Presentation Special Effects 2: Body Language

This is part two of the Presentation Special Effects:  Body Language.  You can click here to go to Presentation Special Effects 1:  Voice.

In coordination with the special effects of your voice, your body language is equally important when presenting.  Combining good vocal effects and body language together can help you captivate your audience.

Standing

While standing and giving your presentation, it is a good idea to move around a bit.  While you don't need to run around and move the entire presentation, suttle movements during your presentation is advised.  Imagine the area from the screen to the computer (podium) and approximately two to three yards from each side.  Try to encompass this area throughout the presentation.

While standing you also want to be aware of what your hands are doing.  Don't have your hands in your pocket.  Some presenters, at times, have one hand in their pocket - try to avoid this.  Also, don't cross your arms unless you are making a gesture related to the crossing of arms.

Most of all, stand tall and proud.  This will give you a look of confidence.

Posture

You need to maintain a posture of being relaxed.  I am not talking about being so relaxed you look like you are hanging out at the beach, but comfortable.  You should not be too rigid in your posture like a drill sergeant either.  It may be a good idea to look in a mirror or videotape yourself practicing your presentation.

Gestures

Many presenters utilize some form of hand gestures when presenting.  Psychologically, these hand gestures play a role in adding to the impact of the words.  Review some presenters and look at their hand gestures and you can the effect.

On the other hand, there are some gestures that we do out of habit or are unaware of.  These are the gestures you need to avoid.  Playing with jewerly or constantly picking at your ear can be quite distracting to the audience.  Again, practice while video taping or ask a friend to watch you.  You will be amazed at some of the gestures you make without realizing it.

Eye Contact

Keeping eye contact with your audience is very important.  The way to maintain good eye contact is to constantly scan the audience.  You need to make sure you include the whole audience rather than one person. 

Some people, and some cultures have difficulty in eye contact so instead of trying to look directly in their eyes, you can try to look right above or somewhere in the general area of their eyes.  But be careful not to "stare" directly at their nose or hair or other body parts or they might sense there is something awry.

Facial

Your facial expressions should mimic your words.  If your happy, why not smile?  If you are sad, why not take a moment and look down?  The facial expressions you make can let your audience know that you really mean and feel what you say.

Overall, the body language is an important special effect that plays a vital role in the presentation.  With awareness and practice, you should be able to improve your special effects with a little bit of effort.