Public speaking can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
Often, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Your body language can make or break your presentation, even before you utter a single word.
Confidence is essential when addressing an audience, and one way to boost your confidence is by mastering the art of body language.
In this article, I’ll share with you 9 body language tricks that can help you exude confidence and command attention when speaking in public. They’re simple to practice and can make a world of difference to your public speaking skills.
Let’s dive in!
1) Stand tall and straight
Posture matters more than you might think.
When you’re on stage, the audience is looking at you before they hear a word from your mouth. Your body language is your first communication tool. And a slouched posture sends a message of low confidence and insecurity.
Standing tall and straight, on the other hand, radiates confidence and authority. It’s the posture of leaders, of those in control. And control is what you want to convey when addressing an audience.
Practising good posture doesn’t just influence how others perceive you; it also affects how you perceive yourself. Studies have shown that standing tall can make you feel more confident and powerful.
When you have a public speaking opportunity, remember to stand tall and straight. It’s a simple trick that makes a world of difference in how you’re perceived and how you feel about yourself.
2) Maintain good eye contact
Eye contact is a powerful tool in communication.
When I first started public speaking, I’d often find myself looking down or at the same spot in the room. I didn’t realize how much of a difference eye contact could make until my mentor pointed it out to me.
She explained that by avoiding eye contact, it seemed like I was not confident in what I was saying. It was a subtle thing, but it made a huge difference in how the audience perceived me.
So, I began practicing maintaining eye contact. At first, it felt uncomfortable, but over time, it became second nature. And the difference was noticeable. My interactions felt more personal and engaging, and it helped me connect with my audience on a deeper level.
Eye contact can make your audience feel seen and heard. It conveys confidence and sincerity and can help you command attention when speaking in public. So, don’t overlook this crucial body language trick!
3) Use open gestures
Did you know that your audience can interpret your credibility and trustworthiness through your hand gestures?
Research has consistently shown that speakers who use a variety of gestures are perceived as more effective and competent. Even more, these gestures can also increase the speaker’s persuasive appeal.
Open gestures, where your palms are visible, signal honesty and engagement. They show that you’re open to the audience, ready for their thoughts and ideas, and willing to connect on a deeper level.
Contrarily, closed gestures such as crossed arms or clenched fists can make you appear defensive or unapproachable. So be mindful of how you use your hands when you’re speaking in public.
Try to incorporate more open gestures into your next presentation. You might be surprised at how this small change can enhance your public speaking skills.
4) Control your pace
In public speaking, it’s not always about what you say but how you say it. And the pace of your speech can significantly affect how your message is received.
When you speak too fast, it can come across as if you’re nervous or unprepared. It can also make it difficult for your audience to keep up and understand your message.
On the other hand, speaking too slowly can make your presentation dull and cause your audience to lose interest.
Finding the right balance is key. Speaking at a moderate pace allows your audience to absorb and reflect on your words. It also gives you time to breathe properly, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress associated with public speaking.
Next time you’re preparing a speech or presentation, practice controlling your pace. You’ll find it makes a big difference in delivering a clear, confident message.
5) Smile genuinely
Never underestimate the power of a genuine smile.
A smile not only helps you come across as friendly and approachable, but it also has a calming effect on your nerves. When you smile, your body releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. This can help reduce stress and increase feelings of confidence.
However, it’s important that your smile is genuine. A fake or forced smile can be easily spotted and may give off the impression that you are uncomfortable or insincere.
Practice smiling in front of a mirror to find a natural, comfortable expression that you can carry onto the stage. A genuine smile can draw your audience in and create a positive and engaging atmosphere.
6) Show your passion
One of the most influential factors in public speaking is passion.
When you’re passionate about your topic, it shines through in your body language. Your eyes light up, your gestures become more animated, and your overall energy levels rise. This passion is contagious and can quickly spread to your audience, making your presentation more engaging and memorable.
But remember, passion can’t be faked. If you don’t genuinely care about what you’re talking about, it will show. So choose topics that you’re truly passionate about whenever possible.
Your passion is a reflection of who you are and what matters to you. By sharing this with your audience, you can create a deeper connection and leave a lasting impression.
7) Embrace your mistakes
We all make mistakes. It’s part of being human. But when it comes to public speaking, many of us fear making mistakes and looking foolish in front of others.
I remember my first big presentation, I stumbled over my words and lost my train of thought midway. I felt embarrassed and just wanted to disappear. But instead, I took a deep breath, laughed it off, and moved on. The audience was surprisingly understanding and even supportive.
That experience taught me an important lesson: It’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, acknowledging and embracing your mistakes can actually make you appear more relatable and human to your audience.
Don’t let the fear of making a mistake hold you back. Instead, see it as an opportunity to show your authenticity and resilience. You’re not perfect, and neither is anyone else. And that’s perfectly okay.
8) Use pauses effectively
In public speaking, silence is golden.
Strategic pauses can add emphasis to your words, give your audience time to digest your message, and even create suspense. It’s a powerful tool that can enhance your speech and make it more impactful.
But using pauses effectively requires practice. It might feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, but with time, you’ll get the hang of it.
It’s not about filling every second with words. Sometimes, what you don’t say can be as powerful as what you do say. So don’t be afraid of the silence. Embrace it and use it to your advantage.
9) Be yourself
At the end of the day, the most effective body language trick for public speaking is simply to be yourself. Authenticity resonates with people. It makes you relatable and trustworthy. Don’t try to mimic someone else’s style or pretend to be someone you’re not. Embrace your unique self and let it shine through in your public speaking. It’s your greatest asset.
Final thoughts: It’s all about authenticity
In the realm of public speaking, body language plays a crucial role. But at the heart of it all lies one simple truth: authenticity.
Authenticity resonates. It has a ripple effect that can captivate an audience and make your message more impactful. When you’re authentic, you’re not just speaking to an audience, you’re connecting with them on a human level.
Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy once said, “Presence emerges when we feel personally powerful, which allows us to be acutely attuned to our most sincere selves.”
Each of the body language tricks we’ve discussed is but a tool to help you achieve this presence, this authenticity.
So whether you’re standing tall, maintaining eye contact, or embracing your mistakes, remember that these are not just tricks but steps towards a more confident and authentic you.
As you step onto that stage or stand before that crowd, remember that they are there for you. Not for some imagined perfect speaker, but for you, with all your passion, your knowledge and your humanity.
Let your authenticity shine through. That’s the real magic of public speaking.
