A - Audience / Attention
B - Be prepared / Begin strong
C - Confidence / Courage
D - Dress to Impress / Determine direction
E - Enthusiasm / Evaluations
F - Facts & Figures / Focus
G - Gestures
H - Hone In / Hope
I - Inspire / Impress
J - Journey / Join in
K - Know your material / Knowledge
L - Life lessons / learning
M - Manage your time / Maximize
N - Notice things / No excuses
O - Open up onstage / Offer
P - Practice presenting / play
Q - Quotations / Questions
R - Relax / Rehearse
S - Sum up / Share
T - Talking / Time management
U - Understanding
V - Vocal Variety / Voice control / Value
W - Watch your audience / Welcoming
X - Express yourself
Y - You
Z - Zebras and other animals
Showing posts with label body language. Show all posts
Showing posts with label body language. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Essential Life Skills - Communication
As a Toastmaster, I spend a lot of time reading articles on communication to enhance my skills in public speaking. Here is a quote from an article I recently read and a link to the full article.
"Good communication skills are key to success in life, work and relationships. Without effective communication, a message can turn into error, misunderstanding, frustration, or even disaster by being misinterpreted or poorly delivered.
Communication is the process by which we exchange information between individuals or groups of people. It is a process where we try as clearly and accurately as we can, to convey our thoughts, intentions and objectives.
Communication is successful only when both the sender and the receiver understand the same information. In today's highly informational and technological environment it has become increasingly important to have good communication skills.
While many individuals still continue to struggle, the inability to communicate effectively will hold them back not only in their careers, but in social and personal relationships. "
Read more
To your speaking success
Fran Watson
"Good communication skills are key to success in life, work and relationships. Without effective communication, a message can turn into error, misunderstanding, frustration, or even disaster by being misinterpreted or poorly delivered.
Communication is the process by which we exchange information between individuals or groups of people. It is a process where we try as clearly and accurately as we can, to convey our thoughts, intentions and objectives.
Communication is successful only when both the sender and the receiver understand the same information. In today's highly informational and technological environment it has become increasingly important to have good communication skills.
While many individuals still continue to struggle, the inability to communicate effectively will hold them back not only in their careers, but in social and personal relationships. "
Read more
To your speaking success
Fran Watson
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Body Language - use it carefully.
When we are talking to others - either face-to-face, or from the front of the room, our posture, gestures, eye movements and general demeanor communicate far more than our words.
It is said that women interpret up to 80% of the meaning of a conversation by non-verbal means. Men fall a bit behind and 'only' rely on non-verbal clues for about 30%. However, in either case, if you are unconsciously giving out the wrong signals, the meaning behind your intended message will be weakened or lost.
Everybody has a personal space threshold. Generally, Americans and Northern Europeans prefer to stand about a meter (3 feet) apart. People from Southern European and Asian countries are comfortable a little closer. Folks who live in rural areas like a little more space. Social situations allow closer proximities than non-social.
Be aware if the person you are talking to is backing up, and try not to intrude on their territory. Otherwise the reaction will be defensive or hostile.
It may seem old-fashioned to talk about the need to be 'well turned out', but the axiom that 'you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression' is as true today as ever.
Experts say that the first five seconds of a meeting are more important than the next hour. Check all the obvious things like hair, teeth, fingernails, shoes, breath, immediately before the meeting. But also make sure you are putting on your best front, well in advance.
Even if the dress code is casual, there is a world of difference between dirty jeans and a crumpled T-shirt, and freshly laundered casual trousers and a polo shirt. Remember - dress to respect yourself and you automatically respect your audience.
To your speaking success
Fran Watson
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Speaking Tips
Any public speaking involves delivering information to people who are, in one way or another, waiting to get some information. This is a key reason why you should pay careful attention as you prepare to make your speech and as you plan to meet your audience.
Some people are naturals at public speaking and getting to audiences, you may think of politicians or a good college professor you took some classes with, the fact of the matter is most people are not good at making speeches and the vast majority of people are terrified of delivering a speech. This should not discourage you in any way, since many experts have studied this and worked hard to help you to deal with these problems in speech making.
If you are at a point that you are going to deliver a speech, you are probably at a stage in your life where your thoughts are worth something to other people. This means that in principle, people want to get into your head and they appreciate your talent or skill in some particular field. The people that will listen to you have something to learn from you. But you are not thinking of these people, are you? You are thinking of the few people that probably know more than you and will be in the crowd. This is a big mistake, first because you should think of the person that will profit from your knowledge and get to him, and secondly because you have something in you that will benefit even the people that you fear.
