right way can help you close more sales or win that pitch. Your body language can help you engage your audience and be confident and relaxed during your presentation. When you make eye contact and maintain a confident posture, your presentation is more likely to connect.

Bad body language can break your presentation. If you aren't aware of it, bad habits like slouching, no eye contact or arms on your hips can stunt your connection to the audience. The bottom line is: don't forget about the importance of body language in presentations.

12 Quick Tips Body Language Tips For Better Public Speaking

Now that we’ve covered what body language is and why it matters while giving a presentation, here are 12 tips that'll show you how to use body language:

Believe it or not, a smile is the most powerful tool you've got in your body language toolbox. A UC Berkeley study from 2011 found

“that smiling can be as stimulating as receiving up to 16,000 Pounds Sterling in cash.”

What’s more, a smile can instantly change the perception we have about someone, not to mention it leads people to smile back at us.

While it’s true that smiling can be hard when you’re nervous, but keep in mind that a University of Kansas study found that smiling reduces stress .

So, the next time you're up there giving a presentation, don’t forget to smile every so often. Not only will you seem more approachable to your audience, but you'll relieve that stress you’re feeling as well.

2. Assume a Power Pose

Professional speaker Amy Cuddy shows that a power pose can help you establish authority. It's a great reminder that body language helps you come across as confident in your content. Check out the pose in action in the video below.

importance of body language in presentation ppt

An example of a power pose is standing with your feet a shoulder-width apart, with hands on your hips, and chin lifted up.

3. Move Towards the Audience

As you think of how to stand during a presentation, focus on a positive connection with your audience. As you speak, you’ll likely have one or more key points that you want to emphasize.

As you stand and present, take a step towards your audience when you reach one of these ideas.

Effective body language public speaking tips often share this idea. To be effective, you must connect with your audience. You want each person to feel as though you’re talking directly to them. Take a literal step forward to achieve this goal!

4. Don’t Slouch

Stand tall with your shoulders pulled back and your stomach tucked in—you'll appear more confident and get a quick jolt of energy to boot.

5. Make Use of the Space

Another quick tip is to make use of the stage. Instead of standing still, move around the stage. By doing so, you'll send a message to your audience that you’re comfortable in your skin and confident about your topic matter. It'll also help you avoid fidgeting.

Step out from behind the podium and let your audience see you. Move from one spot to another by taking a couple of steps, stopping, and then taking a few more steps.

Be natural as you move about though and avoid pacing. This will achieve the opposite effect and make you look nervous, not to mention you'll run out of breath.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Gesture

If you watch other presenters, you’ll notice one thing in common: great presenters use hand gestures as part of their delivery.

Hand gestures will help you stress what's important as well as express feelings and convictions. Your passion for the topic will become more apparent as our gestures are more lively when we're passionate about something.

Watch as speaker Graham Shaw makes effective use of hand gestures and visual aids to explain his ideas.

Hand gestures will show your audience a general sense of enthusiasm for the topic. Don't let them distract but incorporate them to show your engagement.

7. Speak Clearly

It’s not uncommon for nerves to get the better of you during the presentation. This might show up as stutters or mumbles, especially if there are tricky words involved.

Practicing your speech before the presentation is a must! It's a good way to make sure you feel comfortable delivering it and that your audience will be able to understand you.

Another tip that'll help you speak clearly and confidently is to imagine you’re delivering your presentation to your friends.

8. Minimize Nervous Habits

Arms crossed. Feet shuffling. Hands in your pockets. All these are visual tells that you’re nervous. Being nervous is natural! But it can lead to body language that distracts from your presentation. As you practice how to speak body language, work to cut these gestures.

You’ll find that acting confident makes you more confident. Closing yourself off only enhances your feelings of shyness and worry. Effective body language means opening yourself up to engage with your audience.

9. Maintain Eye Contact

As you give your presentation, be sure to maintain eye contact with your audience and face them. Doing so will make them feel like you’re talking directly to them and will help keep them interested in your presentation.

Avoiding eye contact or turning your back to them will come off as rude and break the connection with the audience.

10. Don’t Forget Facial Expressions

Facial expressions can do wonders for keeping your audience interested and convincing them to believe in your cause. Your presentation isn't the time nor the place to bring on your poker face as you'll come off as a robot.

By letting your passion for your topic shine through with your facial expressions, your audience will be able to connect with you and trust you.

You can practice your facial expressions in front of the mirror while you practice your speech. Or, record yourself with a camera and analyze your facial expressions later on.

11. Learn From Other Presenters

The last tip is to learn from other great presenters. You can study their body language and see how they use facial expressions, movement, and gestures to help them convey their ideas. A good place to start is to check out various TED Talks.

12. Remember to Breathe

As you'll see in the Duke University commencement speech below, Apple CEO Tim Cook uses effective pauses. It helps him to build a steady, comfortable cadence when speaking.

That’s why it’s important to take a pause and remember to breathe. Breathing properly will also help you with your voice pitch and tone so you don’t sound strained and nervous.

Different Types of Body Language

By following the previous presentation body language tips, you'll deliver more effective presentations. But if you want to use those tips successfully, you need to be aware of different body language types.

1. Eye Contact

We mentioned earlier how important it is to maintain eye contact with your audience. Eye contact helps you establish a personal connection with your audience. Keep in mind that you don’t have to look each person in the eye as this can prove to be difficult with large audiences.

Instead, focus your eye contact on a few people in different parts of the room will help you establish and maintain that contact. If they look at you, hold their gaze for a few seconds but avoid staring as long eye contact can make people feel uncomfortable.

Eye contact can also help you get a feel for how the audience is receiving your presentation. If you catch them yawning or trying to stifle a yawn or if they're looking around, it’s a sign they're losing interest in the presentation. Eye contact can help bring their attention back and re-engage them with the topic.

2. Head Movements

The way you move your head can signal a lot of different things. For example, when you lower your head, you send signals such as being tired or waiting for the right moment to speak.

Looking up at the ceiling or away may signal you’re bored or that you’re hiding something from your audience as you’re avoiding eye contact. Nodding signals agreeing with someone.

With the right head body language , you can engage your audience and convince them to agree with your idea.

3. Facial Expressions

Facial expressions help us convey our emotions to others or mask them when we feel uncertain about the person we’re talking to. That’s why using facial expressions during a presentation is crucial.

When it comes to facial expressions, keep in mind that anyone can recognize the seven universal emotions described by Dr. Paul Ekman. One of those emotion is fear, and it can certainly pop up as a presenter. It's important to rehearse to help tame that fear.

Practice your speech and practice giving your presentation in front of a familiar audience first. Once you feel confident about your speech and performance, it’s less likely that fear will show up on presentation day.

4. Hand Gestures

According to a study by Vanessa Van Edwards , hand gestures are one of the five key patterns of all successful TED talks. In other words, the more you gesture with your hands, the better the likelihood of your presentation being a stellar success.

Use your hands to communicate different points in your presentation. The most effective way to do this is to use your fingers to count the points you’re explaining.

5. Body Posture

The way you hold yourself matters. You already know that poor posture such as slouching will give your audience the impression that you’re not confident in your topic or yourself. If your back is tense, they'll sense your tension and wonder what’s causing it.

Remind yourself to relax throughout your presentation and to straighten up if your start to slouch. Not only will this give you the chance to improve your posture, but it'll also allow your audience to take in the points you’ve just covered.

Learn More About Great Presentations

Now that you know more about how to stand during a presentation confidently, you can continue to level up your PowerPoint skills. We've built out a helpful resource, How to Use PowerPoint (Ultimate Tutorial Guide.) This has everything you need to master must-have presentation skills.

Check out these top tutorials from our guide below:

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Make Use of Your Body Language to Ace Your Presentation

Delivering a great presentation is more than a good topic and strong slide deck. Using effective body language public speaking techniques can really make the difference.

Once you’ve nailed down your topic, make sure you've got a well-designed slide deck. You can save a lot of time by using a professionally designed PowerPoint templates. Choose from one found on Envato Elements or GraphicRiver to speed up your work.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of body language in a professional presentation. Your body language says a lot about you, not to mention it's got the power to help you deliver an engaging presentation. Put your body language to good use with the tips we've shared. Step into space, maintain eye contact, and speak clearly with confidence.

Editorial Note: This content was originally published on May 1st of 2019. It's been updated by Andrew Childress to include new tips and examples to help teach you how to speak body language.

Body Language in PPT Presentations: 8 Tips & Tricks

Gestures and facial expressions play a major role in shaping our communication. This also applies to PPT presentations: A presenter’s body language is a crucial factor in influencing the audience’s response to content and key messages.

So, you’ve got great content, slick PowerPoint slides and the latest presentation technology. Don’t forget one of the most versatile and effective presentation tools at your disposal – your body .

If you hide behind the podium, ignore your posture or use awkward gestures and facial expressions, you’ll have no chance of convincing your audience. In this article, we’ll show you eight effective tips and tricks to use body language to your best advantage.

Why body language is so important in PPT presentations

Admittedly , body language is something we tend to use unconsciously — it’s difficult for us to control. Most of the time, we don’t notice that our body language has an adverse effect on our presentation until it’s too late. Nervousness plays a role in this, especially when presenting in front of a large audience. Our hands get cold and clammy, we gesture too much and too excitedly, or we just hide behind the podium.

The wrong gestures can impact negatively on your presentation. Even the most polished PPT presentation will fall flat if we hide our hands in pockets, gesture too much or slouch. Audiences decide within a few seconds whether the speaker is likeable or competent.

Body language and gestures are just as important for a successful presentation as the content itself. It pays to review your rhetoric skills from time to time and brush up on them.

How can facial expressions enhance a presentation?

Facial expressions show the audience how the speaker feels about the content. The more you connect with your content on an emotional level , the more impact your words will have on your audience. With a little practice, you can find the right facial expressions to set the right tone for your presentation.

