Gestures and facial expressions play a major role in our communication . This also means that in presentations , body language significantly influences how the audience perceives your statements and information.
Even if you have written a great speech, designed stylish PowerPoint slides , and used the latest presentation technologies, don't forget: You always have one of the most versatile and effective presentation tools at your disposal – your body.
Those who hide behind the lectern, don't consciously control their posture during the presentation, or use facial expressions and gestures incorrectly have little chance of convincing the audience. In this article, we'll show you eight effective tips and tricks for using body language effectively in presentations.
Why body language is so important in presentations
Admittedly, body language is largely unconscious . It's difficult for us to control. We usually only notice too late when our body language negatively impacts our presentation . Especially when speaking in front of an audience, we're often nervous. Few people can hide their nervousness. We have cold, sweaty hands, gesture too frantically and expansively, or cower intimidated behind the lectern.
Unconscious gestures can negatively impact your presentation . Even the most sophisticated PowerPoint presentation is often ineffective if, for example, you keep your hands in your pockets the whole time, gesture too animatedly due to nervousness, or stand with a slumped chest. The audience cannot take this into account; they decide within seconds whether they like the presenter and perceive their competence.
Body language and gestures are just as important for a successful presentation as the content itself . It's worthwhile to regularly review and, if necessary, refresh your rhetoric skills, especially if you regularly need to persuade people professionally.
What is facial expression and what advantage does the correct use of facial expressions offer for your presentation?
Facial expressions refer to a person's facial expressions . Facial expressions show the audience how the speaker feels emotionally about the content . Allow yourself to show emotions ; let them show your audience. Only through the supportive effect of your facial expressions and body language will your words be taken seriously. With a little practice, you will find the right facial expressions for yourself and your presentation.
Tip : Practice in front of a mirror. How do you feel when you smile? Do you find your smile convincing? Alternatively, you can give your presentation to a familiar audience, such as your family or friends. Get honest feedback on your facial expressions and try to implement the criticism. You can also find many helpful videos with tips online these days.
What is gesture and what advantage does its correct use offer for your presentation?
Gestures refer to the use of arms and hands . Many presenters are familiar with the feeling of not knowing what to do with their hands during a presentation. An awkward reaction is often to hold their hands together behind their body or simply let their arms dangle. Be warned: this comes across as insecure, unprofessional, and boring. Instead, use your hands to emphasize your points at appropriate moments. This will make you appear professional and dynamic.
Example : In your presentation, you're explaining a process using a diagram. If you let your arms hang limply at your sides, it makes you appear uninvolved and unmotivated. Don't underestimate the power of gestures; use them to support your message!
For example, whenever you explain a new process step, show where you are on the slide. Or illustrate the process itself. If the process moved forward, demonstrate this with your hands; if it moved backward, make a backward hand gesture. This makes you appear involved, dynamic, and professional.
Tip : Practice in front of a mirror beforehand. Which gestures suit your presentation? Do they reinforce your points? Then test these gestures in front of family and friends. Get their feedback. You can also find plenty of helpful information about gestures online, for example here .
We will now show you helpful tips and tricks for using your body language correctly during presentations.
Proper body language during presentations: 8 tips and tricks
Proper presentation skills – sitting or standing?
Are you a laid-back person and planning to sit during your presentation? Please don't ! You should literally be the center of attention. Sitting not only makes you appear unmotivated and static, but it also limits your ability to use body language effectively. And if you're sitting behind a table or have your laptop in front of you, you're obscuring your presence even further.
Stand during presentations . This gives you freedom of movement and allows you to use your body language effectively. You will appear more dynamic and motivated . Be mindful of any distracting objects in front of you, such as tables, and remove them so that you are clearly visible to the audience and don't create an unconscious barrier.
Posture – How to stand correctly
You've learned that you should stand during the presentation. Standing – that sounds simple. But even here, you should pay attention to a few things:
- Don't stand with your legs too far apart . That can quickly make you look less than elegant.
- Don't stand too close together. They are not stable and can tip over easily.
- The correct stance: Position your legs approximately shoulder-width apart; this will ensure you stand firmly and securely.
In addition to a firm stance, proper posture is also recommended. Maintain an upright posture . Make yourself as tall as possible . Avoid hunching over or slouching. Rocking back and forth with your upper body is also counterproductive .
What has a positive effect on your posture? Quite simply: self-confidence . If you know your presentation topic very well, rehearse your presentation several times. The better familiar you are with your topic, the more self-assured you will appear. Self-confidence straightens the body .
Pay attention to your head. Keep your head as still as possible while speaking. If you raise your voice and chin at the end of a sentence, you give your audience the impression that you've asked a question. Avoid nervously tossing or touching your hair. This quickly looks unprofessional.
Body language in a presentation: Hands and gestures are essential!
You have now set up an optimal stance. But where should you put your hands while presenting? You learned above that the way you use your hands can make a big difference.
Avoid the following mistakes:
- Putting your arms on your hips can quickly come across as unsympathetic or reprimanding.
- Many speakers tend to hide their hands in their pockets out of insecurity. This makes them appear insecure and unprofessional to the audience.