The key to all this is simple, it's preparation. It’s the most basic, banal and trivial thing, but it is the base of any success in any field. Lets think about speech making preparation. First think about your audience. Who is the average person coming to your speech, what does he know, what does he need to know, what will inspire him and make him listen carefully to what you have to say, and how will you get him to appreciate your speech?
It is not that difficult, its actually good to start at this point, remember – people want to know what you are thinking, you just need to keep them interested, and I am sure you have many interesting thoughts.
Rehearse, this seems clear to me, practice the speech again, and again, and again. Obviously I know that you don’t have all the time in the world to perfect it, but, there is a value to this. Timing your speech and pre setting spots in which you know you need to change your tone, your speed and rhythm, will make you a better speaker and a better speech planner. So rehearse your speech and listen to yourself while doing it.
Start strong, confident, talk about things you know no one can beat you or undermine you. Let the confidence and the experience shine through, people feel that, and if you do this right, you will own your audience.
Think about your entrance and the first 3 minutes of the speech. Pay attention to the way you walk in, project confidence and calm, do not rush into anything. Even if you are late or under a tight schedule, do everything slowly and thoughtfully. Show the room that you are entering your speech zone and that no one is allowed in. They can sit and wait for a few seconds (which seem like hours) – its only a few seconds.
Make sure you got the attention of the crowd, and start strong. Pick the words of your opening carefully, and trust yourself.
Good luck.
Fran
P.S. Click here for more tips
Some people are naturals at public speaking and getting to audiences, you may think of politicians or a good college professor you took some classes with, the fact of the matter is most people are not good at making speeches and the vast majority of people are terrified of delivering a speech. This should not discourage you in any way, since many experts have studied this and worked hard to help you to deal with these problems in speech making.
If you are at a point that you are going to deliver a speech, you are probably at a stage in your life where your thoughts are worth something to other people. This means that in principle, people want to get into your head and they appreciate your talent or skill in some particular field. The people that will listen to you have something to learn from you. But you are not thinking of these people, are you? You are thinking of the few people that probably know more than you and will be in the crowd. This is a big mistake, first because you should think of the person that will profit from your knowledge and get to him, and secondly because you have something in you that will benefit even the people that you fear.
The key to all this is simple, it's preparation. It’s the most basic, banal and trivial thing, but it is the base of any success in any field. Lets think about speech making preparation. First think about your audience. Who is the average person coming to your speech, what does he know, what does he need to know, what will inspire him and make him listen carefully to what you have to say, and how will you get him to appreciate your speech?
It is not that difficult, its actually good to start at this point, remember – people want to know what you are thinking, you just need to keep them interested, and I am sure you have many interesting thoughts.
Rehearse, this seems clear to me, practice the speech again, and again, and again. Obviously I know that you don’t have all the time in the world to perfect it, but, there is a value to this. Timing your speech and pre setting spots in which you know you need to change your tone, your speed and rhythm, will make you a better speaker and a better speech planner. So rehearse your speech and listen to yourself while doing it.
Start strong, confident, talk about things you know no one can beat you or undermine you. Let the confidence and the experience shine through, people feel that, and if you do this right, you will own your audience.
Think about your entrance and the first 3 minutes of the speech. Pay attention to the way you walk in, project confidence and calm, do not rush into anything. Even if you are late or under a tight schedule, do everything slowly and thoughtfully. Show the room that you are entering your speech zone and that no one is allowed in. They can sit and wait for a few seconds (which seem like hours) – its only a few seconds.
Make sure you got the attention of the crowd, and start strong. Pick the words of your opening carefully, and trust yourself.
Good luck.
Fran
P.S. Click here for more tips
Friday, October 3, 2014
Body Language
What
is Body Language?
Body language is the unspoken or non-verbal
mode of communication that we do in every single aspect of our interaction with
another person. It is like a mirror that tells us what the other person
thinks and feels in response to our words or actions. Body language involves
gestures, mannerisms, and other bodily signs.
Would you believe that in real life
situations, 60% to 80% of the messages that we convey to other people are
transmitted through body language and the actual verbal communication accounts
for only 7% to 10%?
