Body language. The nonverbal communication of your body that can tell your audience you are speaking with confidence or cowardness, delight or disingenuity. Do you know which language your body is speaking?
Something as simple as an arm gesture could be telling your audience one thing while your voice is saying something totally different. And, of course, no body language usually means no vocal variety which is always boring.
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Having a good sense of storytelling techniques is important for people involved in any form of communication. Unlike other ways to express a story, storytelling takes place in the moment between the storyteller and listener. It is a unique experience. Here are nine storytelling tips Read More→
“What do I do with my hands when I speak?” This is a question nervous speakers and presenters regularly ask. The answer is, you don’t do anything with them, at least not consciously. If you prepare and practice your talk, your gestures will be smooth and complement your words.
Have you ever watched a speaker whose presentation appeared natural and effortless? Were you aware of their hand movements? Probably not. On the other hand, have you ever been distracted by a nervous speaker who irritated you by wringing their hands, twisting their ring, waving or flapping their arms? You can probably remember that speaker but not their words.
Get to grips with your hand gestures and transform them into meaningful movements if you want people to remember your words and not your distracting gestures.
Prepare your speech or presentation well before the date of delivery. Write it out and read it silently to yourself several times. Don’t try to memorize the words but focus on internalizing the message you want to get across to your audience. Then practice saying it aloud without using your notes. You may not remember every word, unless you are blessed with a photographic memory, but you will remember the structure and the ideas and many of the words. If you don’t, go back and repeat it silently to yourself again until you do.
If you prepare and practice in this way, when you deliver your speech, your focus will be on your audience where it should be, and not on yourself and your delivery. Internalizing your talk frees you to connect with your listeners, and your gestures will be natural and in tune with your words rather than out of tune.
The best way to notice your gestures is to ask for feedback from someone you trust to be objective or, even better, to record yourself. Watch the recording and note any repeated arm and hand movements that distract you from your words. Then watch it again with the sound off and see how many more you can spot. It’s not pleasant viewing but it’s very effective at ridding speakers of bad habits. It’s amazing what we do when we don’t know we’re doing it.
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Moira Beaton is a Communication and Public Speaking Coach and Trainer guaranteed to help you be yourself and become memorable. Contact her at http://www.MoiraMBeaton.com and http://www.confident-speaker.blogspot.com
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What You Know About Body Language Is All Wrong
Did you know that when you are delivering a speech, there is always another conversation going on? No, I’m not talking about your rude audience (although they may be talking also), instead I’m talking about your body – it’s having its own conversation with your audience. Maybe you should know what it’s saying…?
The fact that we are always communicating with our audience through body language should come as no surprise to anyone. However, what might catch your attention is that most of what you think that you know about how to read body language is probably wrong. It’s just urban myths that have been told over and over again.
A quick example might help me to make my point: what’s the best way to make a first impression with someone? If you’re like me, you’ll assume that greeting them with a lot of energy will show spunk and drive – all good things. It turns out that we’d be wrong. Dave Zielinski has been looking into this and he reports that most people believe that people who are low energy and restrained have the most self-confidence.
There is nothing that we can do about preventing our body language from sending messages to our audience. However, the one thing that we can do is learn to read other people’s body language more effectively.
Common Myths
Have you ever had to give a speech early in the morning? The 900 lb gorilla in the room is the fact that everyone is still sleepy – several of them have probably not even woken up yet. What’s the best way to get some energy into the room?
If you are like most speakers, you’ll rely on what we’ve all been told is the best way to wake up an audience: hit them with a high-energy presentation delivered at a loud volume. It turns out that this is exactly the wrong thing to do. Instead, what you need to do is to start out at their energy level (low) and then gradually raise the energy up and allow them to come along with you.
How about when we see people in our audience who have their arms crossed over their chest? They must be resisting our message, right? Probably wrong – check the temperature in the room – they may just be cold!
In the end, once you get comfortable understanding what your audience’s body language is really telling you, you’ve got to adjust your body language so that they can connect with you. What really matters in your speech is not a lot of body language rules, but rather your voice quality & variation, conviction, strong content, and good eye contact.