Tip : Practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror. How do you feel when you smile? Is your smile genuine? Or give your presentation in front of a familiar audience, such as your family or friends. Get honest feedback on your facial expressions and try to incorporate the critique. You can also find many helpful videos online.

How can the right gestures enhance your presentation?

A gesture is a hand or arm movement that expresses or emphasizes an idea. Many presenters know the feeling of not knowing where to put their hands during a presentation. A common awkward reaction is to clasp your hands behind your body or just let your arms hang. This often comes across as insecure, unprofessional and uninspired. Instead, use your hands to punctuate your presentation at specific points and underline key messages . This communicates professionalism and dynamism.

Here’s an example : You present a process in your presentation using a diagram. Leaving your arms hanging down from your body gives the impression that you’re uninterested and unmotivated. Don’t underestimate the power of gestures – use them to your advantage!

With that in mind, let’s go back to the example above . Whenever you explain a new section of the process, point to where you are on the slide. Or punctuate the process itself. If the process went forward, represent this with forward-moving had gesture. If it went backward, make a backward motion with your hands. This shows that you’re involved, energized and professional.

Tip : Again, be sure to practice in front of a mirror beforehand. Which gestures complement your presentation? Do they support your statements? Next, test these gestures in front of family and friends. Make sure to get feedback. You can also find a lot of online resources to help you, for example here .

Here are some helpful tips and tricks for using your body language correctly.

Effective body language during presentations: 8 tips and tricks

The right way to present: sitting or standing.

Are you someone who likes to keep it comfortable and plan to sit during your presentation? Please don’t! When you present, you need to be the literal center of attention . Presenting while sitting will immediately take the focus off you. You’ll appear unmotivated, uninspired and limit how much body language you can use. If you’re sitting behind a table or have your laptop in front of you, you’re basically hiding from your audience.

Stand while presenting. You’ll have freedom to move around and use your body language in a more purposeful way. You’ll appear more animated and motivated. Be aware of distracting objects in front of you, such as tables, and remove them. You want to be fully visible to the audience and not create an unconscious barrier.

Posture: How to stand correctly

You now that you should stand while presenting. Standing – sounds simple, right? Even here, you need to pay attention to a few points:

Don’t stand with your legs too far apart . This can make you look less elegant.
Don’t stand with your legs too close together. It’s an easy way to lose your footing and maybe even trip.
Do stand with your legs about shoulder width apart so you have a firm and stable stance.

Also, stand up straight . Make yourself as tall as possible. Avoid slouching or slumping your shoulders forward . Rocking your upper body back and forth or swaying side to side creates an unsettled effect. What has a positive impact on your posture?

The answer is simple: Self-confidence . Know your presentation topic inside and out and rehearse your presentation several times over. The more familiar you are with your topic, the more confident you will appear . Self-confidence straightens the back.

Keep your head as still as possible while speaking . Raising your head and voice at the end of a sentence sounds like you’re asking a question. And this makes you seem less confident. Avoid nervous hair flicking or touching .

Hands & Gestures

You’re standing up straight with your head held high. What about your hands? As we described above, hand gestures can be game changers during a presentation.

Avoid the following pitfalls:

Hands on hips: This quickly comes across as unsympathetic or judgmental.
Hands in pockets: This makes them look insecure and unprofessional.
Pen in hand: You may find yourself playing with the pen, either unconsciously or out of nervousness. No one wants to hear click…click…click… This can be incredibly distracting. ..click…click… This can be incredibly distracting.
Crossed arms: It may be a comfortable position for you, but it expresses resistance and detachment. You’ll subconsciously build a barrier and come off as defensive to your audience.

The solution: Use gestures as often as possible to emphasize statements. Don’t worry about how often you should gesture. Feel free to use your hands whenever you feel it’s necessary. A good neutral position is with bent arms and hands at belly-button level. Leave a space between your elbows and torso when gesturing . This makes you take up more space and appear more confident. You can find more tips here .

Gear the use of gestures to the size of the audience. Smaller groups require “quieter gestures” . Raising your arms will quickly look artificial. The three-joint rule helps to correctly identify which gestures to use:

When speaking to a smaller group, use hand gestures , the so-called “quiet gestures” we mentioned above. With 20 to 30 people, the elbow, the second joint, should move the most . This creates “loud gestures” . Use the shoulder, the third joint, in front of a large audience only . These “louder gestures ” can be used to emphasize a point right to the back of a large room.

Gestures attract attention but don’t go overboard. Use your gestures strategically. The audience will follow your hands and be interested in what you have to say.

Walking around

Everyone who presents has faced the question, ” Can I move around, or should I stay in one spot?”. Here’s the answer: you can do both. But there are some rules to follow in both cases. Here’s one: Avoid walking back and forth all the time – give your movements intention and meaning . For example, move after you’ve made a statement or finished a section. Or when you want to explain something from a different point of view .

Eye contact

Eye contact with an audience is key to a good presentation. Maintain eye contact with each audience member, but only one person at a time. Why? Most of us get nervous when we have to speak in front of several people. Our gaze moves from one audience member to the next, we wonder what they’re thinking — and we become insecure.

If you concentrate on only one person at a time, it will feel like you’re having a one-on-one conversation. Much less intimidating than addressing a large crowd at once, right ? In addition, each audience member will feel like you’re speaking to them directly – a positive and personal interaction that guarantees you’ll have their attention.

Keep in mind that if the room is large and at capacity, you’ll probably not be able to make eye contact with everyone present. In this situation, divide your audience into sections : front, center, back, left, right. Fixate on one person from one area and then another from the next area. Once you have made eye contact with one person from each area, start again from the first section.

You can also support your key messages by slightly lowering your chin at the end while maintaining eye contact with your audience. This will add weight to your statement and the audience will find you more credible and competent.

The right facial expressions

We’ve already described how facial expressions a major role in presentations. Here are some additional points to think about:

A genuine smile always makes a good impression. Particularly when welcoming your audience, it can help you create a friendly, pleasant atmosphere.
Use a neutral facial expression when presenting facts , such as figures and data. Emotions will seem out of place here.
Emphasize important points with raised eyebrows and open eyes . A smile can also enhance the effect.
If you have to present less-than-optimal data or results, pull your eyebrows down and squint your eyes a bit. This clearly signals a negative emotion.
When you make a rhetorical pause or lose your train of thought, make sure that you keep your mouth closed . This will make you appear calm and confident. Breathe calmly and continue the sentence you have started.

Here’s a fun video about the science behind smiles and how to smile more effectively.

The right outfit

Ever heard the saying, “Clothes make the man (or woman)?”. We all know looking good is important, but did you know that your choice of outfit can directly affect your body language ? Choose something comfortable but at the same time is appropriate for the occasion (no sweatpants!). If you’re not a suit-and-tie guy, don’t decide to become one for your presentation. You’ll be uncomfortable and won’t be able to present confidently.

As for women: Sure, high heels look elegant, chic and businesslike. But make sure that you can walk in them if you want to wear them during your presentation. Nothing is worse than an unsteady gait or even slipping or falling. Think about your footwear!

Avoid wearing clothes that are too colorful or garish . This quickly distracts from your actual presentation and may even make your body language look funny. Coordinate your clothing with your background so that you don’t “disappear”.

Before you start your presentation, check that your clothes fit . Are all buttons closed? Is the zipper of the pants closed? This will allow you to go into the presentation with confidence, which will only benefit your body language.

Finally: Other countries, other body language

If you’re planning an international presentation, remember that your body language must be understandable to everyone . Learn about potential cultural differences between the body language you’re familiar with and what your audience understands.

Score points with the right body language in your PPT presentation!

Body language is a presentation tool which shouldn’t be ignored . Most of the time, body language happens naturally. Nevertheless, it’s important to focus on the right body language , especially during important presentations. Without a bit of forethought and practice, you can quickly come across as boring, awkward, unmotivated or unprofessional.

Use our tips and think about how you can incorporate them into your presentation. Don’t hesitate to practice in front of a familiar audience and ask for feedback. With practice, you’ll be able to perfect your body language and get the best results from your presentation . A good video summary on body language in presentations can be found here .

Extra tip: Here are some tips for online PPT presentations or when you have to present wearing a mask .

We’re happy to help you with and questions about body language, general questions about presenting or PowerPoint presentations themselves. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] .

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Body Language in Presentations

The words you use during your talk certainly matter, but the body language presentation cues that you project are as important – if not more so – in getting your message to land as you intended.

The gestures you use, the eye contact you make, the expressions you convey, and your very movement through a room offer a multitude of nonverbal signals to your audience.

It’s through these body language presentation cues that an audience will make assessments about your credibility, your expertise, and your passion for the subject, as well as whether you are qualified to seek followers for the cause you are advocating, to suggest the changes you are recommending, or to pitch the product you are selling.

Even something as seemingly small as the number of seconds you maintain eye contact with your audience or the decisions you make about what to do with your hands when presenting can make a difference. It boils down to the impression your words and your actions are making. And as researchers have discovered, first impressions are formed in mere seconds and are often quite accurate and long-lasting. In a well-known study led by the late Nalina Ambady, a professor of psychology at Boston’s Tufts University, students who watched two-second video clips (with the sound muted!) of a group of professors formed similar impressions to the ones drawn by students during a full semester.

So how do you exhibit the right body language for presentation success?

Effectively using body language in presentations takes skill and practice. But before we get into the tips and strategies for how to achieve the right look and tone, let’s look at the basics of body language in professional presentations, as well as why it is important to be aware of your body language while giving a presentation.

What is the Importance of Body Language in a Presentation?