Our ability to use body language in a positive way and to read
other people's minds through their body language separates the men from the
boys (or women from girls), and can be a powerful tool to our overall
personality development. Imagine creating a great impression for work,
business, and love by being knowledgeable in this not-so-common yet powerful
field of study. It is the unspoken tool to a successful life
Here
are some of the movements exhibited by people who are interested in what you
are saying:
·
They maintain eye contact
more than 60% of the time. The more wide-opened the eyes are, the more
interested the person is. In fact, a person maintains eye contact more when
listening than when talking.
·
Their heads are inclined
forward.
·
They are nodding their
heads. Such action means that they're agreeing with you. That means they're
attentive and listening.
·
Their feet are pointing
towards you.
·
They smile frequently. But
take note, not all smiles convey the same feeling. An oblong smile is not
genuine. It is used to show courtesy, but not necessarily happiness or
friendliness. The lips are withheld completely back from the upper and lower
teeth, forming the oblong shape. This is usually the smile that many people
exhibit when they feign to enjoy a lame joke.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Body Language - What Does Yours Say?
An article by my friend Marion Grobb Finkelstein
Your Body Talks ... Do You Know What It's Saying?
Gut feeling, intuition, hunches. Whatever we call it, we all have feelings about people we meet. Part of the information we're taking in that leads to such conclusions is body language. Whether we realize it or not, we both read and speak it -- some of us better than others.
The old 7/38/55 rule from Dr. Albert Mehrabian is often quoted. In his studies of the 1960s, this UCLA professor deduced that in face-to-face communications, 7% of the message is conveyed through words, 38% through voice and 55% through body. In the 1970s, Australian researcher and author Allan Pease concluded that body accounted for up to a whopping 80%! Even though some more recent research suggests that these percentages may be more equally distributed, the fact remains that our bodies most definitely talk. In fact, at times, they downright scream.
Have you ever seen a certain gesture and felt, for sure, that you knew what it meant? You might be mistaken.
© 2013 Marion Grobb Finkelstein\
Communication catalyst, author, professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to connect with clients, colleagues, employees and bosses, and how to handle workplace communication challenges to improve morale, confidence and productivity. Chat with her at www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks and sign up for her FREE weekly "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com
Your Body Talks ... Do You Know What It's Saying?
The old 7/38/55 rule from Dr. Albert Mehrabian is often quoted. In his studies of the 1960s, this UCLA professor deduced that in face-to-face communications, 7% of the message is conveyed through words, 38% through voice and 55% through body. In the 1970s, Australian researcher and author Allan Pease concluded that body accounted for up to a whopping 80%! Even though some more recent research suggests that these percentages may be more equally distributed, the fact remains that our bodies most definitely talk. In fact, at times, they downright scream.
Have you ever seen a certain gesture and felt, for sure, that you knew what it meant? You might be mistaken.
Although it's tempting to witness one action, gesture or reaction and use that one thing to conclusively interpret someone's meaning, it is misleading to do so. Non-verbal communication is best read when using what I call, the "4 Key Cs":
- Context: Here's a news flash -- sometimes people cross their arms just because they're cold. It doesn't necessarily mean that they're closed to what you're saying. Work versus social environment also affects how we interact with others. Before you assess the body language, consider the context.
- Culture: Most countries represent a mix of ethnicities, backgrounds and cultures. Many of us celebrate that diversity. We are also exposed to it, due to work or private life, as we travel to other countries. A caution: gestures that are commonplace to us mean different things to others. For example, the A-OK sign in Japan is a symbol for coin money and in parts of Germany is an obscene gesture. Although eye contact is valued in mainstream North American culture, it is to be avoided in other cultures. Different cultures, different meanings.
- Clusters: As a rule of thumb, using clusters of three actions or gestures, versus just one, to suggest a certain meaning increases your chances of correctly interpreting the meaning. Reading non-verbal communications correctly requires us to refrain from stereotyping or drawing conclusions until we have enough evidence. And even at that, body language is just an indicator, simply one piece in the puzzle of understanding and reading each other correctly.
- Calibration: We all have certain physical actions and idiosyncrasies. Calibrating body signals against a certain individual allows for this fact. Perhaps someone is blinking all the time, not because they are speaking a mistruth or don't believe what you're saying - maybe they just have chronically itchy eyes. Gestures depend on the person.
Until next time, here's to ...
