Correct body language is an important part of giving a great presentation. Your audience is focused on every part of you when you are giving a speech: your face, your body, your posture and your voice. There’s nowhere to hide when you are standing in front of an audience. To make your presentation the biggest success possible, it is important that you train your body to give the best impression. You spend so much time creating a great presentation. You should some time on your body language also. Your posture conveys a lot about how you feel. In order to appear confident and knowledgeable you need to practice a confident posture. Before your presentation, practice standing upright with a straight spine, shoulders back and arms relaxed at your sides. Try to visualize how an uncomfortable person looks and do the opposite! Crossing your arms in front of your body and slouching with your head down and your eyes looking towards the floor will give the audience the impression that you want to be anywhere but where you are. Imagine opening yourself up, not closing yourself down. Nervous habits like rocking, shaking, twitching and flicking should be avoided. Try not to play with your hair, your clothing, or anything you may have with your like a pen or remote control. If you know you have a tendency to fiddle with things, like change in your pocket or your watch, don’t have them available to play with. Videotape yourself practicing your speech at home before the big day. If you have nervous habits you will probably notice them. Even better, practice in front of a small audience of friends or family and have them film you. The more uncomfortable you are, the more likely the nervous habits will show. Your facial expressions also tell a story about you. Try to keep your face relaxed. Smile, but don’t force a big, bright, fake smile. Do some facial exercises before you begin speaking to relax your facial muscles. Try to enjoy the experience. The more you enjoy giving your presentation the more it will show on your face. Make eye contact with audience as much as you can. This will give you the appearance of being relaxed and confident. Dress for success! Look professional, but dress comfortably. Don’t wear your highest heels or your tightest suit if you know you are going to struggle to be comfortable in them. Remember that if you are standing behind a podium that only the upper half of your body will show, so this is what you should concentrate your attention on. The way you speak is also crucial to how the presentation will go. Speak up so that everyone can hear you and remember to pronounce your words carefully. Practice breathing properly before your speech. Often when we are nervous we run out of breath and that makes our voices go quiet. If you suffer from dry moth when you get nervous have a glass of water handy whenever possible. To be an expert speaker you have to look like one. Study your favourite keynote speaker on YouTube for more tips on how to have great body language. With a little practice you can look just like the best economic speakers.
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