If you prefer video content over text, I explain this material with fun, musical examples in my YouTube video.
“Body language matters” is a common public speaking tip. But what exactly does it mean in practice?
In this article, I break down how to maximize your body language for on-stage and on-camera presence:
What Not To Do
Imagine this sentence said with hands in pockets, face neutral, and shoulders slouched over:
“To be head of a company that does so much good in the world, committing my life to this mission is a dream job”
Why is that confusing, and even unsettling?
Because this person is saying one thing with their words (I feel really great about this), and something entirely different with their body (I don’t feel really great about this).
What To Do
Watch this video of Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, delivering that message. Watch 15 seconds with sound, and 15 seconds without – just paying attention to the body language:
Without sound:
Notice how body language conveys nearly everything you need to know.
- The smile, raised eyebrows, and wide, open, emphatic gestures indicate happiness, optimism, and earnest commitment.
With sound:
Words make the emotions more clear and intent more precise.
- Great speakers therefore bring verbal and nonverbal expression in alignment to give their audience a holistic experience of the material.
For your next appearance on stage or on camera, I encourage you to do this:
Don’t only prepare what to say. Prepare how you’ll deliver it.
Rehearse by recording yourself or looking at yourself in the mirror. Consider: if someone couldn’t hear you, could they still understand your emotion and intent?
Summary
Body language does matter. But don’t let it feel like performance. If you’re not the most expressive speaker, that’s fine. If you are very expressive, that’s also fine. Just make sure your gestures and expressions support and elevate your words in an authentic way.
If you’re looking for further guidance on how to differentiate your communication skills and stand out in the workplace, take my free self-assessment.
I’m writing a book on thinking quickly, speaking clearly, presenting convincingly, and supercharging your executive presence. My current focus: a section on how to choose the right ideas to make your point. This will be a deep-dive into constructing effective responses for a wide variety of professional examples and case studies.
Follow me on LinkedIn for more updates on the book and its release!