Better communication, better business, better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
COMMUNICATION CATALYST
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
Recipient of APEX "Award for Leadership in Service Innovation" Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
© 2013 Marion Grobb Finkelstein\
Communication catalyst, author, professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to connect with clients, colleagues, employees and bosses, and how to handle workplace communication challenges to improve morale, confidence and productivity. Chat with her at www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks and sign up for her FREE weekly "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com
Friday, September 21, 2012
Body Language
Body language is very important when delivering a speech.
Have you ever seen our great leaders fidget or make unnecessary movements while addressing the nation?
Since you are the center of attention while making the presentation, you should mind every move that you make so as not to bore or distract the people listening to your speech.
So you already have a speech prepared, you know the topic well and you are now standing in front of the audience.
They are in for a treat because you have prepared a great presentation, yet you also know that they have a very short attention span.
How would you keep them interested with what you are saying?
The answer is to maintain eye contact.
This is one public speaking technique that great speakers use when addressing a large group of people.
Here are some tips on how you can use this "trick" to keep your audience interested while delivering a speech:
Once you have already started speaking and have delivered your introduction, take a look at your audience.
Do not be nervous if you see one or two people frowning as you are not sure of exactly what they are thinking.
Instead of looking out for unfriendly or blank faces, search for the people who are smiling and nodding their heads.
Try to focus on this person for a couple of minutes and look him or her in the eye.
This way, you would have an immediate "friend" in the audience to whom you can look at and gain confidence from.
This will not just increase your confidence but also relax you in the course of your speech.
Gaze steadily at your audience, moving from one part of the room to another. This way, you would immediately grasp their attention.
Never read your speech. Just make an outline of the important points that you can expand on.
If you have visuals, do not read the bullet points word for word as this might imply that your audience cannot read that themselves.
With this, you are instantly creating a "bond" with your audience as a
speaker since you do not have to keep on looking at your notes through the course of your speech.
The key to delivering a great speech is to just breathe, relax and make eye to eye contact with your audience.
Thus, you are not just making a physical connection with them but you are also ensured that you come out as a sincere speaker who wants to inform and interact with the audience through your speech.
To your speaking success
Fran
P.S. For a list of over 800 speech topics, click here
Have you ever seen our great leaders fidget or make unnecessary movements while addressing the nation?
Since you are the center of attention while making the presentation, you should mind every move that you make so as not to bore or distract the people listening to your speech.
So you already have a speech prepared, you know the topic well and you are now standing in front of the audience.
They are in for a treat because you have prepared a great presentation, yet you also know that they have a very short attention span.
How would you keep them interested with what you are saying?
The answer is to maintain eye contact.
This is one public speaking technique that great speakers use when addressing a large group of people.
Here are some tips on how you can use this "trick" to keep your audience interested while delivering a speech:
Once you have already started speaking and have delivered your introduction, take a look at your audience.
Do not be nervous if you see one or two people frowning as you are not sure of exactly what they are thinking.
Instead of looking out for unfriendly or blank faces, search for the people who are smiling and nodding their heads.
Try to focus on this person for a couple of minutes and look him or her in the eye.
This way, you would have an immediate "friend" in the audience to whom you can look at and gain confidence from.
This will not just increase your confidence but also relax you in the course of your speech.
Gaze steadily at your audience, moving from one part of the room to another. This way, you would immediately grasp their attention.
Never read your speech. Just make an outline of the important points that you can expand on.
If you have visuals, do not read the bullet points word for word as this might imply that your audience cannot read that themselves.
With this, you are instantly creating a "bond" with your audience as a
speaker since you do not have to keep on looking at your notes through the course of your speech.
The key to delivering a great speech is to just breathe, relax and make eye to eye contact with your audience.
Thus, you are not just making a physical connection with them but you are also ensured that you come out as a sincere speaker who wants to inform and interact with the audience through your speech.
To your speaking success
Fran
P.S. For a list of over 800 speech topics, click here
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Why Toastmasters?
If you are in customer service in any capacity, you can benefit from learning to develop or enhance your speaking skills.
If you are an employer, your business might benefit from allowing/encouraging your staff to attend weekly meetings where they will have the opportunity to learn and practice some of the following: how to organize their thoughts, get to the point and how to deliver effective communication.
Often you may be called upon at the last minute to give a presentation or a talk on something you’ve been working on, or something for a new client. You begin to panic. Toastmasters can help you think on your feet and be well organized so that this will become easy for you.
Communication is a two-way conversation and it involves more than just talking. It also involves shutting up (aka listening). You will often hear people say, “I have no problem talking”, and those around them are well aware of that. These people may have a problem letting other people talk.