What All Of This Means For You
Body language is something that every speaker needs to be aware of. However, we also have to understand that we are probably interpreting it incorrectly because it’s so hard to read. Don’t spent too much time trying to follow a set of body language “rules” because it will take away from your speech.
Instead, do what comes naturally to you. This will allow you to more fully focus on giving the best speech possible and you won’t get tripped up trying to remember a long list of dos and don’ts.
In the end, if you can allow you body and mind to deliver the same speech then your audience will get a consistent message and you’ll be successful in connecting with your audience.
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Dr. Jim Anderson http://www.TheAccidentalCommunicator.com
Do you give speeches today, but want to learn how be more effective? Dr. Jim Anderson believes that great business skills are no substitute for poor presentation skills. Dr. Anderson will share with you the knowledge that he has gained while working to improve the speaking ability of both individuals and teams of speakers for over 20 years. Learn the secrets of effective speakers and really connect with your audience during your next speech. If you want to follow Dr. Anderson on Twitter, he can be found at: http://twitter.com/drjimanderson
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Every year, I challenge myself on my birthday by doing consecutive push-ups to match the birthday I’m celebrating. As you can imagine, the task becomes more difficult every year. Last year, I felt fortunate to have eeked out the 38th push-up.
This year, on my 39th birthday, I realized there was a chance I might not be able to meet the challenge, so I decided to pump out 39 of something else. With that in mind, I did some reflecting and compiled a list of 39 things I’ve learned about public speaking.
1. You’re never good enough not to to practice.
2. Public speaking is both a science and an art. Approach it strictly from either point of view and you and you won’t be as successful as you could be.
3. All things being equal, written speeches are better and more successful than extemporaneous speeches.
4. No height of reasoning or depth of wisdom is strong enough to educate a mind that refuses to learn.
5. Every audience and individual is unique. What works for one won’t necessarily work for another.
6. There is no “best way” to start every speech. Each speech is as unique as the audience. Every opening should also be unique.
7. Gestures are overrated. They can’t add substance to a message that lacks substance.
8. Even the right words can lose their effect if they’re not delivered with the right timing.
9. Even if your audience disagrees with your position on a subject, they want your speech to be good. After all, they have to sit through it.
10. When put to the test, most statistics about public speaking are a crock.
11. What our audience remembers most is what resonates with them most.
12. The setup of your room affects the flow of energy in the room.
13. Recording yourself on video is the best way to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.
14. Memorizing your material and knowing your material are not the same thing.
15. Sometimes public speaking should be treated as a performance. At other times, public speaking should be treated as a conversation. On occasion, it should be treated as both.
16. Always research your audience as thoroughly as possible… always!
17. Reading the book of Proverbs is a great way to train your mind to come up with analogies that easily explain complicated concepts.
18. Age means squat when it comes to your effectiveness as a public speaker. Martin Luther King Jr. was only 34 when he delivered the “I have a dream” speech.
19. It’s okay to say “um” every now and again. People expect it. “Um” becomes a problem when it is used in a pattern the audience begins to anticipate and predict with 99% accuracy.
20. One of the easiest ways to improve your ability to develop a successful speech is to read and listen to successful speeches of the past and present.
21. When you truly connect with your audience, you will be able to feel and experience their energy.
22. Public speaking is not a monarchy and content is not king. Content alone is not enough to persuade people and move them to take action.
23. What you say AND how you say it are of equal importance.
24. Authentic story telling is easy to learn. Just read story books to children.
25. If your presentation relies heavily on technology, be sure to have a plan B.
26. If you’re using PowerPoint or props, rehearse with them.
27. Knowing your subject is important. Explaining your subject in a way that’s easy to understand and memorable is more important.
28. Your speech is successful if your audience remembers, repeats and responds to it… not if you get a standing ovation.
29. The worst times to speak are just before and just after a meal. The audience is too hungry to concentrate just before and too full (or tipsy) to concentrate after.
30. Asking questions is an effective way to engage the minds of the individuals in your audience.
31. When you tell a story, debrief it. Not everyone will interpret your story the same way.
32. Before using a statistic in your speech, research the statistic yourself. There are a lot of myths disguised as statistics.