The proper body language in a presentation helps to convey that you have confidence in yourself and your message. A speaker who knows the importance of body language in an oral presentation can instill trust in the audience, which, among other things, helps to forge a connection. Further, a presenter who knows how to effectively employ body language presentation skills can help to emphasize the ideas that matter most.

If you are genuinely passionate about your subject, show it. A lackluster delivery not only belies your enthusiasm, but also does nothing to enhance the meaning and effectiveness of your words. What should your audience believe? The words you use to share how excited you are to be there, or the flat tone with which you delivered them? Typically, they’ll assume your monotone delivery is more indicative of your true feelings than your words.

Great physical communicators learn how to successfully align their facial expressions, gestures, movements, posture, and other nonverbal elements with their message.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Presentation Body Language Basics

If you were delivering sad news, would you do it with a smile, a bright voice, and a bounce in your step? Or would you deliver it with a serious expression, a somber tone, and less pep? Any incongruity between your actions and your message is going to make it difficult for your audience to process, understand, and retain your message. You want your audience to be concentrated on your message and not the misalignment between your nonverbal movements and verbal delivery.

Your physical presence reveals your mental and emotional state to your audience – and everything about that presence should project that you feel comfortable, are in control of the room, and know your stuff. When it comes down to how to use body language to improve your presentation, it’s a matter of focusing on several key areas of your physical movements, including your eye contact, your gestures during presentation , and your presentation posture. (You can learn more about vocal cues here .)

When we work with our clients during our public speaking training sessions , we focus on how even small adjustments can make a difference in their delivery – such as a subtle shift of the shoulders, a more open stance, increased eye contact with their audience, and more natural and authentic gestures.

All these adjustments in your body language in a presentation can help to encourage audience participation, provide greater emphasis to your words, help you to appear and feel more natural, and increase your connection with the audience.

Eye Contact in Presentations: Why It’s Important

Given there is a large body of research that reveals just how influential eye contact is when it comes to the assumptions, judgments, and perceptions people make about one another, it’s important to give more than, shall we say, a passing glance to how you plan to move your eyes about the room.

Authors, researchers, seasoned speakers, consultants, and trainers vary slightly on the exact amount of time to maintain eye contact with someone in your audience. It appears that a few seconds is the going rate. Or, to translate that into words – a sentence or two. We tend to approach it differently. We’ve found most speakers naturally strike a reasonable balance of how long to maintain eye contact with one person before moving on. If they focus too much brainpower on counting the seconds or tracking their sentences, it can trip them up.

So, instead, here’s a simple rule:

When looking at your notes, your slides, or any other place than your audience, you should not be talking. Any time you are communicating information, you should be looking at an audience member.

And you don’t want to be looking at just one person all the time. It’s important to have effective eye contact in your presentation skills toolbox. In this post , we dive more deeply into effective ways to lock eyes with multiple members of your audience, depending on the type of presentation and venue.

How to Use Facial Expressions in a Presentation

Animated and dynamic speakers know they have a fuller palette of expression to help tell their story when they enlist the more than 40 muscles in their face to move their eyes, nose, brows, and mouth. It is through facial expression that we convey emotions, including seven universal emotions identified by psychologist Paul Ekman through his decades of work. Researchers have found that your audience is likely to make assumptions about you, such as how intelligent, trustworthy, or confident you are, based on your expressions.

Here are some tips on how to better communicate through facial expressions:

Smile. Unless the material requires a more serious expression, smiling while presenting tends to convey warmth and competence, which can help you to connect with your audience. Be expressive. This is not a license to be a mime, but rather, to use your expressions to relay your enthusiasm, your excitement, and to reinforce and support your key points and ideas. Just as presenters are encouraged to expand their vocal range to avoid a monotone presentation, so too is it important to avoid a static expression throughout your entire talk. Observe your audience. Do they look confused? Disinterested? Just as your audience picks up cues through your facial expressions, you too may be able to make perceptions about your audience. (Just be mindful that not every neutral expression indicates boredom or disinterest.) Hone your talent. As with any language, using and practicing it leads to mastery. Nonverbal language is no different. As you practice and rehearse your talk, think about what your facial expressions are conveying and if they are effective. Do they align with your words? Do you appear natural and authentic? Do they support and reinforce your key ideas?

Correct Body Posture During a Presentation

It’s hard to think of a single situation where slouching would be advised – and a presentation is no exception. The correct presentation posture if you are standing is to …

Square your shoulders with the audience
Relax your stance. You are not standing at attention!
Face them directly instead of tilting your body away from them. (The exception to this rule is when you are soliciting feedback from your audience. In that case, turning your body at a slight angle can encourage engagement.)

The correct presentation posture if you are sitting is to …

Lean forward slightly
Plant your feet firmly on the floor (avoid crossing your legs)
Avoid slouching into the chair

Beyond the confidence this posture projects to your audience, researchers have found when you throw those shoulders back or sit upright in your chair, that feeds into your self-confidence , too.

How to Improve Body Language for Presentations

The best way to project body language in a presentation is to be natural. And while it may sound counterintuitive, one of the ways you can appear and feel more natural in your movements is to practice them. This is why it’s important to save some time for rehearsals or practice runs.

Some of the best ways to test your material and your delivery are to record yourself, offer a practice run to an audience of colleagues or friends, and recreate the run-through so that it is as close to the live event as possible.

And, please, this is not the time for harsh criticism. Use this opportunity to see where you did well, such as projecting a confident smile, standing tall, and maintaining meaningful eye contact. Also, look for the areas where you can improve. Did you employ effective body language with your PowerPoint presentation slides? (Here’s are some specific ways to improve your PowerPoint presentation through body language and gestures.)

If you were on a panel, did it appear as if you were slouching? Did you appear nervous or ill at ease? (Here are some ways to counter your fear of public speaking . ) Use this time to hone your skills. Every presentation – whether practice or “live” – is a chance to improve.

Success occurs with preparation, and growth occurs with practice, whether you are a novice or seasoned pro. Here are some specific ways to make the most out of that preparation.

Practice in Front of a Mirror

Record Yourself

There are several reasons that video recording a practice run-through – either with a camera or smartphone – will help your presentation run a whole lot smoother. In addition to tracking such things as your timing, your pace, and the overall flow of your presentation (For example, do you vary the time for each main point? Do you have a mix of message supports, including statistics, stories, and slides?), you also can analyze your body language. Here are some of the things you want to look and listen for:

The pace, pitch, and tone of your voice and how effective those elements were in conveying your main points.
How well you maintained eye contact with your “audience.”
Your gestures and whether they add emphasis to your talk and reinforce key ideas.
Any mannerisms that are creating distractions, such as pacing in a predictable pattern, fidgeting with your tie or jewelry, or constantly brushing your hair back.

Watch the tape, identify the two or three things you want to improve upon, and do another practice run. If you improve, add another element, and then do another practice run if you have the time.

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Rehearse in Front of Team Members

While a video recording can be an effective way to assess your presentation skills, rehearsing in front of an audience of colleagues is key to getting a feel for the “real” thing. It gives you a chance to assess the nonverbal communication of your audience in real-time, and make the body language presentation fixes that will help you to increase your chances that you are connecting with your audience and helping your messages stick. You can make these sessions more effective in several ways. They include:

Treating your practice like the real thing. Avoid caveats or skimming through sections ( “When I really give my talk, I’ll tell a funny story here.” ) Asking for honest reactions. Your team may be rooting for you, but they need to react honestly if your words are falling flat, your energy is low, or you are spending too much time looking and reading from your notes. Embracing slip-ups, technical difficulties, and distractions. You may be tempted to start over, but plow through any hiccups so you gain the confidence and experience in dealing with difficulties before your talk goes “live.”

( Here are 20 questions you can ask your practice audience. )

Additional Presentation Body Language Tips

Your facial expressions, your posture, and your eye contact are all important elements in your nonverbal delivery. But you have other body language presentation cues that you also can use to make your presentation more effective. Remember, your hands can do some “talking” and your feet can do some walking in the service of your speech.

Hand gestures during a presentation can be used to do many things, including:

Adding emphasis to a word or point
Pointing something out on a slide or other visual support
Reinforcing a concept

In practice, this means you might hold your fingers up for each point you want to make ( “No. 1 is this …” ). Or, with an outstretched hand – palm open – you direct your audience’s attention to a point of data on your chart. Finally, if you are comparing two recommendations perhaps you pantomime a scale with your hands, indicating that one side should win out over the other.

As for movement, unless you must stay tethered to the lectern, make the most of your space. Movement is one way to keep your audience alert and its attention on you. This leads to a more dynamic presentation and better connection with the audience.

When done with intention and confidence, your gestures and your movement – really, your overall body language in a presentation – will help to solidify your credibility, reveal your control of your material and the room, and help you to emphasize your key points.

Here are some specific tips on how to incorporate these additional body language presentation techniques into your talk.

What To Do With Your Hands During a Presentation

You may have been told it’s best not to gesture when speaking, but in our work with clients we have found that speakers become less anxious, appear more natural, and remember and retrieve their words far more effectively when they gesture during their presentations.

And the research backs that up. Gesturing not only adds emphasis and verve to your words but also can help you to better remember what you want to say.

However, there is a difference between gesturing and fidgeting. For instance, when you hold out your hand with the palm facing up when calling on someone during your Q&A, it is an effective and open gesture. It encourages engagement and connection. But, if you are hands are in constant motion, such as clasping and unclasping your fingers, twirling the ring on your finger, picking at your nails, or touching your face or hair, then your gestures can become a distraction.

When gesturing, remember to:

Be authentic. Start with what comes naturally and work from there. Forced movement will be seen for what it is – forced. Be purposeful. Trade fast, undisciplined hand movements during the presentation for gestures with intent. Be open. Avoid gestures such as pointing at your audience, gesturing toward them with your palm down, or crossing your arms – all of which can have a negative connotation or make you appear “closed” off and inaccessible. Be aware of cultural differences. Although certain presentation hand gestures and expressions fall under a universal language, gestures do not necessarily mean the same thing in every culture. For instance, your OK sign may mean just that, but to a person from another country, it might just be highly offensive. (Here’s a look at some of the more common nonverbal faux pas.)