How many times have you been at a meeting where the person is supposed to speak only for 5 minutes and 15 minutes later they are still at it? At Toastmasters you learn how to craft a speech to fit within a specified time frame. Lights or cards are used to let you know the timing of your speech.
Listening skills are an important part of communication. It is important to listen well enough so that you really “hear” what the other person is saying. At our weekly meetings the Quizmaster tests the listening skills of the group by asking questions about things that went on during the meeting.
Leadership skills – are developed as members take on roles such as Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, Timer, Quizmaster, General Evaluator and others. Each person takes control of the lectern for their role and you have a chance to earn the Competent Leader award as you work through various roles such as: Speaker, Speech Evaluator, Timer, Grammarian, Ah Counter, Toastmaster, Mentoring a New or Existing Member, etc.
Do you have to evaluate people for yearly Performance Appraisals? It is important to learn how to correctly evaluate someone so that they learn about the things they need to improve while being recognized for the things that they already do well. If all they hear is criticism, they don’t feel very good about themselves.
One of the biggest challenges of a leader is to be able to give feedback to others on their performance. Feedback involves praising others to reinforce their outstanding performance and offering suggestions to improve their performance. Often leaders are uncomfortable giving feedback.
If team members are to perform to their potential, they need to know what they are doing well, what they are not doing well, and how they can improve. If you want to improve your team’s performance, you must be able to comfortably offer feedback to team members. Toastmasters teaches the “sandwich technique” for evaluations. Start with something positive, insert the message about things that could be improved and end with a positive comment. Come to a meeting and find out more.
Have you ever listened to a boring lecture where the person just drones on and on with no variety or depth to their voice? It’s enough to put you to sleep. Speech #6 will help you learn how to effectively use your voice for the highs and lows to keep people’s attention, (be expressive, use pauses for effectiveness, control your volume, pitch, rate and quality). Keep your conversations lively and worth listening to.
Body language - Your body often speaks louder than your actual words and people “read” what you are saying by the way you say it. Learn how to use gestures and eye contact to keep the audience watching and listening. Project Speech #5 - "Your Body Speaks" gives tips on how to use stance and movement, gestures, facial expression and eye contact naturally to enhance your communication.
Research techniques are developed as you prepare for your roles. If you are providing the word of the week, you will research the word to find out where it came from and what it means. If you are giving the Toast, you may want to look up more information on the weekly theme. If you are giving an Educational Tip, you will want to research your topic and prepare. Speech #7 from the Competent Communicator Manual gives you tips and ideas on how to research your topic to get the facts you need to support your message.
I hope this article has intrigued you and that you will consider joining us. Toastmasters is an international non-profit club run by volunteers to improve our public speaking ability by speaking regularly in a supportive environment with a solid program and helpful feedback.
Anyone over 18 who is interested in public speaking can join. Clubs have a great mix of experienced and beginning speakers, young and old. We believe that a diverse club offers the best learning opportunities.
You can find out more about Toastmasters by checking out the website here You will also be able to find a club near you here
Have a wonderful day.
Fran Watson
Toastmasters District 61
If you are an employer, your business might benefit from allowing/encouraging your staff to attend weekly meetings where they will have the opportunity to learn and practice some of the following: how to organize their thoughts, get to the point and how to deliver effective communication.
Often you may be called upon at the last minute to give a presentation or a talk on something you’ve been working on, or something for a new client. You begin to panic. Toastmasters can help you think on your feet and be well organized so that this will become easy for you.
Communication is a two-way conversation and it involves more than just talking. It also involves shutting up (aka listening). You will often hear people say, “I have no problem talking”, and those around them are well aware of that. These people may have a problem letting other people talk.
How many times have you been at a meeting where the person is supposed to speak only for 5 minutes and 15 minutes later they are still at it? At Toastmasters you learn how to craft a speech to fit within a specified time frame. Lights or cards are used to let you know the timing of your speech.
Listening skills are an important part of communication. It is important to listen well enough so that you really “hear” what the other person is saying. At our weekly meetings the Quizmaster tests the listening skills of the group by asking questions about things that went on during the meeting.
Leadership skills – are developed as members take on roles such as Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, Timer, Quizmaster, General Evaluator and others. Each person takes control of the lectern for their role and you have a chance to earn the Competent Leader award as you work through various roles such as: Speaker, Speech Evaluator, Timer, Grammarian, Ah Counter, Toastmaster, Mentoring a New or Existing Member, etc.
