Although it is important to work on the words and the content of your speech, otherwise known as the "What" of your presentation, the truth is it's just as important to work on your delivery, or the "How" of your presentation. For as we know, your body language can either detract from your message or enhance it.
In the last newsletter, we examined Pointers on Dynamic Delivery and Visual Effects were stated briefly. Let's delve deeper into this very important nonverbal presentation skill.
It is not only what you say that matters, it is also what body language conveys to those watching! Does your delivery detract from your message or enhance it?
First Impressions: Do you stand with your feet grounded at the start? Do you pause and smile, taking in the audiences, and they, in turn, taking you in, before you even utter a word?
Purposeful movement: Are you either glued to one spot or wander with no purpose? Or do you move on the platform with pupose? Do you move naturally when you transition from one point to another, or move out of a story scene to dliver a point? Do you create a sequential timeline from past (your right) to present (centre) to future (your left)?
Reactions tell the story: Do you take them on a roller coaster ride of emotions? Are your faciial expressions in sync with your words? Are your character's expressions of the moment's emotion, genuine and natural? Please note: no change of emotion...no story!
Show and Share Instead of talking and telling with a multitude of words, use facial expressions to demonstrate particular feelings at a given moment? Become less wordy and simply react with poignant facial expressions and matching posture
Eye Contact: Do your eyes constantly wander around the room? Or do they linger on specific audience members when you deliver an important point?
Visual before the verbal: Regardless of the emotional reaction, do you hold that facail expression and posture for a few seconds before delivering your following line(s)? (great humour technique)
Arms and hands: Do your gestures match the size of the audience? The larger the audience, the larger the gestures. Do you avoid pointing, yet use open hands, welcoming gestures?
Remember, every step you take, every move you make, they'll be watching you!!
