Mastering Body Language: Universal Guide to Non-verbal Communication

Learn how to overcome stage fright, captivate your audience and improve public speaking skills by mastering body language.

Humans are social beings, and we use both verbal and non-verbal communication in everyday interactions. The words we choose and the way we conduct ourselves when delivering messages are crucial for the impression we make on others.

When it comes to public speaking training, it’s often primarily focused on the message itself. However, this doesn’t mean you should neglect the power of non-verbal communication.

If you often succumb to stage fright before giving a presentation, speech, or lecture, you’re not alone. Standing in front of an audience, live or on camera, can be quite stressful if your body “locks down”, giving away your insecurities.

Fortunately, this situation isn’t a reason for grave concern. Non-verbal communication is a set of skills that can be learned and improved through regular guided practice.

Here’s what you need to know about non-verbal communication and how to master it before your next public appearance.

What is non-verbal communication?

Non-verbal communication is the process of sending and receiving messages without using words.

Although the terms non-verbal communication and body language are often used interchangeably, non-verbal communication is the broader term that, in addition to body language, also includes:

● Paralinguistic cues like tone and pitch of voice
● Physical appearance, which encompasses apparel and attitude
● Immediate environment surrounding the speaker
● Speaker’s personal space
● Haptics or the language of touch and
● Time in which communication takes place.

Even the best presentations can go unnoticed (or bad) if you can’t support them with appropriate apparel and conduct. Once you master non-verbal communication skills, you’ll be able to convey complex messages in a more persuasive manner than it would be the case when relying on words alone.

Why is non-verbal communication vital for public appearances?

When you present yourself in an optimal way, you build confidence and success in every aspect of your life. Non-verbal communication skills are a powerful tool to get others to listen and respect you when you present information, ideas, and values.

It’s a common, yet harmful misconception that most people don’t have to work on their body language. Everyone can benefit from improving the way they communicate, as we all perform in public every day, whether we’re aware of it or not.

From the way you step into an elevator to discussing important issues during crisis PR meetings, your energy and performance have the power to either inspire or turn people away.

The sooner you start working on your verbal and non-verbal communication skills, the faster you can build a captivating and memorable presence. This is the surefire way to skyrocket your career and improve your relations, both private and professional.

How to make your body an ally in upcoming public appearances?

From personal style and gestures to the way you breathe, non-verbal communication involves various behavioral aspects. A good public appearance is characterized by a steady and confident tone, a pleasant rhythm of speech, gestures that inspire trust, and a gaze that signals confidence and expertise.

Does your body language elevates your message, or does it sabotage you instead? Are you dressed appropriately and comfortably? What should you look at?

Here’s how to handle your body and other non-verbal parameters to captivate, inspire, and earn respect.

1. Be mindful of the dress code

Before they hear what you have to say, people will judge your performance almost unconsciously, simply by evaluating the way you dress. Therefore, it is crucial to coordinate your apparel with the concrete situation and the impression you want to make.

When choosing your clothes for public appearances, make sure to take into account:

● The level of formality of the event
● The pre-existing requirements (if applicable)
● Audience expectations
● Comfort and practicality
● The message you wish to convey.

In a way, every public performance is a formal event. Your attire should demonstrate respect for the audience, as well as yourself. While the spectators may allow themselves to dress more casually, your clothes must always be up to the mark.

The choice of colors and textures is vital for your presentation, but don’t forget that your clothes should be comfortable to stand in, sit and move around without hassle. Tight shoes, heavy jewelry, tight belts, and bad fits will cause discomfort your audience can easily notice, and such apparel will make it difficult for you to focus on the presentation.

2. Attract and maintain eye contact

A confident, focused gaze suggests you know what you’re talking about—or quite the opposite. The gaze that doesn’t stray or wander about is a convincing signal of self-confidence and unwavering attention.

While speaking, look straight ahead without fear. Never look down when finishing sentences, or when asking and receiving questions. If you’re engaged in a conversation with a single person, always direct your gaze toward them.