Do you have to evaluate people for yearly Performance Appraisals? It is important to learn how to correctly evaluate someone so that they learn about the things they need to improve while being recognized for the things that they already do well. If all they hear is criticism, they don’t feel very good about themselves.
One of the biggest challenges of a leader is to be able to give feedback to others on their performance. Feedback involves praising others to reinforce their outstanding performance and offering suggestions to improve their performance. Often leaders are uncomfortable giving feedback.
If team members are to perform to their potential, they need to know what they are doing well, what they are not doing well, and how they can improve. If you want to improve your team’s performance, you must be able to comfortably offer feedback to team members. Toastmasters teaches the “sandwich technique” for evaluations. Start with something positive, insert the message about things that could be improved and end with a positive comment. Come to a meeting and find out more.
Have you ever listened to a boring lecture where the person just drones on and on with no variety or depth to their voice? It’s enough to put you to sleep. Speech #6 will help you learn how to effectively use your voice for the highs and lows to keep people’s attention, (be expressive, use pauses for effectiveness, control your volume, pitch, rate and quality). Keep your conversations lively and worth listening to.
Body language - Your body often speaks louder than your actual words and people “read” what you are saying by the way you say it. Learn how to use gestures and eye contact to keep the audience watching and listening. Project Speech #5 - "Your Body Speaks" gives tips on how to use stance and movement, gestures, facial expression and eye contact naturally to enhance your communication.
Research techniques are developed as you prepare for your roles. If you are providing the word of the week, you will research the word to find out where it came from and what it means. If you are giving the Toast, you may want to look up more information on the weekly theme. If you are giving an Educational Tip, you will want to research your topic and prepare. Speech #7 from the Competent Communicator Manual gives you tips and ideas on how to research your topic to get the facts you need to support your message.
I hope this article has intrigued you and that you will consider joining us. Toastmasters is an international non-profit club run by volunteers to improve our public speaking ability by speaking regularly in a supportive environment with a solid program and helpful feedback.
Anyone over 18 who is interested in public speaking can join. Clubs have a great mix of experienced and beginning speakers, young and old. We believe that a diverse club offers the best learning opportunities.
You can find out more about Toastmasters by checking out the website here You will also be able to find a club near you here
Have a wonderful day.
Fran Watson
Toastmasters District 61
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Body Language in Public Speaking
DO YOU SHOUT - EVEN WHEN YOU ARE SILENT?
By Martin Avis
There is a language that we all speak, but few are conscious of: the language of our bodies.
When we are talking to others - either face-to-face, or from the front of the room, our posture, gestures, eye movements and general demeanor communicate far more than our words.
It is said that women interpret up to 80% of the meaning of a conversation by non-verbal means. Men fall a bit behind and 'only' rely on non-verbal clues for about 30%. However, in either case, if you are unconsciously giving out the wrong signals, the meaning behind your intended message will be weakened or lost.
Body language is a vast, fascinating subject, but from a business point of view, there are several pointers that can help to strengthen your message. The aim is to match your audience's unconscious template of what makes a person trustworthy and believable.
Try out these five tips and see if they help you:
1. Personal Space
Everybody has a personal space threshold. Generally, Americans and Northern Europeans prefer to stand about a meter (3 feet) apart. People from Southern European and Asian countries are comfortable a little closer. Folks who live in rural areas like a little more space. Social situations allow closer proximities than non-social.
Be aware if the person you are talking to is backing up, and try not to intrude on their territory. Otherwise the reaction will be defensive or hostile.
2. Eye Movements
Many people are nervous about making eye contact - it is vital to overcome that fear if you want to be respected and believed. An evasive or indirect gaze sends out a strong signal of untrustworthiness.
When speaking to a room full of people, it is essential that you allow yourself to make - and maintain for a few seconds - eye contact with everyone in the room, over and over.
++++++++++ True Story ++++++++++
I was recently invited to America to give a presentation to about forty business people, few of them known to me. The meeting went well and I made as much eye contact as possible. Afterwards, a guy who had been sitting off to my left came up to me and thanked me for a useful and entertaining talk. Then he said something strange: he apologized for offending me.
Puzzled, I assured him that it wasn't so, and asked why he thought so. This is what he said:
"Oh, I had a very late night last night, and after you had been talking for twenty minutes or so, I couldn't [keep] myself [from] yawning. After that, you didn't make any eye contact with me for the rest of the session, so I figured I'd upset you."