What if My Hands Won’t Stop Shaking?

Anxiety has a way of hijacking whatever veneer of calm you, as a speaker, may have managed to induce before your talk. One of the ways your nervousness manifests itself is through your trembling hands. You may notice the shakiness as you organize your notes or take a sip of water. Most of the time, what you see as full-on earthquakes more typically come across as small-time tremors – if they are noticed at all by your audience. For most people, once the initial jitters ease, those tiny tremors fade. However, if that trembling never eases and you are wondering how to stop shaking hands during a presentation, it’s best to think beyond the symptoms and get to the core of the issue – anxiety. To do that, you must identify the cause of your fear – here are eight causes of public speaking fear – before you can find the techniques that will help you to reduce and manage it .

Photo by Martin Adams on Unsplash

Moving Around During a Presentation: Is That OK?

Movement is one way to keep your audience alert and its attention on you. Make the most of your space and your body language presentation skills so that you can create a more dynamic presentation and a better connection with your audience. What you don’t want to do is pace or create a predictable pattern in how you move around the room. That said, there are several ways you can utilize your space more effectively while walking during your presentation.

Here are several:

Use your movement to emphasize your points . You can begin on one side of the room and share your first, before moving to the other side for Point No. 2. Make your way to the center for your last point. Approach your audience. When answering questions or seeking participation, walk toward your audience. Avoid swaying. If you are standing still, try to avoid rocking from side to side. You can counter this by placing one foot about two to three inches in front of the other.

How You Dress is Important, Too

View of different colors ties in the showcase

Here are a few tips:

Choose the outfit that best supports your message, which means knowing the tone you want to set about your topic and who you are. Purchase an iron or get your clothes pressed. You can certainly present in casual clothes, but wrinkles are a no-go in nearly any situation. Consider your accessories carefully. Ostentatious jewelry or lapel pins will probably attract more attention than you want them to. They also could interfere with your microphone. Be wary of fabrics that rustle or shoes that make noises when you move. Not only will that distract you, but your audience will notice it, too.

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7 Presentations

Delivering your message brilliantly.

Creating a great presentation involves more than coming up with a topic or designing the perfect PowerPoint to go with it. While those things are important, there is one more element that you need to pay attention to—your body language.

While the presentation template you use is important, your body language during a presentation can make all the difference between a successful presentation and a downright disaster.

Because of this, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of body language in presentations and in this guide, we’ll explain what body language is along with different types of body language and share powerful body language tips that you can use for your next presentation.

What Is Body Language?

Body language is the way your body communicates without the use of words. It combines hand gestures, posture, facial expressions, and movements that tell others what’s going on inside your head. Body language can happen consciously and unconsciously.

If you’re in a discussion with someone and verbally agree with them, your body language will either confirm that you indeed agree with what is being said; or betray you and tell others you don’t feel the same way.

In other words, your body language reveals the true story behind your words.

What Is the Importance of Body Language in Effective Presentations?

Using body language in presentations the right way can help you close more sales or win that pitch. Your body language can help you engage your audience and be confident and relaxed during your presentation. When you make eye contact, maintain a confident posture and eye contact, your presentation will be more dynamic, and you'll be able to connect with your audience.

On the contrary, if you don’t pay attention to it, bad body language during a presentation, such as slouching, no eye contact or arms on hips, will make your presentation appear dull and you'll wind up alienating your audience.

10 Quick Tips Body Language Tips For Better Public Speaking

Now that we’ve covered what body language is and why it matters while giving a presentation, here are 10 tips that'll show you how to use body language to improve your presentation.

Believe it or not, a smile is the most powerful tool you've got in your body language toolbox. A UC Berkeley study from 2011 found “that smiling can be as stimulating as receiving up to 16,000 Pounds Sterling in cash.” What’s more, a smile can instantly change the perception we have about someone, not to mention it leads people to smile back at us.

Smiling makes you seem more approachable. (Image source: Envato Elements )

While it’s true that smiling can be hard when you’re nervous, but keep in mind that a University of Kansas study found that smiling reduces stress . So, the next time you're up there giving a presentation, don’t forget to smile every so often. Not only will you seem more approachable to your audience, but you'll relieve that stress you’re feeling as well.

2. Don’t Slouch

Slouching makes you appear less confident and like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. If you're physically able to stand straight, then be sure to do so the next time you’re giving a presentation. Stand tall with your shoulders pulled back and your stomach tucked in—you'll appear more confident and get a quick jolt of energy to boot.

3. Assume a Power Pose

Professional speaker Amy Cuddy shows that a power pose can help you establish authority when you need to come across as confident and authoritative in your presentation. An example of a power pose is standing with your feet a shoulder-width apart, with hands on your hips, and chin lifted up. However, be careful not to overdo it, unless you want to come off as intimidating. Reserve the power poses for crucial parts of your presentation.

4. Make Use of the Space

Notice how the speaker has moved to the side, making use of the available space, rather than standing stiffly behind the podium. (Image source: Envato Elements )

Step out from behind the podium and let your audience see you. Move from one spot to another by taking a couple of steps, stopping, and then taking a few more steps.

Be natural as you move about though and avoid pacing as this will achieve the opposite effect and make you look nervous, not to mention you'll run out of breath.

5. Don’t Forget Facial Expressions

By letting your passion for your topic shine through with your facial expressions, your audience will be able to connect with you and trust you. A word of caution though: don’t purposely go overboard with your facial expressions as this will come off as exaggerating and insincere.

You can practice your facial expressions in front of the mirror while you practice your speech. Alternatively, record yourself with a camera and analyze your facial expressions later on.

6. Speak Clearly

It’s not uncommon for the nerves to get the better of you during the presentation and you stutter or mumble, especially if there are tricky words involved. Practicing your speech before the presentation is a good way to make sure you feel comfortable delivering it and that your audience will be able to understand you.

Another tip that'll help you speak clearly and confidently is to imagine you’re delivering your presentation to your friends.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Gesture

If you watch other presenters, you’ll notice one thing in common: all great presenters always use hand gestures to help deliver their presentation. Hand gestures will help you stress what's important as well as express feelings and convictions. Your passion for the topic will become more apparent as our gestures are more lively when we're passionate about something.

Gestures can help you express feelings during a presentation. (Image source: Envato Elements )

Hand gestures will show your audience you care about the presentation topic and that you're an effective communicator so don’t be afraid to use them during a presentation.

8. Maintain Eye Contact

Avoiding eye contact or turning your back to them, on the other hand, will come off as rude and break the connection with the audience.

9. Remember to Breathe

While you’re on the stage, it can be all too easy to get caught up in your presentation and start to speak fast. But if you speak too fast, your audience will tune out because it'll be hard to follow you and you’ll run out of breath. That’s why it’s important to take a pause and remember to breathe. Breathing properly will also help you with your voice pitch and tone so you don’t sound strained and nervous.

10. Learn From Other Presenters

Different Types of Body Language

By following the previous presentation body language tips, you'll be able to deliver more effective presentations. But if you want to implement those tips successfully, you need to be aware of different body language types.

1. Eye Contact

Eye contact is an important part of body language. (Image source: Envato Elements )

2. Head Movements

The way you move your head can signal a lot of different things. For example, when you lower your head, you send signals such as being tired or waiting for the right moment to speak. Looking up at the ceiling or away may signal you’re bored or that you’re hiding something from your audience as you’re avoiding eye contact. Nodding, on the other hand, signals agreeing with someone.

With the right head body language , you can engage your audience and convince them to agree with your idea.

3. Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are another important part of body language. As you can see from the man's expression here, he's clearly happy and excited about something. (Image source: Envato Elements )

When it comes to facial expressions, keep in mind that anyone can recognize the 7 universal emotions (as described in research into facial expressions from Dr. Paul Ekman ). Given that fear is one of those emotions and also the emotion that can crop up during your presentation, it’s important to conquer your fear instead of letting it get the better of you. Practice your speech and practice giving your presentation in front of a familiar audience first. Once you feel confident about your speech and performance, it’s less likely that fear will show up when the time comes for the official presentation.

4. Hand Gestures

According to a study by Vanessa Van Edwards , lead investigator for Science of People, hand gestures are one of the five key patterns of all successful TED talks. In other words, the more you gesture with your hands, the better the likelihood of your presentation being a stellar success.

Use your hands to communicate different points in your presentation. The most effective way to do this is to use your fingers to count the points you’re explaining.

5. Body Posture

Posture is another important part of body language. It's important not to slouch when you give your presentation. (Image source: Envato Elements )

The way you hold yourself matters. As covered in one of the earlier tips, poor posture such as slouching will give your audience the impression that you’re not confident in your topic or yourself. If your back is tense, they'll sense your tension and wonder what’s causing it.

Make Use of Your Body Language to Ace Your Presentation

Delivering a great presentation requires a carefully chosen topic as well as an engaging slide deck and body language that'll help you win over your audience. The topic should be relevant to your audience and help you raise brand awareness as well as generate trust.

Once you’ve nailed down your topic, make sure you've got a well-designed slide deck. You can save a lot of time by using a professionally designed PowerPoint template such as those found on Envato Elements or GraphicRiver so be sure to check them out.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of body language in a professional presentation. Your body language says a lot about you, not to mention it's got the power to help you deliver an engaging presentation. Put your body language to good use by making use of the space, maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly and with confidence, and by standing tall without slouching.

Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > How to use body language effectively during your presentation

How to use body language effectively during your presentation

Understanding grammar basics will make you a better writer, and mastering prepositional phrases is key. To improve your writing and communicate clearly to your audience, know what prepositional phrases are and how to use them correctly.

Your body has something to say

Body language is a powerful form of nonverbal communication. Whether you’re talking with a friend or waiting for a bus, your body is always sending signals out to those around you. During a presentation, when all eyes are on you, the importance of body language is heightened. Here’s some key areas to be aware of:

Your facial expressions. You can heighten or emphasize your message as you speak or pause with subtle movements such as raised eyebrows or larger expressions such as a smile.
Your hands. Your hands might be at your sides, in your pockets or gesturing to illustrate a point or your material. Each position conveys something different to observers.
Your feet. Are you staying in one place, shifting your weight from foot to foot, or walking around? How fast are you walking? Those are potential clues to your feelings in the moment.
Your position. How close are you standing to others? Are you standing straight or slouched slightly. Are you in front of, next to, or behind your materials and visual aids? During a presentation, position is key—try standing in front of a projector and see if your message gets across.

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Making body language work effectively for you

If you think about the areas above, you can probably think of strengths and challenges you have with each. Maybe you tend to “talk with your hands” or shrink away from your audience because of presentation anxiety . These tips can help you remember what to focus on and help you overcome some of your natural tendencies that might be distracting your audience. You’re the area of focus, so whatever you do will have a disproportionate impact on those watching.

Smile. Smiling can help you feel more confident in the moment and eventually raise your level of happiness. Plus, you’ll look more approachable and even glad to see your audience, no matter if you’re still a bit nervous. Of course, if your content is more serious or has a moment where the tone changes, make sure your expression is appropriate for what you’re saying. But a slight smile that says, “I know what I’m talking about, and I want to share it with you” is generally a good default face to have.
Shift your gaze. It’s totally ok if you’re still at the “look above the audience’s head” stage of presenting, and eye contact is less important in virtual presentations , since you need to be focused on the camera. But if you’re in person and you’re able to direct where you look, doing a slow pan glance over the crowd, or finding a few friendly faces to periodically zoom in on, can help provide that important illusion of confidence and strengthen your connection to the audience overall.
Think about when you want to gesture. Don’t be afraid to gesture but try to choose gestures that will emphasize your language or your topic in any given moment, rather than wildly waving your hands about. Controlled gestures are a very effective tool, as your audience’s eyes will follow your hands—but not if they realize your hands are going nowhere most of the time.
Be open and try to stand up straight. Have your shoulders tilted toward the audience rather than away to convey your desire to connect with them. Also, avoid slouching, which can also project a lack of confidence in your words or material, and instead try to subtly point your chest toward the crowd, as if you’re leading with your message. And try to be rooted but ready, not shifting from side to side as you speak.
Control your pace. While you can stand in one spot while you present, it’s sometimes more impactful to be able to move around slightly when illustrating a point or perhaps telling a story. Try to move slowly and with purpose so as not to look too nervous, like you’re pacing, and so you can avoid being a distraction to those who already have trouble focusing. And, it goes without saying that you want to make sure you’re not talking too fast, particularly if you’re committed to moving around.

You can practice your presentation with an eye toward rethinking your body language, or if you’re working on a new one, look for moments to incorporate strategic body language, as if you’re an actor working through a scene. Have a friend or trusted colleague watch you and take notes so they can share feedback later, and if someone else isn’t handy, the mirror is a tried-and-true way to reflect on how you might be coming across as you speak.

Using body language effectively can take your presentations up a notch. So, start thinking about how you can train your body to be just as convincing and as confident as your words, and soon, the audience will be hanging on your every sentence.

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5 body language tips to improve your presentations

"What does body language have to do with a PowerPoint presentation?" you ask. Well, more than you think. In the same way it's always worth putting some thought into the placement of our text and images or the way we design a slide, it's also worth thinking about the placement of other things "outside of the presentation" like our hands and eyes, as well as the way we present ourselves (no pun intended).

The thing is, you're using body language whether you realise it or not. There's no vacuum here, so you may as well be intentional about it. Being aware of and leveraging the way you come across when presenting can be a great way to add that extra layer of clarity, conviction or persuasion we need to win that pitch, secure that raise or get the team on board for the next project.

Your body language can either help you engage your audience and be confident and relaxed during your presentation, or make you look dull and uninterested thanks to slouching, lack of eye contact or nervous pacing back and forth. So, while we normally focus on helping you design your slides, in this post, we're giving you five pointers to help you look as good as your deck!

If you're nervous, your body will often instinctively try to avoid eye contact. If you're overly confident, you might stare for too long, making the other person nervous. The goal here is to find that sweet spot and look for long enough to appear confident without coming across as creepy.

Here are a few tips for healthy eye contact:

Aim to move around and look at everyone in the room at least once
Try about 2 seconds – less looks nervous, longer feels awkward
If you're too nervous to lock in, try looking just above people's eyes
Don't look down at your notes the whole time if you're aiming to connect

2. Use hand gestures ... the right ones, that is

According to a study by Vanessa Van Edwards , lead investigator for Science of People, hand gestures are among the five essential ingredients that make up a successful TED talk. I ntentional, well-timed hand gestures can show your audience that you care about the topic and that you're a knowledgable and effective communicator. On the flipside, unintentional hand gestures can easily cause distraction and make you look nervous or unprofessional and even annoying.

Here are a few common ones to avoid:

Fiddling with a watch, wedding band or microphone
Playing with keys, pens, coins or stuff in your pocket
Stroking your hair, beard, mustache (or eyebrows!)
Repeatedly adjusting items of clothing
Pointing at people

And a few to try:

Pausing to point an important element or message on your slide
Using welcoming, positive gestures to engage with the audience
Using a gesture to invite the audience to answer a question
Counting key points on your fingers for emphasis
Clapping to celebrate or acknowledge an achievement

3. Consider your clothes

A lot can be said about people's choice of clothing, and there are obviously plenty of landmines to be mindful of here, including everything from company dress code to individual taste. We won't go too deep here, and also try to leave some room for personal preferences, but here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Are your clothes enhancing your message or distracting people?

A t-shirt with an eye-catching design or some provocative wording might be perfect for a night on the town, but if it's not supporting your message, it may be distracting and detracting from it. If in doubt, go neutral. Plainer clothes are often a good choice, or at least items of clothing that don't carry conflicting messaging.

How will your audience be dressed?

If they're in suits, you might not want to rock up in swimwear, unless of course you're doing a talk on water safety, in which case it might be an appropriate way to grab, and hold, people's attention. Many suggest dressing slightly better than your audience, helping establish some level of professionalism while also hanging on to some relatability.

Are your clothes clean, ironed and in decent condition?

We're not suggesting you invest in a new wardrobe every time you need to get the team together for a 5-minute stand-up meeting at the office, but it's worth checking your clothes are neat and tidy enough not to distract people while you're talking. There's nothing worse than staring at a guy with big square-shaped creases on his recently purchased shirt because he didn't allow time to iron it before taking the stage.

4. Remember your posture

Body language matters. As mentioned in one of the earlier tips, a poor posture such as slouching will give your audience the impression that you’re not confident nor interested in your topic or yourself. If you're tense, they'll sense your nervousness. Remind yourself to relax throughout your presentation and to straighten up if you start to slouch. Not only will this give you the chance to improve your posture, but it'll also allow your audience to take in the points you’ve just covered.

Within your own personal style, try to be comfortably confident.

So here are two dos and two don'ts when it comes to posture during a presentation:

Don't slouch – Your posture should be upright and open. This'll make you look and feel more confident, inviting the audience in rather than pushing them away.
Try not to be tense – It’s important to look and feel relaxed during a presentation. Appearing too rigid won’t make a good impression. No matter how nervous you may feel, a speaker who seems to be afraid of his or her audience will not win their trust. Remind yourself to relax at different points throughout the presentation. Use your pauses to consciously to relax and reset your expression and posture.
Think about your audience – A formal presentation to the board of a company is quite different from an interactive talk with a junior coworker. While you still need to be upright, open, and relaxed in all situations, remember that different settings require different levels of formality. Adapt your posture and the delivery of your message to be more open or more formal accordingly.

Read more: 10 dos and don'ts of impactful presentations

5. Don't forget to breathe

Whether you're nervous, excited or insecure about delivering a presentation to an audience, it's surprisingly common to either freeze or to speak faster than normal, leading you to experience a shortness of breath. Regardless of how you feel about presenting, it's important to remember to breathe normally. It's a great way to center yourself, find some calm and take control of the situation. Breathing at a healthy pace will also give you the chance to gather your thoughts in between points, and most importantly, give your audience the opportunity to take in what you've just said.

Much like eye contact, pausing to breathe needs to be timed well. Too short and you seem flustered, too long and it gets awkward. Try delivering a sentence or two and then pausing to breathe. Soon, you'll find a rhythm and cadence that enables both you and your audience to settle in for the ride so they remain focused and curious, and you stay calm and in complete control.

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BODY SPEAKS: THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY LANGUAGE

Apr 08, 2019

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BODY SPEAKS: THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY LANGUAGE 2005 NACADA National Conference Kris Rugsaken Ball State university Muncie, Indiana How Does Body Speak? Like any spoken language, body language has words, sentences and punctuation.

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Presentation Transcript

BODY SPEAKS: THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY LANGUAGE 2005 NACADA National Conference Kris Rugsaken Ball State university Muncie, Indiana

How Does Body Speak? • Like any spoken language, body language has words, sentences and punctuation. • Each gesture is like a single word and one word may have several different meanings.

BODILY SPEAKING… • According to the social anthropologist, Edward T. Hall, in a normal conversation between two persons, less than 35% of the social meanings is actually transmitted by words. • So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the body (non-verbal channel).

