Presentation Skills: Body Language, Movement and Verbal Delivery

Most professionals rank the ability to effectively communicate as the most important skill to possess. They also believe that the ability to present to their staff or another audience is equally as important. Communication and presenting skills are highly intertwined and can be developed with planning and preparation. Beyond the introduction, content and conclusion to the presentation, one’s body language, movement and verbal delivery can make or break any presentation.

Body Language Matters

Non-verbal methods of communicating are vital to the presentation. They include eye contact with the audience, one’s facial expressions during the presentation and question and answer period, posture, hand gestures, and the amount of space between the speaker and audience.

Feet and Body Movements

Stand firm and move with intentionality and purpose. Never sway back and forth. Use movement during the presentation to make a point or stress something important. Stand in a position where the entire audience can be seen. Don’t get in front of visuals if they are used.

Using the Hands

Decide where the hands will be when in a resting position and be sure to make it look natural. Use gestures to illustrate what is being said and when a point is being made. Gestures should be strong and quick to keep the energy and flow of the presentation high. Keep the hands away from the face. Point to visuals if they are being used.

The Eyes Can Tell the Story

Good eye contact is the sign of a well-seasoned and experienced speaker. Try to make eye contact with each person in the crowd if possible. This creates a personal connection and they may feel as though they are being directly spoken to. Don’t look away from the crowd for too long. They may disconnect.

Verbal Delivery

Use language that everyone will understand and avoid technical jargon or slang terminology. Change the pace and volume of speech, and place dramatic pauses throughout the presentation.

Final Thoughts on Presentation Skills

Public speaking is the number one phobia in the United States. Most professionals aren’t even comfortable presenting to audiences of employees or others. Fear and anxiety do not have to stop a well-prepared and planned out presentation. Besides developing the content, a great opening and a memorable conclusion, one’s body language, movement, and verbal delivery make a boring topic fun and exciting for the audience.

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