Developing The Speaker Within You Body Language

One of the single greatest determinants of a speaker's ability to influence their audience is their "body language". Body "language". Because like our "speech" or "audible language" this non-verbal "visual language" is also one of the primary ways we communicate with those around us. Of course, the environment that we are speaking in will have a significant bearing on the presence we maintain in front of our audience. It is important that we understand the differences required in this "body behavior", or "language", and correctly tailor our visual presentation to suit the occasion. This visual, sensual capability that we all have is a critical component of any successful speaking appearance. It is almost like having a second, important person standing beside us, encouraging us, and the audience: a powerful and influential assistant who keeps affirming to the audience that what we are saying is true, we know what we are talking about, we are genuine and can be trusted. This "person" gets the audience "on-side" and has them drawing on our every word. Or, this imaginary person can do just the opposite if we don't manage them well by engendering disinterest, mistrust and ultimately sleepiness amongst our audience. For body language can either persuasively reinforce what we are saying, or mercilessly undermine us. It can powerfully validate our presence on stage, or cruelly contradict the very things we are saying. Such is the power, the sway of body language. In the well-known 7/38/55% rule "body language" accounts for 55% of the effectiveness of our message. With this in mind, let's consider briefly some common speaking scenarios, and some keys to managing them. If we are presenting to a "seated group" around a board table, we should make every effort to be seated "where we can be well seen", not just heard. If the table is a long, narrow one as in common, we should try to be seated "in the centre" of one of the four sides of the table. This will give us the ability to "see and be seen" as easily as possible, to manage eye contact and allow listeners to observe our "non-visual communications". Be sure to maximize eye contact, and not be afraid to express ourselves with hand and head gestures to reinforce what we say. Should we be "speaking at a lectern" to an assembled audience, completely different body dynamics apply. Here we will be "more visible" and able to capitalize on our "non-verbal visual communications" to reinforce our audible words. Be sure to focus on the audience, not our notes. Take care to stand straight up, facing the audience, with our head also straight, exuding confidence. Many speakers use the lectern as a place to hide, trying to minimize their appearance whilst maximizing their message. A little like a soldier peeping down from a parapet, not wanting to be a target for the enemy, yet trying to defend their position. Sometimes we will be called upon to deliver "standing directly in front of an audience" with no lectern, no notes, and nothing to hide behind. In this situation we are totally exposed to the critical gaze of those assembled. Here, our body language needs to be at its finest, for here our audience will be able to focus their radar on our every movement, stance and signal. We should stand upright, facing the audience. Avoid the common distractions of scratching our ear or nose, placing our hand over our mouth or like behavior as these also engender a subliminal message that we cannot be trusted. Be sure to cast our eye progressively around the entire audience, pausing periodically to focus intently on specific people as we make a point. Make sure that our arms are not crossed in a defensive manner, and that our hands are, in the main, open with our palms facing upwards. Speaking to an assembled audience whilst sitting alone on a bar-stool can be a very powerful way to communicate. This scenario delivers a sense of openness, in a completely non-threatening fashion. It is ideal if we need to touch hearts, emotions and be persuasive, but during this type of address the speaker is completely at the mercy of the audience. That is why it can be so powerful. Be sure to focus on the audience constantly, maintaining regular eye contact as we communicate. It is best to sit with our legs apart, within the constraints of modesty, with hands by our sides when not motioning or gesturing. Never sit there with arms crossed, and preferably not with legs crossed. In each of these scenarios it is important to be at ease, and not given to awkward stances or changes of posture. If we are at ease, it is likely our audience will be also. An audience at ease is an audience that will be more receptive.

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