Why Is It Important to Understand Body Language? • A murder case in Los Angeles in 1988. • President Bush senior in Australia in 1993 • An American teenager in Nigeria in 1997 • An American couple in New Zealand in 1999 • People in other parts of the globe are more perceptive to “body language” than the North Americans (do).

Let’s Examine How Body Communicates, from head to toes

HEAD • Nodding the head • “Yes” in most societies • “No” in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Turkey • Tossing the head backward • “yes” in Thailand, the Philippines, India, Laos • Rocking head slowly, back and forth • “yes, I’m listening” in most Asian cultures

FACE • Facial expressions reflect emotion, feelings and attitudes, but….. • The Asians are sometimes known as • emotionless • mixed-up emotion

EYES • Eye contacts • Encouraged in America, Canada, Europe • Rude in most Asian countries and in Africa • Raising eyebrows • “Yes” in Thailand and some Asian countries • “Hello” in the Philippines • Winking eye • Sharing secret in America and Europe • flirtatious gesture in other countries

EYES(Cont’d) • Closed eyes • bored or sleepy in America • “I’m listening and concentrating.” in Japan, Thailand, China

EARS • Ear grasp • “I’m sorry.” in parts of India • Cupping the ear • “I can’t hear you.” in all societies • Pulling ear • “You are in my heart” for Navajo Indians

NOSE • Holding the nose • “Something smells bad.” universal • Nose tap • “It’s confidential.” England • “Watch out!” or "Be careful.” Italy

NOSE • Pointing to nose • “It’s me.” Japan • Blowing nose • In most Asian countries, blowing the nose at social gathering is ‘disgusting.’

CHEEKS • Cheek screw • gesture of praise - Italy • “That’s crazy.” Germany • Cheek stroke • “pretty, attractive, success” most Europe

LIPS AND MOUTH • Whistle, yawn, smile, bite, point, sneeze, spit, kiss.. • Kiss. In parts of Asia, kissing is considered an intimate sexual act and not permissible in public, even as a social greeting. • Kissing sound. To attract attention in the Philippines, to beckon a waiter in Mexico. • Finger tip kiss. In France, it conveys several messages, “That’s good!” “That’s great!” “That’s beautiful!.”

LIPS AND MOUTH(Cont’d) • Spitting. • Spitting in public is considered rude and crude in most Western cultures. • In the PRC and many other Asian countries, spitting in public is to rid a person’s waste and, therefore, is healthy.

THE LIP POINTING • Lip pointing (a substitute for pointing with the hand or finger) is common among Filipinos, Native Americans, Puerto Ricans, and many Latin Americans. • Open mouth. Any display of the open mouth is considered very rude in most countries.

ARMS • Some cultures, like the Italians, use the arms freely. Others, like the Japanese, are more reserved; it is considered impolite to gesticulate with broad movements of the arms. • Folding arms are interpreted by some social observers as a form of excluding self, “I am taking a defensive posture,” or “I disagree with what I am hearing.”

ARMS(Cont’d) • Arms akimbo. In many cultures, this stance signals aggression, resistance, impatience, or even anger. • Arms behind back, hands grasped is a sign of ease and control. • Arms in front, hands grasped, common practice in most Asian countries, is a sign of mutual respect for others.

HANDS • Of all the body parts, the hands are probably used most for communicating non-verbally. • Hand wavesare used for greetings,beckoning, or farewells.

HANDS • The Italian “good-bye” wave can be interpreted by Americans as the gesture of “come here.” • The American “good-bye” wave can be interpreted in many parts of Europe and Latin America as the signal for “no.”

HANDS(Cont’d) • Beckoning. • The American way of getting attention (raising a hand with the index finger raised above head) could be considered rude in Japan, and also means “two” in Germany. • The American “come here” gesture could be seen as an insult in most Asian countries. • In China, to beckon a waiter to refill your tea, simply turn your empty cup upside down.

HANDS(Cont’d) • Handshaking is a form of greeting in most Western cultures. • In the Middle East, a gentle grip is appropriate. • In most Asian cultures, a gentle grip and an avoidance of direct eye contact is appropriate.

HANDS • Hand-holding among the same sex is a custom of special friendship and respect in several Middle Eastern and Asian countries.

HANDS(Cont’d) • Right hand. The right hand has special significance in many societies. In certain countries in the Middle East and in Asia, it is best to present business cards or gifts, or to pass dishes of food, to get an attention, using only the right hand or both. • Left hand is considered unclean in much of the Middle East and in parts of Indonesia.

HANDS(Cont’d) • Hang loose. (thumb and little finger extended) • could convey different meanings: • in Hawaii, it’s a way of saying, “Stay cool,” or “Relax.” • in Japan, it means six. • In Mexico (do vertically), it means, “Would you like a drink?”

HANDS (Cont’d) • Clapping hands. • Russians and Chinese may use applause to greet someone. • In many central and eastern Europe, audience frequently clap in rhythm.

FINGERS • The “O.K.” signal. (the thumb and forefinger form a circle) means • “fine,” or “O.K.” in most cultures, • “zero” or “worthless” in some parts of Europe • “money” in Japan • an insult in Greece, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Russia and some other countries

FINGERS(Cont’d) • “Thumb-up” means: • “O.K.” “good job” or “fine” in most cultures, • “Up yours!” in Australia • “Five” in Japan; “One” in Germany • Avoid a thumb-up in these countries: Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and most African countries.

FINGERS(Cont’d) • Pointing. • Pointing with the index finger is common in North America and Europe. • But it is considered impolite in Japan and China where they favor using the whole open hand. • Malaysians prefer pointing with the thumb.

LEGS AND FEET • In Asia, do not point with your toes. • In Asia and some European countries, putting feet up on a desk or any other piece of furniture is very disrespectful. • Sitting cross-legged, while common in North America and some European countries, is very impolite in other parts of the world.

LEGS AND FEET(Cont’d) • In most Asian countries, a solid and balanced sitting posture is the prevailing custom. Sitting cross-legged shows the sign of disrespect. • In the Middle East and most parts of Asia, resting the ankle over the other knee risks pointing the sole of your shoe at another person, which is considered a rude gesture.

WALKING • Walking can reflect many characteristics of a culture. For example, • In parts of Asia and some of the Middle Eastern countries, men who are friends may walk holding each other’s hand. • In Japan and Korea, older women commonly walk a pace or two behind male companion. • Asians often regard Western women as bold and aggressive, for they walk with a longer gait and a more upright posture.

HOW PEOPLE OF VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD VIEW AMERICANS • Careless with dress, manners, and body movement • Generous as neighbors • Superficial, shallow and short-lasting friendship • Confident but demand almost too much of self • Ethnocentric - less interested in others • Independent - Individually feeling, not to “fit other’s mold.” • Source: Tyler, V. Lynn. Intercultural Interacting. (1987)

FOR ALL OF US… • Becoming sensitive to the clues of body language can help us communicate more effectively with students.

We can understand what students are saying even when they are not talking.

We can sense when students are silent and digesting information, or when they are silent and confused.

We can share feelings too strong or too difficult to be expressed in words,

Or decode secret messages passing silently from person to person,

And we may spot contradictions between what students say and what they really mean.

Finally, we can learn to be more sensitive to our own bodies – to see how they express our feelings and to see ourselves as others see us.

We do not have bodies; we are our bodies.

THANKS! AND ….. • YOUR • thoughts • experiences • questions

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Leverage our Body Language PPT template to represent the nonverbal cues used to interact with people. Team leaders and HR heads can use this aesthetically designed deck to illustrate the importance of nonverbal communication in improving clarity, increasing trust, and creating rapport. In addition, you can use these PowerPoint slides to demonstrate different types of body language, such as facial expression, gestures, eye contact, body posture, etc., that help you connect better with others.

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Description of the PPT

A unique diagram incorporated with appealing icons showcases the body language used while communicating.
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Prepare for a Presentation: 11 Presentation Preparation Tips

By Judhajit Sen
August 22, 2024

Preparing for a presentation can be a source of anxiety for many, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you approach presentations with excitement or trepidation, the key to success lies in preparation. By taking the time to prepare, you can boost your confidence, reduce nervousness, and increase the chances of delivering a smooth and impactful presentation.

Planning a presentation involves knowing your audience, clarifying your key messages, and learning how to communicate them effectively. Keeping your presentation simple and focused allows you to pace yourself well, making it easier for your audience to absorb the information. With the right approach, anyone can deliver a presentation that leaves a lasting impression.

How do you prepare for a presentation? We will try to answer this question in this blog post.

Key Takeaways

Define Your Goals: Establish clearly what you want to achieve with your presentation—whether to inform, persuade, or entertain. This focus will guide your content and delivery.
Understand Your Audience: Research who will be attending and tailor your presentation to their knowledge level and interests to keep them engaged and ensure your message is relevant.
Practice Thoroughly: Practice your presentation to build confidence and smooth out any issues. Practicing in the actual presentation space and with any technology you’ll use can help avoid problems.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: Stay calm and confident, even if you’re nervous. A positive demeanor can enhance your connection with the audience and make your presentation more effective.

Presentation Preparation: How to Prepare for a Presentation

Goals or Objectives

Before you start preparing your presentation, it’s important to define your goals or objectives. Ask yourself: What do you want to achieve? Whether your aim is to inform, persuade, entertain, or educate, having a clear objective will help you stay focused and deliver a concise message.

Once you’ve identified your purpose, write it down in a single, clear statement. This statement should specify exactly what you want your audience to learn or take away from your presentation. Keep in mind the time you have and your audience’s background knowledge when setting your objectives.

Understanding your presentation’s purpose not only guides your content but also influences the way you design and deliver it. For instance, a technical presentation aimed at informing may be straightforward with minimal interaction, while a training session might require more engagement and Q&A. Tailoring your approach to match your goal ensures that your presentation resonates with your audience and achieves the desired outcome.

