The speaker's body can be used more effectively in enhancing the message. Here are some simple non-verbal tips that can improve your public speaking skills.
Attire
First impressions count. When delivering a speech, a rule of the thumb is to dress one step above the audience. If your audience is a boardroom of executives wearing business shirts and ties, do put on a suit. If your audience is a group of teenagers in casual attire, a simple business shirt will suffice. Remember, it is better to overdress than to under dress.
Formal attire gives the audience the impression that you are an authority on the topic. It also acts as a sign of respect by projecting the subtle message, "I have taken the extra effort of dressing up to impress you," and "you are important to me."
Appropriate, formal attire is a simple and easy way to effectively improve anybody's public speaking experience with minimal effort.
Stance
A simple method to instantaneously improve your public speaking is to improve on your stance. Novice speakers often speak with their weight resting on one leg. By standing tall, straight and erect, brimming with confidence, your posture will be the foundation, allowing your speech to build up to a whole new level. The goal is to appear relaxed, yet project the authority needed to impact the audience as a speaker.
Body Gestures
Gestures involve moving your hands and arms during a speech, for the purpose of emphasizing certain key points. Many speakers are uncertain to do with their hands when they speak, and either let their hand fall unnaturally to their side, or exhibit some other negative form of unconscious body language. When gestures are not synchronised or in tandem with a speaker's message, the audience is often left feeling confused about the emphasis of the message and may hence lose interest in the message.
The use of gestures in public speaking involves being natural. Effective gesturing does not mean memorizing a list of specific gestures, but being natural and relaxed while you let your hands motion naturally, emphasizing the points of your speech content as you go along.
Facial Expressions
The final key to improved non-verbal presentations in public speaking is to improve on facial expressions. When giving the speech, remember the good practice of establishing and maintaining eye contact with the audience. It establishes rapport, thus allowing the audience to feel connected with you as a speaker.
Finally, we all know that smiles are contagious. So when you give your speech, why not spread some joy and cheer into the audience with a simple sincere smile. The smiling faces of the audience smiling back at you will help to provide additional reassurance during your speech.
Incorporate these simple pointers involving non-verbal communication into your next speech and you will be on your way to becoming a better public speaker. Of course, non-verbal communication this is not the only key towards a great public speech. You must also prepare well for your speech, as well as improve on your vocal skills. Best wishes for your next public speech!