33. Always put statistics in context. Explain what the statistic means and why the audience should care.
34. If you must tell a joke, use an original one. Few things are as deflating as having people in the audience deliver the punch line before you do.
35. Don’t use a $20 word when a 5 cent word will do the trick. When it comes to word choice, simpler is usually better.
36. Use repetition in your speeches. It will reinforce your main message and make it easier for the audience to follow your train of thought.
37. If you’re going to be introduced, write your own opening. Never trust someone else to do it for you.
38. Even excellent presenters have “off” days. Get over it and move on.
39. Your audience won’t shut you off as quickly as they will a show on television. They can watch the show in their pajamas, but they get dressed up and travel to hear you speak.
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If you would like to take your speeches to another level and learn more public speaking tips, I suggest you download a free copy of my “Successful Speeches Toolkit” so you can make sure your next speech is a successful speech. Visit http://www.wellwrittenwellsaid.com/successfulspeechesblog/?page_id=10 to get your workbook and search tool.
John Watkis is a freelance speechwriter, consultant and keynote speaker who helps his clients give better speeches so they can get better results.
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“What do I do with my hands when I’m speaking?” is a common question that I hear when I’m teaching public speaking. Your hands form an important part of your non-verbal communication, or body language, and can help you convey confidence and communicate more effectively to your audience.
Here are 5 tips for what to do with your hands:
1. Be Aware of What Your Hands Are Doing
The first step in preventing your hands from distracting your audience is to become conscious of what your hands are doing. Are you cracking your knuckles, playing with your pen or twisting your note cards? I’ve seen speakers do each of these actions and they usually don’t realize they’re doing it. Focus on your hands while practicing, watch yourself on video or ask for feedback from a trusted colleague.
2. Use the “Neutral Position”
When not gesturing, your hands should be in the neutral position – hanging loosely at your sides. They should not be jammed in your pockets, folded across your chest or clasped behind your back.
3. Keep Your Hands Empty
There is no need to hold a pen, rubber band or paper clip while speaking. It’s easier and less distracting to gesture with empty hands. If you must hold your notes, the PowerPoint remote or a microphone, refer to point #1 and be aware of what your hands are doing with that item.
4. Relax Your Hands
I’ve seen speakers clench their hands into fists or grip the sides of the podium, neither of which conveys a relaxed confidence. Make sure that any nervousness or anxiety you may be feeling is not expressed by your hands.
5. Gesture to Support Your Words
Simple, natural gestures will support and visually illustrate your words. For example, use your hands to show distance traveled or open both arms wide to show that you are welcoming the audience.
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Gilda Bonanno is a speaker, trainer and coach who helps people from all walks of life improve their communication and presentation skills. Receive a FREE Special Report, “Six Mistakes to Avoid in Public Speaking, So Your Presentation Sparkles” by visiting http://gildabonanno.com/newsletter.aspx and entering your email address. You’ll also be subscribed to Gilda’s free twice-monthly e-newsletter containing practical tips you can use immediately to improve your communication and presentation skills.
Copyright (c) 2009
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For aspiring and experienced speakers alike, each aspect of credibility is to be closely guarded and continually built upon. This series of articles will focus on 15 facets of credibility that must exist for all speakers to succeed over the long run. “Instant Credibility” must continue to be nurtured for a career to continue. If you are building from the ground up, each point must be examined and properly attended to in order to build deep roots on the speaking circuit.
Facet #2: Gestures
Effective gestures are the hallmark of an experienced speaker. Great pains must be taken to ensure that movements on stage are deliberate, natural, and practiced.
Nervousness is at the heart of most pointless gestures. What should one do with their hands, anyway? When you are not using you hands and arms to actively make a gesture, keep them comfortably at your side, so as not to distract from the presentation, and to add to the impact of the gestures you purposely use at other times.