Understanding your audience is essential when preparing a presentation. Before you start designing your slides or practicing your speech, take some time to research who will be in the audience. Ask yourself: Who are they? What are their interests and expectations? What do they already know about your topic? This information will help you tailor your content to keep it relevant and engaging.

As you practice, think about your audience’s level of knowledge. If you’re speaking to experts, you can skip the basics and dive into more advanced details. However, if your audience is less familiar with the topic, be prepared to explain key terms and concepts clearly. Adjust your presentation to ensure that everyone can follow along.

The formality of your presentation, including your tone and attire, should also match your audience. A formal presentation to a professional group might require a serious tone and business attire, while a talk to a more casual group could be lighter and more approachable.

Ultimately, your presentation is a form of communication. Tailoring it to your audience’s needs and knowledge level will make your message more effective and ensure that your audience is engaged from start to finish.

Outline or Structure

Creating a clear outline or structure is key to a successful presentation. Start by outlining the main sections: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. This will help you organize your points and ensure your presentation flows logically.

In the introduction, quickly grab your audience’s attention and introduce your topic. Follow this with a thesis statement that summarizes your main points. The body should cover the key points or sections of your topic, supported by relevant examples or data. Remember to keep your audience engaged by planning interactive moments, like asking questions or encouraging participation.

Your conclusion should reinforce your main message and persuade your audience to see things from your perspective.

When outlining, consider how much time you have. Make sure you have enough material for the allotted time, and be ready with extra slides in case you need to expand or shorten your presentation.

An outline is not just a guide on how to prepare presentation slides—it also helps you stay focused and ensures that your listeners can follow your ideas from start to finish. Depending on your presentation’s purpose, you may organize your outline differently. However, always aim for a clear structure that supports your message.

Practicing your presentation is key to feeling confident and delivering a polished performance. The more you rehearse, the more comfortable you’ll become with the material, which will help reduce nerves on the big day. Start by practicing in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or presenting to friends and family. This will help you identify areas that need work and give you a chance to refine your delivery.

It’s also beneficial to practice the presentation in the actual space where you’ll be presenting. This familiarizes you with the environment and helps you feel more at ease with the setup. Additionally, rehearsing with any technology you plan to use can prevent technical mishaps.

What is the best way to rehearse a presentation for delivery? You could memorize it, use notes, or speak from a script. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that suits you best. However, avoid fully memorizing your presentation, as it can make you sound inauthentic and may limit your ability to adapt to the audience’s reactions.

To get the most out of your practice, run through your presentation multiple times, ideally in front of an audience that can provide feedback. This will help you gauge whether your main points are coming across clearly. Record your practice sessions and revisit them to refine your pacing, expressions, and overall delivery.

Remember to speak slowly, make eye contact, and leave time for questions. With thorough practice, you’ll be well-prepared to deliver an engaging and effective presentation .

Punctuality

Arriving early is crucial for a smooth presentation. Plan to get to the venue at least 30 minutes before your start time. This extra time lets you set up your equipment, check technology, and get comfortable with the space, especially if it’s new to you.

Being early helps prevent any last-minute rush and allows you to prepare your notes and materials calmly. It’s also a good strategy if you tend to run late or if you’re dealing with a hybrid or remote setup. Taking these steps ensures you feel more confident and ready to deliver your presentation effectively.

Strong Start

A strong start sets the tone for your whole presentation. Begin by memorizing your opening line. This helps you start confidently and can ease nerves. Many speakers find that once they deliver their first line, they quickly settle into their presentation.

Keep your opening simple and engaging to capture your audience’s attention. Consider starting with a brief icebreaker or a light, relevant joke to make the audience feel comfortable. Clearly state the purpose of your presentation in one easy-to-understand sentence, avoiding jargon. This will help your audience gauge what they will gain from your talk.

Maintain a natural pace—neither too fast nor too slow—to project a positive image. Conclude your opening with a strong statement that reinforces the goals of your presentation. This will help ensure your audience is focused and ready for what comes next.

Visual Elements

Visual elements can enhance your presentation, but they should support your talk, not overshadow it. If you choose to use visual aids, keep these key points in mind:

Simplicity is Key: Your slides and visual aids should be straightforward and easy to follow. Stick to one main idea per slide and use brief phrases or bullet points. Avoid clutter and ensure each slide is clear and to the point.

Ensure Accessibility: Design your visuals to be readable for everyone. Use high-contrast colors and large, clear fonts. Simple graphics are best—avoid complex charts and over-detailed images. If you include videos, ensure they are captioned and check all tech before your presentation starts.

Complement, Don’t Distract: Visual aids should highlight and support your points, not distract from them. Handouts, if used, should be given either at the beginning or end of your talk to avoid interrupting your flow. Make sure that any videos or interactive elements are relevant and professionally done.

Practice and Prepare: Know how to use any equipment or technology before your presentation. Test everything, including videos and projection, to ensure smooth delivery. If you’re using a whiteboard or flipchart, practice writing clearly and legibly.

Be Inclusive: Consider universal design principles to accommodate all audience members. Use large fonts, provide slides in accessible formats if requested, and ensure that all multimedia elements are accessible. If needed, arrange for additional support, such as sign language interpreters.

By focusing on these aspects, you can make sure that your visual elements enhance your presentation and effectively communicate your message.

Body Language

Body language plays an important role in how your audience receives your message. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. To project confidence, even if you’re feeling nervous, practice moving and speaking naturally. Your hand movements and gestures should align with your words, enhancing your message rather than distracting from it.

During rehearsals, pay attention to your hands. Plan your gestures to complement what you’re saying. If you decide to move around, let your movement flow with your speech. This will help you connect with your audience and keep your public speaking engaging.

Positive Attitude

A positive attitude is vital for a good presentation. Start by staying calm. Take a few deep breaths before you begin and remind yourself of your preparation. This can help you focus on delivering your message rather than worrying about potential problems.

Nervousness is a natural part of presenting. It shows that you care about your performance. Use this nervous energy to fuel your enthusiasm for the topic. Remember, both you and your audience share the same goal: to make the presentation informative and engaging.

Before your presentation, take a moment for yourself. Deep breaths and a few quiet minutes can help you regain composure and boost your confidence. Even if you feel anxious, remind yourself that your audience is there to learn and wants you to succeed.

Visualize a positive outcome and focus on what you can control. A strong introduction and a confident demeanor can set the tone for a successful presentation. Smiling and appearing relaxed, even if you don’t feel that way, can help you feel more at ease and project confidence to your audience.

The more you present, the more comfortable you will become. So, keep presenting, stay positive, and let your confidence shine through.

Questions after your presentation can be a positive sign that your audience was engaged and paying attention. While some may dread the Q&A session, it actually offers a chance to clarify points and reinforce your message. Being prepared for potential questions is key. Anticipate what might be asked and have a few backup slides ready to provide more detailed answers if needed.

If a question catches you off guard, it’s okay to admit you don’t know the answer right away. Simply say you’ll look it up and get back to them. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification or for it to be rephrased.

Remember, if no one asks questions, it doesn’t reflect poorly on your presentation. It could mean you explained everything clearly, or your audience might just be ready to wrap up and go home.

Handouts are a useful presentation tool for your audience to reference key points from your slideshow. Provide written materials that summarize the main content so attendees can review the information later. Include your contact information on these materials and encourage participants to reach out with any follow-up questions. Distributing business cards can also help maintain connections.

However, be mindful that handouts might distract some audience members, causing them to focus more on the papers than on your presentation. For large audiences, consider the cost of printing handouts. Instead, you might opt to send them via email or post them on a website. If sharing electronically, saving materials as PDFs can be a practical choice.

Wrap-up: How to Prepare a Presentation

Preparing for a presentation can transform your anxiety into confidence if you follow a structured approach. Start by clearly defining your goals, understanding your audience, and creating a solid outline. Knowing your audience’s needs helps tailor your content for better engagement. Practice extensively, both in front of a mirror and in the actual setting, to become comfortable with your material and delivery.

A strong start captures attention and sets the tone for your presentation, while well-designed visual elements should support rather than overshadow your message. Handouts can be useful but should be used thoughtfully to avoid distraction. Effective body language and punctuality enhance your delivery, and a positive attitude helps you connect with your audience. Finally, be prepared for questions to reinforce your message and handle unexpected inquiries confidently. By focusing on these aspects, you ensure a well-prepared and impactful presentation.

Best Way to Prepare a Presentation: FAQs

1. How can I define the goals for my presentation?

Start by asking yourself what you want to achieve with your presentation. Whether it’s to inform, persuade, or entertain, having a clear objective helps keep your content focused and effective.

2. Why is understanding my audience important?

Knowing your audience’s interests and knowledge level allows you to tailor your presentation to keep it relevant and engaging. Tailor your content and delivery based on their background to ensure they can follow along.

3. What should my presentation outline include?

Create a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Start with a strong opening, cover your main points with relevant examples, and finish with a conclusion that reinforces your message.

4. How should I handle questions after my presentation?

Be prepared for questions as they show audience engagement. Anticipate potential queries, and if you’re unsure about a query, admit it and offer to follow up later. If no questions are asked, it may simply mean your presentation was clear.

Ace Your Presentation Preparation with Prezentium

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With Prezentium, you’re not just preparing a presentation; you’re ensuring it’s impactful and effective. Let us help you make a lasting impression.

Why wait? Avail a complimentary 1-on-1 session with our presentation expert. See how other enterprise leaders are creating impactful presentations with us.

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BODY LANGUAGE.

Published by Wilfrid Chambers Modified over 6 years ago

Presentation on theme: "BODY LANGUAGE."— Presentation transcript:

BODY LANGUAGE – Gestures

Nonverbal Communication

Non-Verbal Communication

Module 2 Oral Presentation Skills. Learning Outcomes  2.1 How to prepare for your presentation  2.2 How to structure your presentation  2.3 What content.

