How to Use Body Language to Enhance Your Speech
Are you aware that your body language has a large impact on your
speech presentation? Just what is body language and how does it
contribute to our communication? Often referred to as ‘non-verbal
communication’ body language is how we use our body to convey a message,
without speech. Most of our body language is unconscious and
approximately 55% of the message we convey is through body language. A
very powerful tool indeed and one you should be aware of when public
speaking. Learning to use your body language effectively will enhance
your speech delivery.
Body language can be broken down into three categories:
1. Gestures. These are our arm and hand movements which will help you
tell a story effectively or drive home a main point. When delivering a
speech, your gestures should be directly in proportion to the size of
the audience. If it is a large audience, your gestures should be
enhanced and delivered in a slower motion. For smaller audiences more
restricted gestures will suffice, but their speed of delivery can be
slightly quicker.
2. Facial Expressions. So much information is imparted from the face.
Whether we are hearing impaired or not, lip reading and watching faces
is a huge part of our communication, even though we are mostly unaware
of it. Using your eyes to make eye contact with your audience is an
important part of your speech. It will draw them in and feel more
connected with you. Smiling at the beginning of your speech will not
only put the audience at ease, but it will make you relax too. You don’t
need to smile throughout your speech – for many topics this wouldn’t be
appropriate, but a smile can be your gateway into being accepted by the
audience.
3. Stance. How you stand on stage will tell the audience a lot about how
you feel. If you are stiff and upright the audience will know you aren't
at ease. If you slouch over the lectern, this will give the impression
that you don't care much for the topic you are speaking on. Stand tall
and be well-balanced. Lean slightly forward, towards the audience and
this will make them feel more engaged with you. You can move around the
stage, but don’t pace restlessly. Break up your body language with
stillness and poise, just as you vary the inflection in your voice.
Ensure any body language supports your message. It is a good idea to
practice in front of a mirror, watching what your body does in certain
parts of a speech. Is you head nodding when you are saying no? Is your
topic a passionate one, but your eyes dull and lifeless? Ensure your
facial expressions are a mirror to the thoughts you want to convey. Use
your gestures and stage presence along with your face to enhance your
speech in a positive way.