Body Language: The Key to More Professional Presentations
You've probably sat through any number of presentations in which you had trouble paying attention or lacked confidence in the presenter. Sometimes it's easy to pinpoint exactly why the presenter wasn't credible -- a poor quality PowerPoint deck, the presenter was unprepared or wasn't dressed appropriately. But sometimes it's more subtle than that. The presenter's body language conveys a lot of information, often subconsciously and unintentionally. Pay attention to your body for a more impactful pitch.
Not sure what your body might be doing when you're not paying attention? Inc. has rounded up 10 examples of body language dos and don'ts for your next presentation. Check out the slideshow over at Inc. for all the details, but here are five of the most important ones you should keep in mind:
Don't talk to the screen. If you need to refer to the presentation, turn and take a moment to collect your thoughts, then turn back to the audience and continue your talk. You can't be heard very well when you're faced away, and the lack of eye contact communicates insincerity.
Kill verbal pauses. Infrequent presenters torpedo their credibility with verbal fillers like "umm," "you know," and "like." Practice your presentation and specifically work on stripping these words from your vocabulary.
Gesture with your entire arm, pivoting at the shoulder. Don't lock your upper arms and flex at the elbows. You look ridiculous, like you're doing a chicken dance.
Kill sound effects. Don't laugh or chortle in your presentation -- it's unprofessional and makes you look like a clown.
Don't roll your eyes. This symbol of disdain is potentially offensive, especially if you do it while responding to a question. Always give the appearance of being professional, respectful, and patient.
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