The truth was, I hadn't seen the yawn. He had been sitting just outside my comfortable visual area, and I had been concentrating on eyeballing everyone else in the room so hard, that I had missed him out.
I gave him a lot of attention he went away happy. But I couldn't help think that that guy might have been the most important person in the room and I could have blown the whole trip with that stupid act of inattention.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3. Appearance
It seems old-fashioned to talk about the need to be 'well turned out', but the axiom that 'you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression' is as true today as ever.
Experts say that the first five seconds of a meeting are more important than the next hour. Check all the obvious things like hair, teeth, fingernails, shoes, breath, immediately before the meeting. But also make sure you are putting on your best front, well in advance.
Even if the dress code is casual, there is a world of difference between dirty jeans and a crumpled T-shirt, and freshly laundered casual trousers and a polo shirt. Remember - dress to respect yourself and you automatically respect your audience.
4. Hands
Your hands are like semaphore flags. They send a message whatever position they are in.
Take a look at prominent politicians - they almost all use their hands to reinforce their words. Whether it is a chopping motion, like John F. Kennedy, or an open handed gesture like the English Prime Minister Blair, they are all intended to send visual signals directly to the right-brain of the listener to augment the words which normally address the left-brain.
One of the things I am asked most often when teaching presentation skills is 'what do I do with my hands?'
The easy answer 'just be natural' is not only unhelpful, but also completely wrong. You have to think of your hands and arms as every bit as important as the charts and slides you are presenting.
There are five places your hands can comfortably be:
- 1. In your pockets. Don't do it! It might feel natural, but the signal this gives is anything but. You will look uncomfortable, casual and unsure of yourself.
- 2. Clasped behind your back. This looks aloof and superior, and should be avoided.
- 3. Relaxed, by your side. This feels very unnatural to most people, but actually looks good to the audience. It makes you seem to lack tension.
- 4. On your hips. This is a very positive position. It sends out a message that you are comfortable and self- assured. Don't overdo it. This stance is best used at moments when you stop speaking and are allowing the audience a moment to absorb your message.
- 5. Gesticulating. Learn the messages that your hands convey and use them to emphasize your points: an open hand denotes honesty; a closed fist, aggression or evasion; a pointing finger, hostility. Also be aware of cultural differences. The American thumb and forefinger gesture meaning 'okay' may be insulting in Denmark.
5. Read the Room
You are not the only one who is communicating non-verbally. Learn to recognize the unconscious signals that your audience is feeding back to you.
* A tilted head and direct eye contact indicates attentive approval.
* Raised eyebrows and forward-leaning posture denotes attentive alertness.
* Indirect gaze, accompanied by pen or finger biting show uncertainty.
* Folded arms can indicate hostility.
* A hand to the chin show that you are being summed up.
Finally, learn constantly. Whenever you watch a presenter, try to work out why they are good or bad. Every time you make a presentation, try to detach yourself and see how you can be even better next time.
And remember, applause doesn't always mean you are great - the audience might be being polite, and gentle snoring from the back of the room doesn't always show that you need to work on your technique - the CEO probably just had too good a lunch!
Martin Avis publishes a free weekly newsletter: BizE-Zine - your unfair advantage in Internet marketing, business and personal success. To subscribe, and get 4 great free gifts, please visit http://www.BizE-zine.com
Yours to letting your body speak positively for you!
Fran Watson
By Martin Avis
There is a language that we all speak, but few are conscious of: the language of our bodies.
When we are talking to others - either face-to-face, or from the front of the room, our posture, gestures, eye movements and general demeanor communicate far more than our words.
It is said that women interpret up to 80% of the meaning of a conversation by non-verbal means. Men fall a bit behind and 'only' rely on non-verbal clues for about 30%. However, in either case, if you are unconsciously giving out the wrong signals, the meaning behind your intended message will be weakened or lost.
Body language is a vast, fascinating subject, but from a business point of view, there are several pointers that can help to strengthen your message. The aim is to match your audience's unconscious template of what makes a person trustworthy and believable.
Try out these five tips and see if they help you:
1. Personal Space
Everybody has a personal space threshold. Generally, Americans and Northern Europeans prefer to stand about a meter (3 feet) apart. People from Southern European and Asian countries are comfortable a little closer. Folks who live in rural areas like a little more space. Social situations allow closer proximities than non-social.
