When speaking to a group, does your body language show your confidence? When you want to practice effective executive speaking, you must improve and clarify your body language.
Ever attend a speech when something was off? The speaker says the right words, but you really don’t like him! It’s likely that the speaker’s body language and words contradict one another. Let’s face it. We like things that match and feel true.
Do you know someone who is a musician? Have you ever seen her head reflexively shake “no” if something is off with the music? That’s what happens when your body language fails to match your words. Inside, the audience shakes with, “No . . . this is not truthful . . . I don’t like this.”
Now, here is a big mistake as well as how you can take action to really connect with an audience (or in a meeting).
Mistake: Your words say you’re confident and that your product will help. But your body language says, “Don’t hurt me.”
Imagine you’re at a big conference. You expect a lot of top level people to practice effective executive speaking. But then you hear someone say, “I’m confident that my product will solve your problems.” But that person is wringing his hands. Do you believe her?
Avoid “petting your own hand like a pet cat.” Often, when nervous, people pet one hand with the other hand. This looks like you’re comforting yourself. It’s as if you’re saying to yourself, “There. There. I know you’re nervous in front of the big, scary people.”
Avoid the “Fig Leaf.” Another behavior to avoid is placing your hands together as if you’re covering or protecting yourself near the bottom of your torso. This screams, “I have no confidence.”
Avoid doing the “Mr. Spock.” Mr. Spock often held his hands behind his back. It’s almost as if he was saying to Kirk, “I’d hit you, Captain, but my hands are clasped back here.” (For non-”Star Trek” enthusiasts: Mr. Spock has emotions. He just restrains them.)
Finally, when you answer a question (even a tough one), turn your body and face the questioner. If appropriate, take one or two steps toward that person and include his or her name when you address them. Turn your body so “heart faces heart” and say, “Thanks, Sue. I’m glad you brought that up. Now, I can add . . .” But only try this if you can do it with sincerity.
Every moment you spend in preparation for effective executive speaking will deliver a mountain of benefits. Keep in mind: Courage is easier when you’re prepared.
Tom Marcoux is America’s Communication Coach, and author of 9 books sold in 15 countries. Award-winning speaker, Marcoux guides CEOs, business owners in executive speaking. Member of National Speakers Association, Tom is a guest lecturer at Stanford University, National Association of Broadcasters Conferences. Get a Free Report at Tom’s blog: http://beheardandbetrusted.com/
Tags: business marketing, communication, Communications, effective communication, effective executive speaking, exeutive speaking, public speaking, speaking