18 Crutch Gestures to Avoid:
1. Hands in Pockets
2. Hand-wringing
3. Hands behind back
4. Elbows in, hands out
5. Hands on lecturn
6. The Finger Steeple or Hand Purse (interlocked fingers)
7. Pointing in general
8. Number indications palms out – always use palms in – your hand becomes their hand
9. Fiddling with rings or other jewelry
10. Beard/Mustache stroking
11. Head scratching
12. Arm crossing
13. Hair flipping
14. Ear or nose checking (it happens more than you’d think!)
15. Lip smacking
16. Pacing
17. Swinging side to side or back to front
18. Leaning against the lecturn or furniture
The best way to evaluate the gestures you use is to practice on film. Take notes on what motions you make, when you make them, and most importantly, WHY you make them. Once you eliminate these crutch gestures, you can effectively replace them with deliberate motions to enhance a point, gain attention, and illustrate action, often cutting descriptive prose from your speech with a simple but practiced action-gesture.
There are three gesture zones commonly used by speakers.
Mid-Range
When arms stay at your side, or remain relatively close to your body, the gesture does not provide significant impact, and may provide a calming or questioning effect to the statement made.
Over the Top
When arms are over the head or completely outstretched in a quick fashion, a sense of urgency, surprise, or even danger is created, dependent of the speaking accompanying them. Stepping to a different level on stage, perhaps onto a chair or table, creates a stronger image, and draws even greater attention to the speaker when appropriately used.
Below the Belt
Bending down may create a “private” moment even with an audience of thousands. Similar to lowering the tone of your voice, which you would do in conjunction with this move, the audience will lean in to what you have to say, and feel you are speaking to them on a more individual basis.
Action gestures often take place in all three zones, whether we run, pretend to catch a ball/ride a bike/climb a ladder, or indicate height and width. Go over your speeches with a fine-tooth comb to find your opportunities to use an action gesture – they keep your audience involved, and keep you away from crutch gestures. Make sure you incorporate your whole body in action gestures, to avoid making them look mechanical. If your arms seem to move independently of your head and legs, you will appear robotic instead of practiced.
Practice your gestures on film or in the mirror. If they seem too big to you, they are probably just right for your audience. If you are having trouble becoming comfortable with large gestures, practice with Extremely Exaggerated gestures, and when the nervousness hits, your toned down actions will still emphasize your point.
Gestures will separate the pedestrian speaker from the professional. Lack of gestures indicate nervousness, unfamiliarity with the material, and the absence of self-confidence. Gestures that are out of place, robotic, or understated will sap the credibility of the most educated speaker. No matter how interesting your words, exclusively watching lips move will cause even the most dedicated audience to nod off. Your message should be important enough for you to incorporate your whole body while presenting it!
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Rich Hopkins is a speaker, coach, and consultant who aligns his clients with their own potential. He has 20 years of business background in marketing, sales, and customer service. He consults with individuals, student groups, non-profit organizations, and corporations. http://www.richhopkins.net
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Below are 10 speech delivery tips you can use to have a deep impact on your audience.
1. Don’t forget about your face.
Your facial expressions are more important than all your arm and hand movements combined. The eyes are indeed the windows to the soul. What you do with them can make or break your entire speech.
2. Use your characters’ gestures.
Keep in mind that speaking involves utilizing captivating stories to make your unforgettable points. Each story has its own characters and each character probably has his or her own way of gesturing. When you take on the role and persona of that character, you should use his or her gestures. While rehearsing your speech, consistently ask yourself, “How would this character say this?”
3. Let the emotions drive.
The emotions in your story and in your point will drive your movements. If you are intoxicated with your emotions while telling your story or making your point, the appropriate gestures will come. It will be effortless. When you’re really angry at someone or something, do you have to think about what gestures to use? No, they come automatically. If you build the emotion, the gestures will come.
4. Gesture 360 Degrees.
Many speakers gesture in front of them and on the side. World Class Speakers realize there is an entire area around them and they utilize it. Feel free to gesture down for the lower dimension. For example, when I speak about a swamp tour my wife and I took, I talk about the alligators that surrounded the boat. At that point I gesture downwards with the open hand. Then I describe the trees that were hanging down as if they were trying to grab onto us. At that point I gesture upwards to the upper dimension using my hands to emulate how the trees hung and swayed. At times I point behind me to the back of the stage or in front of me out into the audience. I might point to my right to signify the past and point to my left to signify the future as I use the stage as a timeline. The key is to go up, down, back, forth, and side to side in order to paint a whole (surround-sense) scene for your audience in order to invite them into it.