If you rarely look people in the eye during interactions, it’s time to start practicing.

Pay attention that the way you look at others doesn’t appear cold or detached. A fixed gaze can appear unnatural and threatening, which is the impression you should work to avoid.

To make your gaze natural, friendly, and in line with your goals, you must also rely on facial expressions. By raising your eyebrows, widening your face, and smiling, you underline and illustrate what has been said, which makes you more appealing to the listeners.

3. Let your body movements work in your favor

The most challenging task for most presenters is controlling and directing body movements during a presentation. This segment of communication is often a cause for concern even for professionals who are generally not afraid of public appearances.

Fast and nervous gesticulation reveals anxiety or energy that isn’t channeled properly. On the other hand, a complete lack of movement will make you seem stiff seems unnatural. The process of achieving the delicate balance that works and suits your style and personality takes time and patience—but it’s always worth the effort.

Body movements should be moderate and in sync with what you say. However, blindly following universal rules of conduct isn’t a recommended practice. When it comes to non-verbal communication, solutions are rarely cut-and-dry; most commonly, they require a personalized approach.

If you follow common instructions rigorously and without adapting them to your own sensibility, you can make an impression of being unoriginal, or even insincere.

Your ultimate goal is to build a confident and authentic presence, so your body should become your ally in the process. With the help of experienced communication experts, you can create a personal presentation style without the risk of losing your individuality— your biggest and most important asset.

4. Pace yourself to create a dynamic presentation

Speaking too quickly or too slowly annoys listeners and distracts from your message. Well-rehearsed rhythmic variations make your performance entrancing, and the movements that accompany them add energy, drawing attention to the segments you want to emphasize.

Strategic pauses in your presentation are key, as they enhance your presentation further. Don’t be afraid to spend some time in silence. With the help of a few well-timed pauses, you can:

● Make your message more captivating
● Stress the parts of your speech you consider important
● You give listeners time to process what they’ve heard
● “Buy” time to decide on a further course of the presentation
● Make the impression of being thoughtful and patient.

Combining specific gestures with the right speaking pace helps leave a mark and keep your audience engaged. Whether you’ll combine some phrases with a more striking or reduced gesticulation depends on the situation and the impression you wish to make.

Speaking fast and with lots of movements can be a good choice if you want to interest your audience and make them laugh. A moderate speaking pace followed by short, quick movements will make your presentation more convincing. By contrast, a slow pace with wide, moderate movements can be a good course if action if you want to put the audience at ease and make them feel safe.

5. Be aware of your surroundings

Non-verbal communication means more than managing your body. It also includes your position and attitude in a given environment.

Regardless of the situation, your posture should suggest that you are stable and comfortable. If you’re sitting, make sure you’re comfortable and always keeping your back straight. You can lean on the armrests or put your hands on your lap.

If you have a glass or bottle of water in front of you, don’t be afraid to use them. After longer segments of your presentation, take a sip and make a short break in your speech.

When you are standing during a presentation and don’t have a stand in front of you, it’s not uncommon to feel exposed and unsafe. To avoid spoiling the impression with unrestrained body movements, allow yourself to move around.

Try incorporating a relaxed, steady walk or, if you don’t have a lot of space, an occasional lunge forward, backward, or sideways. This way, you make your presentation more dynamic and keep the anxiety at bay, taking possession of your environment and making it a part of the presentation.

Present your authenticity in the best light

Persuasive body language and confident stage presence aren’t reserved for a select few. From Cicero to Mahatma Gandhi and Oprah Winfrey, even the greatest speakers and presenters felt the fear of performing before they became successful.

Communication skills can be earned, and experienced mentors are there to help you master them in no time. With proper direction and continuous practice, you can become a truly charismatic presenter who effortlessly grips the attention of their audience.

Present yourself in a relaxed and confident manner, making the most of your tone, gestures, and environments. Our team possesses the experience and know-how to help you overcome barriers, develop a personal presentation style, and become a confident speaker who inspires and oozes confidence.