Bodies… am I right?! We all have one. A lot of us feel uncomfortable in ‘em at times. Most of us have no idea what to do with them, when we get in front of a crowd.
That’s what I’m breaking down this week – not what to do when you’re on a dance floor at a wedding feeling real uncoordinated – but how you can move your body (legs + arms working together!) while you’re on social media, at work, or on stage!
I want to start by saying – we’re all hot. We all have great bods – but what we do with them can either greatly enhance your presentation + engage your audience… or make it look + feel like you’re being tortured up there!
So, here are my fave 5 ways to master effective body language + command the stage with confidence:
1️⃣ Stand up straight. As a tall gal, I heard this my whole life, + now I spend most of my adult life telling clients the same thang. Maintain good posture by standing straight (like a string is pulling you up by the top of your head) + then roll your shoulders back. This exudes confidence, shows that you are ready to take charge, makes breathing easer, + makes you look leaner (if you’re already self-conscious about that).
Bonus tip – please don’t cross your arms, unless it’s to illustrate a story or point your making – it can create a barrier between you + your audience + make you look unapproachable.
2️⃣ Use hand gestures. Appropriate ones. Please. Make them natural, purposeful + use them to emphasize key points + add emphasis to your words. When I get really into what I’m saying, I can easily go overboard + appear too animated, so it’s something I always pay close attention to. Make sure you find a balance that feels authentic + comfortable for you.
3️⃣ Make eye contact. Again, appropriate contact, please. Connect with your audience by making eye contact with individuals in different parts of the room. This creates a sense of engagement + helps establish a personal connection with your listeners. No dead staring at one person, please.
4️⃣ Move with purpose. Walk around to different areas, gesture towards key visuals or interact with props! Movement can help maintain visual interest, prevent monotony, + work out any jitters if you have them lingering around.
5️⃣ Smile! Project positivity + create a welcoming atmosphere with a genuine smile. Smile often + let your enthusiasm shine through. Positive energy is contagious + will resonate with your audience.
Remember, body language should complement your message AND reinforce your confidence. Give these 5 ways to master effective body language a shot!
We may have been moving around all our lives, but if you’re new to appearing on camera or in front of others, it’s more than okay to practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to become aware of any unconscious habits or areas for improvement.
Embrace your effective body language as a powerful tool to captivate your audience + deliver a memorable presentation.
And as always, be yourself, own your strengths, + rock every opportunity that comes your way!
–Kahla