How the Body Speaks

Okay, we've heard it before: 7% of what we communicate is through our words and 93% is through our paralinguistic usage (i.e. body language, tone of voice, rhythm, etc.). When thinking about presentations, you see the importance of focusing on the way you say things rather than only what you're saying. It is important to focus on body language as a part of your preparations.

You body language should communicate confidence, likeability, and being grounded. Here are a few simple tips how to accomplish all of that.

Let's start with being grounded. People often ask me, "What should I do with my hands?" To which I reply, "You're thinking too high. You need to focus on your feet." All too often presenters are standing grounded. They shift back and forth. They roll on the balls of their feet. And they even will cross their feet and stand on one leg! This is a problem. We are unable to make gestures freely when our body is so off balance. Practice standing still, feet hip or shoulder width apart, when you're practicing. Make your gestures freely and don't let your feet move! Your body needs to get used to how that feels. Then, when you give your presentation, you will look grounded, and when you move, your body will know to come back to center.

Here's a few quick pointers on likeability. Keep your torso open. What do I mean by that? Don't cross your arms in front of you and make sure your shoulders are facing your audience and not turned to one side. You will seem open and welcoming. If appropriate, try to keep a small smile while you're talking ask well!

If you go through these small exercises, you will easily be able to communicate confidence. Being grounded and open is what confidence is all about!

So next time when you're working on your next presentation, remember it's not just what you say, it's how you say it.