5. Don’t use the same gesture over and over again.
This is evidence of a habit and most likely distracts from your presentation.
6. Watch out for your resting position.
This is the position your hands fall to when you’re not using a gesture. For example, my hands used to fall together in front of me with my fingers interlocking. It was distracting.
7. Don’t move all the time.
If you are always moving then no movement will be meaningful. Your audience will never know what’s most important. Move with a purpose. When there is no reason to move, don’t.
8. Use an open hand.
It’s better to point to your audience with an open hand rather than an index finger. It’s less threatening and more inviting. The open hand is also effective when calling back to spots on the floor as you revisit the points, characters, and stories you previously used.
9. Use bigger gestures for bigger audiences.
Don’t mismatch the size of your audience with the size of your gestures.
10. Smile.
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Craig Valentine is the author of two books entitled World Class Speaking and The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking. He is the 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking and an internationally-known professional speaker. To get your FREE Masterful Speaking Toolkit, visit http://www.craigvalentine.com/
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Gestures are reflections of every speaker’s individual personality. What’s right for one speaker may not be right for another; however, the following six rules apply to anyone who seeks to become a dynamic effective speaker.
1. Respond naturally to what you think, feel, and see - It’s natural for you to gesture, and it’s unnatural for you not to. If you inhibit your impulse to gesture, you will probably become tense.
2. Create the condition for gesturing, not the gesture - When you speak, you should be totally involved in communicating — not thinking about your hands. Your gestures should be motivated by the content of your presentation.
3. Suit the action to the word and the occasion - Your visual and verbal messages must function as partners in communicating the same thought or feeling. Every gesture you make should be purposeful and reflective of your words so the audience will note only the effect, not the gesture itself. Don’t overdo the gesturing. You’ll draw the listener away from your message. Young audiences are usually attracted to a speaker who uses vigorous gestures, but older, more conservative groups may feel irritated or threatened by a speaker whose physical actions are overwhelming.
4. Make your gestures convincing - Your gestures should be lively and distinct if they are to convey the intended impressions. Effective gestures are vigorous enough to be convincing yet slow enough and broad enough to be clearly visible without being overpowering.
5. Make your gestures smooth and well timed - Every gesture has three parts:
• The Approach – Your body begins to move in anticipation.
• The Stroke – The gesture itself.
• The Return – This brings your body back to a balanced posture.
The flow of a gesture — the approach, the stroke, the return — must be smoothly executed so that only the stroke is evident to the audience. While it is advisable to practice gesturing, don’t try to memorize your every move. This makes your gesturing stilted and ineffective. The last rule is perhaps the most important but also the hardest.
6. Make natural, spontaneous gesturing a habit - The first step in becoming adept at gesturing is to determine what, if anything, you are doing now. The best way to discover this is to videotape yourself. The camcorder is completely truthful and unforgiving. If you want to become a better speaker, you need to make the camcorder your best friend.
Videotape yourself and identify your bad habits, then work at eliminating them, one at a time. You will need to continue to record yourself and evaluate your progress if you expect to eliminate all your distracting mannerisms.
To improve gestures, practice — but never during a speech. Practice gesturing while speaking informally to friends, family member, and coworkers.
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Lenny Laskowski is an international professional speaker and the author of the book, 10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking and several other publications. Lenny’s products can be purchased “on-line” from this website at: http://www.ljlseminars.com/catalog.htm. Lenny is also available for hire to speak to your organization, college or association. Lenny also provides in-house seminars and workshops. Why not contact Lenny today for your next function or event. You can reach Lenny at 1-800-606-4855 or E-mail him at: Sales@LJLSeminars.com. You can also write to us at: 430 Freeman Avenue, Stratford, CT. 06614-4026, USA.
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