If you prefer video content over text, I explain this material with fun, musical examples in my YouTube video.
First impressions do matter. Especially as a public speaker.
In this article, I break down how to cultivate your image, and impress your audience from the get-go:
What Not To Do
Pretend these images are speakers about to present. How would you feel about them?
Would you feel excited to listen, confident in their expertise?
Probably not.
Without them saying a word, you know they’re nervous and don’t want to be there.
Which makes you … not want to be there either.
What To Do
Check out how Cassie Kozyrkov, Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, creates a memorable first impression:
She doesn’t:
- Slouch
- Fold her arms or put her hands in pockets
- Frown in distress
- Furrow her eyebrows in fear
Cassie strides in confidently:
- Smiling
- Shoulders back
- With open body language
Look at these other examples of confident body language:
You can tell at a glance these people are completely comfortable being here.
So you feel completely comfortable being here.
Summary
Before you go on stage or on camera, think to yourself: how do I want my audience to feel?
That helps manage your nerves and take the spotlight off yourself.
Then practice in the mirror or on video to ensure your face, body language, and gestures reflect the positive affect you want to give your audience.
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 craft your speech to connect with your audience. This will be a psychological primer on memory: how to leverage what your audience already knows to make new concepts clear.
Follow me on LinkedIn for more updates on the book and its release!
