Body Language Cheat Sheet: Walk. Smile. Care.

Need better body language fast? Walk, smile and care.

Mastering presentation body language gets confusing fast. It takes time learn effective body language and eliminate “wrong” messages. Overused body language “tricks” ring false and irritate your audience. So here are three simple ways to dramatically improve your body language – fast.

Walk…
Take a hike! Practice relaxing your walk. Head up, shoulders back and relaxed, breathing deeply and walking with confidence and purpose. Try to lead with your sternum or collarbones. Practice by simply going for walks. Occasionally “scan” your body for relaxation, paying attention to how you feel and where you hold tension.

Smile…
Even if you’re not feeling it, put a genuine smile on your face. You will relax and engage your audience better. With a real smile – not a forced one – a lot of other better body language will follow.

Care…
You’re talking to someone, a lot like you would if you were simply sitting together. They matter to you. A lot. Show them you care about the experience they are having. Look at them, talk to them. Using the right gestures and posture can be effective, but avoid “tricks.” If you wouldn’t do it in conversation, you probably shouldn’t while presenting.

Walk. Smile. Care. Got it? Great. Have a nice day.

Source: Great Presentations Mean Business