are <\/em>likable, and you\u2019re telling an important story, but your audience may need a little help in realizing that.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s break this down into a few small but notable things to improve your body language while presenting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First things first, let’s take your posture as a primary example of how much body language affects everyone in the room. First of all, your posture also works to influence your voice, especially how loud or low it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You want to stand up tall and straight, yet aim for a natural position. It should be a given that no presentation is given while sitting down. And while standing may make you feel nervous or exposed, it grants you a feeling of authority over your listeners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, your shoulders should be down and relaxed. Your head and chin slightly up and back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter how tempting or comfortable it is, it’s essential to never give a presentation with your arms crossed <\/em>over your chest. This gives off the vibe that you\u2019re closed off and not at all connected with your audience. In contrast, you also shouldn\u2019t have your hand placed on your hips. This will make you look bossy or arrogant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo what can <\/em>you do? And the more important question: what do you do with your hands during a presentation?<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe answer is way more straightforward than you think. You just have to forget about your hands. Be natural. It’s as if you’re having a normal, one on one conversation with someone. You don’t think about what you’re doing with your hands then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not comfortable with being casual? We have your back!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use several hand gestures and movements not only to appear confident but even further to capture your audience’s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use these hand gestures when you need to emphasize and draw attention to something special during your presentation. Move around a little. That will help you relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some don’ts <\/em>of body language during a presentation:<\/p>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t <\/em>place your hands in your pockets. Studies have shown that people tend to trust others more when they can see their hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t <\/em>nervously fiddle. That means rolling loose change in your pockets, playing with pens, et cetera. While it may be an outlet for your nervous energy, it\u2019s actively making your look nervous, which will be disconnecting and distracting for the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n