Speaking in public can be daunting for many of us. There’s always that fear of messing up, stuttering, or forgetting what you want to say.
However, surprisingly, acing public speaking isn’t just about what you say; it’s also about how you say it. And that’s where body language comes into play.
With the right body language, you can exude confidence and charm that can make your speech captivating and persuasive. And guess what? I have nine body language tricks that can help you do just that!
If you’re ready to ace your next public speaking gig, keep reading. This article is all about “If you want to be more confident when talking in public, start practising these 9 body language tricks”.
1) Stand tall and proud
Ever noticed how a person’s posture can give away a lot about their confidence level?
Well, that’s because our body language speaks volumes about us. And when it comes to public speaking, having a strong, confident posture can make all the difference.
Standing tall and proud, with your shoulders back and head held high, can instantly boost your confidence. It not only makes you appear more authoritative but also helps you feel more confident.
But there’s more to it than just standing upright. You also need to maintain this posture throughout your speech, even when you’re feeling nervous or unsure.
A strong posture isn’t just about looking confident; it’s about feeling confident too. When you’re about to take the stage, remember to stand tall and proud.
2) Maintain eye contact
Eye contact is another crucial aspect of effective body language. When done right, it can create a personal connection with your audience and convey your confidence.
I remember one of the first public speeches I gave. I was nervous, to say the least, and spent most of my time staring at my notes. Afterwards, a mentor told me that while my content was good, my delivery lacked connection.
He suggested I work on maintaining eye contact with my audience. It felt uncomfortable at first, like I was staring people down. But with practice, I found a balance.
In my next speech, I made sure to look up from my notes and into the eyes of my listeners. The difference was astonishing! People seemed more engaged, and the whole experience felt more like a conversation than a monologue.
Take it from me: if you want to build confidence and connect with your audience when speaking in public, start practicing maintaining eye contact.
3) Use open gestures
Open gestures, such as spreading your arms or showing your palms, can make you appear more approachable and trustworthy. These gestures are a universal sign of peace and honesty, dating back to ancient times when showing your palms was a way of indicating you were not holding a weapon.
In the context of public speaking, using open gestures can help you connect with your audience and communicate your ideas more effectively. They also allow you to take up more space on stage, which can help you appear more confident.
Don’t be afraid to use your hands when you’re talking. It can make your speech more engaging, and help you feel more in control.
4) Smile genuinely
A genuine smile can work wonders when it comes to public speaking. Not only does it make you appear friendly and approachable, but it also helps to calm your nerves and make you feel more at ease.
However, the key here is ‘genuine’. A forced or fake smile can be easily spotted and might give off the wrong impression.
So, when you’re on stage, try to think of something that genuinely makes you happy or something funny that could make you smile. This way, your smile will be authentic and your audience will feel more connected to you.
A genuine smile is contagious. It can help create a positive atmosphere, making your audience more receptive to your ideas.
5) Avoid fidgeting
When we’re nervous, it’s natural for us to fidget. Maybe you’re a pen clicker, a foot tapper, or you tend to play with your hair. Whatever it is, fidgeting can become a distraction for your audience and may portray you as nervous or unprepared.
It’s something I’ve had to work on myself. I used to be a serial hair twirler whenever I was anxious. But with conscious effort and practice, I’ve managed to curb this habit during public speaking.
When you’re about to speak in public, be aware of any fidgeting habits you might have. Practice standing still and calm. The less you fidget, the more your audience will focus on your words rather than your actions.
6) Breathe deeply
It sounds simple, but deep, controlled breathing can be a powerful tool in managing your nerves and boosting your confidence during public speaking.
When we’re nervous or anxious, our breathing tends to become shallow and rapid. This can make us feel even more anxious and might also affect our voice, causing it to tremble or sound shaky.
Deep, steady breathing, on the other hand, can help to calm your nerves and steady your voice. It sends a message to your brain that you are calm and in control, which in turn can help you feel more confident.
Before you step onto the stage, take a moment to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. This simple act of mindfulness can help you feel centered and ready to deliver an amazing speech.
7) Use pauses effectively
Silence can be powerful. When used correctly, it can enhance your message and give your audience time to absorb what you’ve just said. But, for many of us, those moments of silence can feel uncomfortable.
I used to rush through my speeches, afraid that if I paused, I would lose my audience’s attention. But then I realized that the opposite was true. Those pauses actually gave weight to my words and made my message more impactful.
Now, I consciously incorporate pauses into my speeches. They provide a break from the constant stream of words and allow me to gather my thoughts. They also offer an opportunity for dramatic effect, making the speech more engaging.
Don’t fear the silence. Embrace it. Use pauses effectively to highlight key points and give your audience time to reflect on your message.
8) Mirror your audience
Mirroring is a powerful tool that can help create a sense of rapport and connection with your audience. It involves subtly matching the body language, gestures, and even the tone and pace of speech of the people you’re interacting with.
In the context of public speaking, it can be as simple as matching the overall energy level of your audience or using similar language and expressions.
But remember, subtlety is key in mirroring. It’s not about imitation, but about creating a sense of shared experience and understanding. Overdoing it can come off as mimicry and could potentially alienate your audience.
When you’re speaking in public, try to tune into your audience. Matching their energy can help you create a deeper connection and make your speech more engaging.
9) Practice, practice, practice
There’s no shortcut to becoming a confident public speaker. It’s all about practice. Each time you speak in public, you’ll learn something new about yourself and how you handle different situations.
The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with your own style of speaking and the better you’ll get at handling nerves. Over time, the tricks we’ve discussed will become second nature and you’ll be able to command the stage with confidence.
Don’t shy away from opportunities to speak in public. Each one is a chance to grow and improve. The journey might be challenging, but I promise you, it’s worth it.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey
The journey to becoming a confident public speaker is indeed a personal one, with each of us having unique experiences and lessons along the way.
What ties us all together is the universal truth that body language plays a critical role in how we communicate and present ourselves to the world. It’s not merely about standing tall or maintaining eye contact, but rather a holistic embodiment of self-assuredness and authenticity.
In the words of Amy Cuddy, a renowned social psychologist, “Our bodies change our minds, and our minds can change our behavior, and our behavior can change our outcomes.”
Embracing this powerful notion can shift your perspective towards public speaking. Remember, it’s not just about conveying a message; it’s about connecting with your audience on a deeper level.
As you embark on this journey, embrace these body language tricks. Let them shape not just your public speaking endeavors, but also how you interact with the world. Here’s to your journey towards becoming a more confident and effective speaker!
Jeanette Brown