Be aware if the person you are talking to is backing up, and try not to intrude on their territory. Otherwise the reaction will be defensive or hostile.
2. Eye Movements
Many people are nervous about making eye contact - it is vital to overcome that fear if you want to be respected and believed. An evasive or indirect gaze sends out a strong signal of untrustworthiness.
When speaking to a room full of people, it is essential that you allow yourself to make - and maintain for a few seconds - eye contact with everyone in the room, over and over.
++++++++++ True Story ++++++++++
I was recently invited to America to give a presentation to about forty business people, few of them known to me. The meeting went well and I made as much eye contact as possible. Afterwards, a guy who had been sitting off to my left came up to me and thanked me for a useful and entertaining talk. Then he said something strange: he apologized for offending me.
Puzzled, I assured him that it wasn't so, and asked why he thought so. This is what he said:
"Oh, I had a very late night last night, and after you had been talking for twenty minutes or so, I couldn't [keep] myself [from] yawning. After that, you didn't make any eye contact with me for the rest of the session, so I figured I'd upset you."
The truth was, I hadn't seen the yawn. He had been sitting just outside my comfortable visual area, and I had been concentrating on eyeballing everyone else in the room so hard, that I had missed him out.
I gave him a lot of attention he went away happy. But I couldn't help think that that guy might have been the most important person in the room and I could have blown the whole trip with that stupid act of inattention.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3. Appearance
It seems old-fashioned to talk about the need to be 'well turned out', but the axiom that 'you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression' is as true today as ever.
Experts say that the first five seconds of a meeting are more important than the next hour. Check all the obvious things like hair, teeth, fingernails, shoes, breath, immediately before the meeting. But also make sure you are putting on your best front, well in advance.
Even if the dress code is casual, there is a world of difference between dirty jeans and a crumpled T-shirt, and freshly laundered casual trousers and a polo shirt. Remember - dress to respect yourself and you automatically respect your audience.
4. Hands
Your hands are like semaphore flags. They send a message whatever position they are in.
Take a look at prominent politicians - they almost all use their hands to reinforce their words. Whether it is a chopping motion, like John F. Kennedy, or an open handed gesture like the English Prime Minister Blair, they are all intended to send visual signals directly to the right-brain of the listener to augment the words which normally address the left-brain.
One of the things I am asked most often when teaching presentation skills is 'what do I do with my hands?'
The easy answer 'just be natural' is not only unhelpful, but also completely wrong. You have to think of your hands and arms as every bit as important as the charts and slides you are presenting.
There are five places your hands can comfortably be:
- 1. In your pockets. Don't do it! It might feel natural, but the signal this gives is anything but. You will look uncomfortable, casual and unsure of yourself.
- 2. Clasped behind your back. This looks aloof and superior, and should be avoided.
- 3. Relaxed, by your side. This feels very unnatural to most people, but actually looks good to the audience. It makes you seem to lack tension.
- 4. On your hips. This is a very positive position. It sends out a message that you are comfortable and self- assured. Don't overdo it. This stance is best used at moments when you stop speaking and are allowing the audience a moment to absorb your message.
- 5. Gesticulating. Learn the messages that your hands convey and use them to emphasize your points: an open hand denotes honesty; a closed fist, aggression or evasion; a pointing finger, hostility. Also be aware of cultural differences. The American thumb and forefinger gesture meaning 'okay' may be insulting in Denmark.
5. Read the Room
You are not the only one who is communicating non-verbally. Learn to recognize the unconscious signals that your audience is feeding back to you.
* A tilted head and direct eye contact indicates attentive approval.
* Raised eyebrows and forward-leaning posture denotes attentive alertness.
* Indirect gaze, accompanied by pen or finger biting show uncertainty.
* Folded arms can indicate hostility.
* A hand to the chin show that you are being summed up.
Finally, learn constantly. Whenever you watch a presenter, try to work out why they are good or bad. Every time you make a presentation, try to detach yourself and see how you can be even better next time.
And remember, applause doesn't always mean you are great - the audience might be being polite, and gentle snoring from the back of the room doesn't always show that you need to work on your technique - the CEO probably just had too good a lunch!
Martin Avis publishes a free weekly newsletter: BizE-Zine - your unfair advantage in Internet marketing, business and personal success. To subscribe, and get 4 great free gifts, please visit http://www.BizE-zine.com
Yours to letting your body speak positively for you!
Fran Watson
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