What Great Speakers Do

They use body language to enhance their message, build rapport, and project confidence.

Here are key body language techniques that make them effective:

1. Confident Posture
I call this the Wonder Woman pose. It creates a great visual, doesn't it?

• Stand tall with shoulders back and chest open (avoid slouching).

• Feet shoulder-width apart for a stable, grounded presence.

• Avoid crossing your arms - it can seem defensive.
  
  

2. Purposeful Gestures

• Use open hand gestures (palms up or out) to appear welcoming and honest.

• Don't put your hands in your pockets. When people see your hands it builds trust!

• Avoid fidgeting (e.g., tapping fingers, playing with hair) which distracts from the message.
  
  

3. Strong Eye Contact

• Avoid staring at notes/slides too long (memorizing eventually is best). Look up. Keep the speech natural.
  
  

4. Expressive Facial Expressions

• Smile genuinely when appropriate. It is warm and welcoming. It makes you more likable and approachable.

• Raise your eyebrows! This shows you are really interested in what the other person is saying.

• Match expressions to tone (e.g., serious face for serious topics or wide open eyes for surprise & delight).

• Avoid a blank stare - emotion helps the audience connect with you. Otherwise, you will seem disconnected.
  
  

5. Controlled Movement

• Use the "power pause" also known as the "pregnant pause" - which is standing still, being quiet and holding space, during key moments to let the words you just said sink in.
  
  

6. Tone

• Use inflections! No one wants to listen to a monotone voice.

7. The CHERRY ON TOP...They are AMAZING storytellers.

Remember: Facts TELL. Stories SELL! People remember stories not facts.
Great speakers know how to tell stories with emotion, inflection and pace. They draw the audience in and make them feel connected to the speaker!

The Secret to Handling Nerves

• Take 3 Slow, deep breaths before you start recording.
  
  

Think about great speakers like Obama, Tony Robbins, Ed Mylett, or Brené Brown. They combine these techniques naturally to command attention and connect deeply.

Bonus Tip: Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to refine your body language!

I teach all of this and more in my live, 6-week course S.P.E.A.K Course coming again soon!
Click here to get on the waitlist!