Written by: Kristian Bergagnin, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When it comes to delivering impactful presentations, your body language is a major contributor in conveying confidence. So, let’s jump right in with three practical tips to elevate your presentation skills!
1. Maintain a strong foundation: Anchoring your feet
Imagine a 5-kilogram weight attached to each foot, which anchors your stance. Anchoring your feet allows your audience to focus on what you’re saying, rather than on any nervous or distracting footwork.
This simple mental exercise helps you stay grounded and centred during your presentation. It neutralises nervous energy that can express through you by way of pacing, feet fidgeting or shaky legs. All these distracting movements can convey nervousness and distract your audience from your intended messages. Give it a try, and you’ll notice the impact it has on your overall confidence and composure.
2. Start with poise: The power of a neutral position
We all experience pre-presentation jitters, and these nerves can sometimes manifest in our body language. However, we can counter this by beginning with a neutral position. Here’s a quick and easy trick:
Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, let your shoulders relax while allowing your arms and hands to naturally rest at your sides. This is your neutral stance, signalling to your audience that you’re composed and in control. It’s like a confidence booster for your presentation.
3. Enhance your message with purposeful gestures
Gestures are a valuable tool for doubling down on your key messages and engaging your audience. Let’s explore two effective examples:
Example 1: When you express, “I’m genuinely interested in hearing everyone’s thoughts today,” use a welcoming gesture by opening your arms, palms facing up, stretching out wide and directing them toward your audience. This creates a visual invitation that you are seeking ideas to come forward from the audience.
Example 2: For a statement like, “I’d love it if we could all come together and unite as one team,” employ a unifying gesture by bringing your hands together in a symbolic embrace. This visual cue reinforces the importance of unity and teamwork.
Incorporating purposeful gestures not only makes your presentation more engaging but also emphasises the significance of your message. Finding the right balance between gestures and spoken words can truly elevate your delivery.
Confidence in your body language is a skill that can be refined with practice. So, by applying these techniques, you’ll captivate your audience and convey your message with unwavering confidence. You’ve got the tools to succeed – go out there and own your presentation!
If you’re looking to improve your presentation and communication skills, I can help! My Communicating with Confidence program at ImprovYou is available as group workshops or 1:1 coaching. Your first session is free!
Kristian Bergagnin, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Kristian's greatest joy is forming authentic connections, discovering individual strengths, and empowering transformative self-development every step of the way. As the founder of ImprovYou, a soft skills training organisation with a difference, Kristian combines educational principles with improvised learning activities to accelerate skills in a fun, safe and practical environment. Connect with us to explore how we can customise a program for you or your team!
