What is body language?

Body language is part of non-verbal communication. It is the combination of movements, gestures,

and postures. This includes the way a speaker talks, moves and looks on stage. Body language is part
of the message a speaker wants to give.

Many people only think body language is only about the way you position yourself on stage. This is a
big part of it, but there is much more. Body language shows your confidence. The right attitude on
stage gives you an air of authority, which supports your story.

The importance of body language in public speaking

Why is body language important? You can say that having the wrong body language makes that your
talk almost can’t be a success. You need a lot of talent on other elements to make up for bad body
language.

Some examples of bad body language include: turning your back to the audience, moving around too
much or hiding behind a desk. Gesturing also can have a bad influence on your talk. Being too
aggressive in your gestures, drumming your fingers or even biting your nails are also bad examples.

But even when you aren’t doing a bad job, improving your body language can have a big effect.
Especially on the way, the audience receives your talk. It can make a difference between a nice talk
and actually persuading people. This is why it is important for everyone to pay attention to.

What elements to pay attention to

Good body language means you are paying attention to different elements. For example, you have
to know how to move, where to look, where to stand and what gestures to make.

Looking at your audience

Are you looking towards your audience? Or are you one of those speakers who have a tendency to
look behind you at the screen? Are you giving your entire audience the attention and not just a
happy few?

Where are you on stage?

As a speaker, you always have to be aware of where you are on stage. It means you have to think
about where you will sit in a panel discussion and where to (not) move to when walking around.
This is why for example the TED conference has a circle speakers can’t move out of.

Happy vs sad

What message are you getting across with your body? Are you showing happiness? Or are you sad?
This reflects on your audience!

Importance of facial expressions: are you smiling?

Did you know for example that smiling makes people more comfortable with you as a speaker? Your
facial expressions are extremely important in public speaking. The way you look says a lot about how
you feel and about your message. At the same time, you don’t want to be smiling through a very
serious story. Your facial expressions should be in line with the story.

Think about your energy level

How much energy are you putting into your talk? Too little energy will make your audience fall
asleep. Then again, too much will make them pay less attention to your message!

Be in control!

Audiences love speakers who are in control. If a speaker shows strength, the audience will believe
the speaker’s words faster. This means standing up straight and powerful, but also learning how to
avoid saying stop-words like “uhm” all the time. (Learn here how to stop saying Uhm)

Gestures

What gestures are you making? Are you using your hands and not hiding them in your pockets? Are
you pointing, being expressive?

Did you know for example that smiling makes people more comfortable with you as a speaker? Your
facial expressions are extremely important. The way you look says a lot about how you feel and
about your message. At the same time, you don’t want to be smiling through a very serious story.
Your facial expressions should be in line with the story.

There’s a smile! When you smile you appear to be more likable. More competent. That’s what you
want, right? Because you want to persuade people.

You will also see that your audience will start smiling with you. They will mimic you. Research at the
university showed that it’s very difficult to frown if you look at someone who smiles.
Smiling is contagious. A smile affects things and it lives around us. And when

you and your audience are both smiling, you will both feel good. Resulting in a

better and more persuasive talk.

How often do you say the word “uhm” or “um” when you talk? Probably a lot. Because many people
do. These words are called “filler words”. But how can you fix this?

When you use filler words, you are thinking out loud. And that’s where the solution to stop saying
“uhm” lies.

Hey how you doing? “Uhhmm”, I want to talk to you about something that “uhhm”. Is something
that “uhm” annoys “uh” a lot of people. When “uhh” you are on stage and “uhh” keep saying “uhhh”
like I just did.

Now I know I exaggerate a little bit and I know that I even do that sometimes on stage. That I still say
“uhm”.

That’s a moment where you’re thinking about “what did I want to say again?” You’re trying to grab
your thoughts together. And because you don’t want people to think that you’ve lost whatever
you’re talking about, because you’re not (lost).

That’s why you say “Uhhm”. Because you don’t want that awkward silence. To be honest, the
awkward silence, isn’t bad at all. Every time you think you want to say “uh”, just pause. Don’t say
anything.

It will sound less weird than you actually think. Because in your head it might sound like a long
silence, where actually, for the audience, it’s a silence they kind of appreciate. Because if you take a
short break, they can understand what you just said. So don’t worry about the “Uhms” too much.
Just say nothing.