Getting noticed for your intelligence isn’t just about what you say, but how you say it. And by ‘how’, I mean not just your words, but your body language as well.
Body language, you see, is a powerful tool. It’s the silent partner to your words that can either boost or undermine your message.
If you want to be seen as intelligent when making a public speech or in a meeting, mastering these subtle body language habits is key.
I’ve got 8 such habits lined up for you. Practice these, and you’re bound to leave a lasting impression of smarts and savvy the next time you speak in public.
Let’s get started.
1) Stand tall and confident
Confidence is key when it comes to public speaking, and your body language should reflect that.
Do you ever notice how some people just seem to command a room? That’s not just about what they’re saying, but how they’re presenting themselves physically.
Standing tall, with your shoulders back and your head held high, can immediately convey a sense of confidence and intelligence. It’s about owning your space and showing that you’re comfortable in it.
Let’s be clear, this is not about puffing up your chest and strutting around like a peacock. It’s about maintaining good posture, which not only projects confidence but also helps you breathe better and speak more clearly.
You don’t want to just sound smart. You want to look the part as well. So stand tall, stand confident. Practice this habit and watch as it positively influences how others perceive you in public.
2) Maintain eye contact
A personal habit that I’ve found to be incredibly effective is maintaining eye contact.
I remember once I was giving a presentation at a conference. I was nervous, and my initial instinct was to focus on my slides or look at a spot on the back wall. But then I remembered the importance of eye contact.
So, I looked up, and I started to make eye contact with various members of the audience. I moved my gaze from one person to another, making sure not to stare too long at any one person, but long enough to create a connection.
The result? The audience seemed more engaged. They nodded along and seemed more receptive to what I was saying. And at the end, I received several compliments about how well I connected with the audience.
Eye contact is powerful because it shows that you’re confident and engaged. It helps you connect with your audience on a personal level, making your words resonate even more. That’s why it’s one of the most crucial body language habits to master if you want to be seen as intelligent when talking in public.
3) Use hand gestures effectively
Did you know that a study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago found that speakers who use hand gestures are viewed as more effective and competent?
Hand gestures can play a significant role in how your message is received. They can help emphasize your points, keep the audience engaged, and even help you recall your speech.
But remember, not all hand gestures are created equal. Open gestures, where your palms are facing upwards or towards the audience, can create a sense of honesty and engagement. However, pointing and chopping gestures might come off as aggressive.
When you’re talking in public, don’t let your hands hang idle by your side or worse, fidget nervously. Use them to enhance your message and see how it affects your image as an intelligent speaker.
4) Mirror your audience
Mirroring, or subtly mimicking the body language of your audience, can create a sense of understanding and rapport. It’s like an unspoken way of saying “I understand you” or “I’m one of you.”
Let’s say you’re giving a talk to a group that’s leaning forward, engaged and nodding along. You might find it useful to mirror these behaviors, leaning in when you’re making a key point or nodding as you agree with the points you’re discussing.
But be careful not to overdo it – mirroring should be subtle and natural. It’s not about mimicking every gesture or movement, but rather about reflecting the general mood and engagement level of the audience.
This technique can make your audience feel more comfortable with you and more receptive to your message. So next time you’re speaking in public, pay attention to your audience’s body language and see if you can reflect it in your own.
5) Smile genuinely
A smile is more than just a display of happiness or friendliness. It’s a universal sign of goodwill, one that can break down walls and open up hearts.
When speaking in public, a genuine smile can work wonders. It shows your audience that you’re not just a speaker delivering a speech, but a person sharing a part of yourself. It makes you more relatable, more human.
But remember, it has to be genuine. People can easily spot a fake smile. A genuine smile is one that reaches your eyes, creating those little crinkles at the corners.
I’ve found that by simply remembering to smile when I speak, I’m able to connect with my audience on a deeper level. It creates a positive and welcoming atmosphere that encourages them to listen and engage.
Never underestimate the power of a sincere smile. It might be a small gesture, but it can have a big impact on how people perceive you.
6) Practice controlled breathing
I used to struggle with nervousness whenever I had to speak in public. My heart would race, my palms would sweat, and I’d find myself speaking too fast, stumbling over my words. It was a nightmare.
Then, I discovered the power of controlled breathing.
Taking slow, deep breaths before and during my speech helped me calm my nerves and steady my voice. By focusing on my breathing, I was able to slow down, gather my thoughts, and deliver my message in a clear, confident manner.
Controlled breathing is not just about managing nerves. It also affects how you’re perceived by your audience. A calm, steady speaker comes across as more intelligent and credible than one who’s visibly nervous and rushed.
When you’re preparing for a public speech or presentation, don’t forget to breathe. It could make all the difference in how you’re perceived.
7) Keep an open posture
Your posture speaks volumes about you. An open posture, where you keep your body relaxed and your arms uncrossed, signals that you’re approachable and confident.
Conversely, a closed posture, such as crossing your arms or hunching your shoulders, can give off an impression of defensiveness or nervousness.
Your goal should be to appear open and receptive. This doesn’t mean you have to stand rigidly straight; just avoid closing off your body. Keep your arms at your sides or use them expressively as you talk.
An open posture invites engagement and shows your audience that you’re comfortable in your own skin. It’s a subtle way to project intelligence and credibility when speaking in public.
8) Be yourself
At the end of the day, the most powerful body language habit you can adopt is authenticity. Authenticity trumps all. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin, and letting your true self shine through.
Adopting body language habits can help enhance your public speaking skills, but nothing beats being genuine. People can tell when you’re putting on a facade, and it can actually detract from your perceived intelligence.
So don’t try to be someone you’re not. Embrace your unique style and personality. Be confident in who you are and what you have to say.
Because the most intelligent thing you can do when speaking in public is to be unapologetically you.
Final thoughts: It’s all about connection
In the end, what truly matters when we communicate, particularly in public, is not just the words we utter but the connection we create.
Public speaking isn’t just about being seen as intelligent. It’s about connecting with your audience on a human level. And body language is an essential tool in building this connection.
The subtleties of our physical comportment – our posture, our gestures, our eye contact – these are the silent signals that can make or break this connection. They have the power to enhance our words, to add depth to our message, and to create a lasting impression of intelligence and credibility.
As you practice these body language habits, remember that your ultimate goal should be to create an authentic connection with your audience.
So next time you stand up to speak in public, take a moment to reflect on this. Remember the power of your body language, and use it wisely to create that genuine human connection. Because in the end, that’s what truly resonates with people. And that’s what makes you not just an intelligent speaker, but a memorable one.