- Pen in hand: While this keeps your hands where they should be – below the belt – you risk fiddling with the pen cap out of nervousness or unconsciously. We're talking click...click...click... This quickly becomes unprofessional and distracting.
- Crossed arms: While this may be a comfortable position for you, it expresses rejection and distance. You unconsciously create a barrier; you won't convey sympathy this way, and that's detrimental to your presentation.
The solution:
Use your hands as often as possible to emphasize your points with gestures. Don't worry about how often you should gesture. Feel free to use your hands whenever you feel it's necessary.
As a starting position, it is recommended to bend your arms and bring your hands together at navel level. When gesturing, leave a gap between your elbows and torso. This will make you appear more spacious and confident. You can find more tips here .
When using gestures, consider the group size . For small groups , quieter gestures are sufficient. Raising your arms dramatically can quickly appear forced. The three-joint rule helps you determine the appropriate gesture:
When speaking to a small group, gestures are performed primarily with the wrists . This corresponds to quiet body language. With 20 to 30 people, the elbows, the second joint, should be the primary point of movement, making gestures with the forearms significantly louder. The shoulders, the third joint, are only used before large audiences . In this case, raising the arms can be used to emphasize a connection.
Since movement is generally attractive to our brains, you will definitely attract attention. Use your hands deliberately. The audience will follow your hands and be interested in what you have to say.
Movement
Anyone who gives a presentation has faced the question: "Should I move around or stay in one place?" Here's the answer: You can do both. However, there are some rules to follow in both cases.
You should n't constantly pace back and forth , but rather give your movements intention and meaning . The best approach is to move to a different spot only when it makes sense , for example, if you want to clarify certain points from a different perspective.
eye contact
Eye contact with your audience is one of the most important factors for a good presentation. Maintain eye contact with each audience member , but only with one person at a time . Why? Most of us get nervous when we have to speak in front of several people. Our gaze then wanders from audience member to audience member, and we wonder what they might be thinking – and we become insecure.
If you focus on looking at only one person at a time during your presentation, you'll feel more like you're speaking to them and will become more confident. Furthermore, that person will feel addressed – a positive feedback loop that guarantees you their attention.
If the audience is large, it's impossible to make eye contact with everyone. Divide your audience into sections: for example , front, center, back, left, right. Focus on one person from one section and then another from the next. Once you've looked at one person from each section, start again in the first section.
Eye contact can also reinforce your key messages by slightly lowering your chin at the end of a sentence while maintaining eye contact with your audience . This lends more weight to your statement and makes you appear more credible and competent to the audience.
The right facial expression
We have described how facial expressions play a major role in your presentation. Please pay attention to the following points:
- An open smile always makes a good impression. Especially when greeting someone, it can quickly win them over and create a friendly, pleasant atmosphere.
- Maintain a calm facial expression during factual sections of your presentation, such as when discussing numbers, data, or facts. Emotions are out of place here.
- Emphasize key areas with raised eyebrows and wide-open eyes . A smile will further enhance this effect.
- If they represent rejection, lower your eyebrows and squint slightly. This clearly signals a negative emotion.
- When you pause for effect or search for the right words, make sure to keep your mouth closed . This will make you appear calm and confident. Exhale calmly and then continue your sentence.
Here you will find help on how to practice smiling correctly.
Choosing the right outfit
You might not have thought of this: your body language is also connected to your clothing. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in , but which is also appropriate for the occasion (so no sweatpants!). In an unfamiliar, disliked outfit, you'll feel uncomfortable as a speaker and won't be able to deliver a confident presentation.
As a woman: Sure, high heels look elegant, chic, and professional. However, you should make sure you can walk confidently in them if you plan to wear them during your presentation. Nothing is worse than an unsteady gait, slipping, or falling. You should definitely avoid this faux pas.
Avoid overly colorful or garish clothing . This quickly distracts from your actual presentation and can even make your body language look comical. Coordinate your clothing with your background so that you don't "disappear."
Before your presentation begins, check that your clothes fit properly . Are all the buttons fastened? Is your zipper closed? This will allow you to start your presentation with confidence, which will benefit your body language.
Last but not least: Different countries – different body language in presentations
If you are planning an international presentation, remember that your body language must be understandable to everyone. Research potential differences between your own body language and that of participants from other cultures beforehand.
Conclusion: Score points with the right body language during presentations!
Body language is an essential presentation tool for your talk. It often happens unconsciously, but especially during important presentations, you should pay attention to using the right body language . Otherwise, you can quickly come across as boring, awkward, unmotivated, or unprofessional.
Use our tips and think about how you can implement them before your presentation. Don't hesitate to practice in front of a familiar audience and ask for feedback. With a little practice, you'll be able to perfect your body language and achieve the best possible outcome for your presentation. You can find a good video summary on body language in presentations here .
Extra tip: You can find tips for your body language during online presentations or presentations where you have to wear a mask and still want to convey the right facial expressions on this YouTube channel .
We are happy to help you with any questions you may have about body language or general questions about presenting or PowerPoint presentations. Please feel free to contact us by email at becker@presentationload.de . Why not attend one of our seminars on presentation coaching ? There you can receive further valuable tips for your presentations.
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