Module 8 Presentation Skills. Learning outcomes  8.1 How to prepare for your presentation  8.2 How to structure your presentation  8.3 What content.

Beyond Words Understanding and Interpreting Body Language

Ruba Sbaih Wala’ Daas Eman yosef

Nonverbal Communication and Teamwork

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Non-Verbal Communication and Body language

Body Language and Facial Expression

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Business Communication Non verbal Communication and use of body language.

Non-Verbal Communication Non-Verbal Communication and use of body language.

Types of Nonverbal Communication and Body Language

Actions Speak Louder Than Words. Types of Nonverbal Communication Appearance Gestures Posture Eye Contact Facial Expression Vocal Cues Spatial Relations.

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COMMENTS

Body language ppt
Body language ppt. This document discusses various aspects of body language and non-verbal communication. It states that 55% of communication is non-verbal. It then outlines five main types of body language: eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, posture/stance, and space relationships. Specific gestures and their potential meanings are ...
Role and importance of body language
Body language plays an essential role in communication and presentations. It can help evaluate audience interest and make presentations more engaging. Speakers should stand up straight with their feet shoulder-width apart, use positive gestures like nodding and eye contact, and avoid negative gestures like fiddling or looking away. Facial ...
Importance of Body Language in Presentations: +How to Use It Effectively
12 Quick Tips Body Language Tips For Better Public Speaking. Now that we've covered what body language is and why it matters while giving a presentation, here are 12 tips that'll show you how to use body language: 1. Smile. Believe it or not, a smile is the most powerful tool you've got in your body language toolbox.
Body Language in PPT Presentations: 8 Tips & Tricks
Score points with the right body language in your PPT presentation! Body language is a presentation tool which shouldn't be ignored. Most of the time, body language happens naturally. Nevertheless, it's important to focus on the right body language, especially during important presentations. Without a bit of forethought and practice, you ...
Body language in communication
Dec 1, 2014 • Download as PPTX, PDF •. Body language plays a large role in communication, conveying 55% of messages according to some studies. It provides intuitive insights into another person's feelings and reactions. Key components of body language include facial expressions, gestures, posture, stance, and spatial relationships.
Role of Body Language in Giving a Presentation
The role of body language in presentations cannot be overstated. It can either bolster your message or betray your nerves, making it a critical element of effective communication. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the nuances of body language during presentations, helping you harness its power to captivate and persuade your audience.
Effective Use Of Body Language PPT And Google Slides
Effective Use Of Body Language Presentation Slides. Unleash the potential of non-verbal communication with our "Effective Use Of Body Language PowerPoint Presentation". Tailored for individuals looking to enhance interpersonal skills, this unique toolkit delves into conveying messages through gestures, expressions, and posture.
Body Language in Presentations: Our Guide
The proper body language in a presentation helps to convey that you have confidence in yourself and your message. A speaker who knows the importance of body language in an oral presentation can instill trust in the audience, which, among other things, helps to forge a connection. Further, a presenter who knows how to effectively employ body ...
Body language in presentations
What Is the Importance of Body Language in Effective Presentations? Using body language in presentations the right way can help you close more sales or win that pitch. Your body language can help you engage your audience and be confident and relaxed during your presentation. When you make eye contact, maintain a confident posture and eye ...
PDF Body language PPT 1
Features of Body Language. • Tapping foot or holding something in hand and fiddling with it or ha ving a ke y chain in finger and moving it around finger. All this indicates restlessness , disinterest and a desire to end the session. Moving key-chain around one's finger is an indication of a desire to leave.
Use Body Language in Presentations: 7 body language tips
Key Takeaways: Body Language Impact: Effective body language is essential to improve your presentation, boosting audience engagement and speaker credibility.Maintain a confident posture to create a connection and convey confidence. Presentation Mastery: Mastering presentation skills involves minor adjustments in body language, such as an open posture.
PPT
The medium through which people and animals communicate using gestures, expressions and posture. Why is Body Language important? • Body language plays a big role in intuition as it gives us messages about the other person, that we can interpret at an intuitive level. 55% 7% 38%. Components of Body Language • Facial Expression including Eye ...
PRESENTATION SKILLS #7: Body Language In Presentations
2. The importance of body language. Using effective body language will help you achieve the desired goal of your presentation. Through Gestures or Eye contact, you can connect with your audience ...
PPT
Definition Body language is the language transmitted by gestures and postures. Some notions of body language • Is an important and decisive factor when transmitting a message • Provides information about an individual's character, emotions, and reactions Body language: Movement is the original and most intense means of expression and of will.
How to use body language effectively during your presentation
During a presentation, when all eyes are on you, the importance of body language is heightened. Here's some key areas to be aware of: Your facial expressions. You can heighten or emphasize your message as you speak or pause with subtle movements such as raised eyebrows or larger expressions such as a smile. Your hands.
5 body language tips to improve your presentations
And a few to try: Pausing to point an important element or message on your slide. Using welcoming, positive gestures to engage with the audience. Using a gesture to invite the audience to answer a question. Counting key points on your fingers for emphasis. Clapping to celebrate or acknowledge an achievement. 3.
Professional Body Language at Work
You don't want to look like a bobble head. take time to cultivate your "professional shake.". Keep your body squared off to the other person, facing her fully. Make sure you have palm-to-palm contact and that the web of you hand—the skin between your thumb and first finger—touches the web of the other person's.
Body Language.
Presentation transcript: Body Language may be the most powerful and honest type of communication. Some research suggests we send 93% of our messages non-verbally. 4 Body Language is used to help send a message and needs to coordinate with how we are speaking or listening. Your body language should be chosen as carefully as you choose your words.
PPT
BODY SPEAKS: THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY LANGUAGE. BODY SPEAKS: THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY LANGUAGE. The academic presentation given by Steve and Blair from A2 1. How Does Body Speak?. Like any spoken language, body language has words, sentences and punctuation. Each gesture is like a single word and one word may have several different meanings. .
Body Language PowerPoint Template
4:3. Leverage our Body Language PPT template to represent the nonverbal cues used to interact with people. Team leaders and HR heads can use this aesthetically designed deck to illustrate the importance of nonverbal communication in improving clarity, increasing trust, and creating rapport. In addition, you can use these PowerPoint slides to ...
Communication body language
The document discusses body language and nonverbal communication. It describes how body language conveys meaning through gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, smiling, hand gestures, arm and leg positions, and posture. Specific gestures and their potential meanings are examined, such as crossed arms indicating defensiveness while open arms ...
11 Tips on How to Prepare for a Presentation
If needed, arrange for additional support, such as sign language interpreters. By focusing on these aspects, you can make sure that your visual elements enhance your presentation and effectively communicate your message. Body Language. Body language plays an important role in how your audience receives your message. It's not just about what ...
BODY LANGUAGE.
Download presentation. Presentation on theme: "BODY LANGUAGE."—. Presentation transcript: 1 BODY LANGUAGE. 2 WHATS YOUR BODY TELLING YOU? BODY LANGUAGE:THE GESTURES, POSES,MOVEMENTS AND EXPRESSIONS THAT A PERSON USES TO COMMUNICATE. 7% VERBAL (CONVEYED THROUGH WORDS) 38% VOCAL (INTONATION,PITCH,PAUSES,ETC.) 55% NON-VERBAL (BODY LANGUAGE) 3 ...
Body language and its importance during Interview.
3. Importance Research shows that 55% of communication consist of body language. So, the effectiveness of professional life depends on how a person communicates through his or her body language. Through powerful body language, a person can motivate his/her subordinates, successfully carry out his/her business deals and meetings, maintain good relationship with the stakeholders, smoothly carry ...

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Importance of Body Language in Presentations: +How to Use It Effectively

What Is Body Language?

What Is the Importance of Body Language in Effective Presentations?

12 Quick Tips Body Language Tips For Better Public Speaking

2. Assume a Power Pose

4. Don’t Slouch

5. Make Use of the Space

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Gesture

7. Speak Clearly

8. Minimize Nervous Habits

9. Maintain Eye Contact

10. Don’t Forget Facial Expressions

11. Learn From Other Presenters

12. Remember to Breathe

Different Types of Body Language

1. Eye Contact

2. Head Movements

3. Facial Expressions

4. Hand Gestures

5. Body Posture

Learn More About Great Presentations

Envato Elements (Design Without Limits)

Make Use of Your Body Language to Ace Your Presentation

Body Language in PPT Presentations: 8 Tips & Tricks

Why body language is so important in PPT presentations

How can facial expressions enhance a presentation?

How can the right gestures enhance your presentation?

Effective body language during presentations: 8 tips and tricks

Posture: How to stand correctly

Hands & Gestures

Walking around

Eye contact

The right facial expressions

The right outfit

Finally: Other countries, other body language

Score points with the right body language in your PPT presentation!

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Body Language in Presentations

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How to Improve Body Language for Presentations

Practice in Front of a Mirror

Record Yourself

Learn how to control your body language during a presentation!

Rehearse in Front of Team Members

Additional Presentation Body Language Tips

What To Do With Your Hands During a Presentation

What if My Hands Won’t Stop Shaking?

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How You Dress is Important, Too

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7 Presentations

What Is Body Language?

What Is the Importance of Body Language in Effective Presentations?

10 Quick Tips Body Language Tips For Better Public Speaking

2. Don’t Slouch

3. Assume a Power Pose

4. Make Use of the Space

5. Don’t Forget Facial Expressions

6. Speak Clearly

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Gesture

8. Maintain Eye Contact

9. Remember to Breathe

10. Learn From Other Presenters

Different Types of Body Language

1. Eye Contact

2. Head Movements