Indirect communications play an important role when presenting or delivering communications.  This ranges from the way your body language is expressed and received by the audience in a physical presentation to your written tone in digital communications and graphics, to verbal tone in digital presentations.

In many cases, these “queues” are expressed indirectly, but will make an impact on your message, so training to control and improve these elements will support your objectives in your communications to the audience.

These aspects of your delivery can make the difference between providing a sense of authority, confidence, and acceptance or can negatively impact your message with an involuntary sense of uncertainty, confusion, and nervousness. Indirect communications can be one or two of the following depending on your presentation platform (i.e. virtual vs physical):

• Body language
• Voice tone and pitch
• Written tone
• Choice of colours and fonts in your presentation slides or panel boards
• Choice of clothing and physical appearance
• Your setting, environment, or stage/podium

Gestures and facial expressions play a major role in shaping our communication. This also applies to PPT presentations: A presenter’s body language is a crucial factor in influencing the audience’s response to content and key messages.

In many cases, these “queues” are expressed indirectly, but will make an impact on your message, so training to control and improve these elements will support your objectives in your communications to the audience.

The most common body language issues that arise when presenting include:

• Facial Expressions
• Hand gestures
• Stance
• Posture

Facial Expressions

Facial expressions show the audience how the speaker feels about the content. The more you connect with your content on an emotional level, the more impact your words will have on your audience. With a little practice, you can find the right facial expressions to set the right tone for your presentation. Practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror. How do you feel when you smile? Is your smile genuine? Or give your presentation in front of a familiar audience, such as your family or friends. Get honest feedback on your facial expressions and try to incorporate the critique. You can also find many helpful videos online.

Eye contact with an audience is key to a good presentation. Maintain eye contact with each audience member, but only one person at a time. Why? Most of us get nervous when we have to speak in front of several people. Our gaze moves from one audience member to the next, we wonder what they’re thinking — and we become insecure. If you concentrate on only one person at a time, it will feel like you’re having a one-on-one conversation. Much less intimidating than addressing a large crowd at once, right? In addition, each audience member will feel like you’re speaking to them directly – a positive and personal interaction that guarantees you’ll have their attention.

Keep in mind that if the room is large and at capacity, you’ll probably not be able to make eye contact with everyone present. In this situation, divide your audience into sections: front, center, back, left, right. Fixate on one person from one area and then another from the next area. Once you have made eye contact with one person from each area, start again from the first section. You can also support your key messages by slightly lowering your chin at the end while maintaining eye contact with your audience. This will add weight to your statement and the audience will find you more credible and competent.

Here are some additional points to think about:

• A genuine smile always makes a good impression. Particularly when welcoming your audience, it can help you create a friendly, pleasant atmosphere.
• Use a neutral facial expression when presenting facts, such as figures and data. Emotions will seem out of place here.
• Emphasize important points with raised eyebrows and open eyes. A smile can also enhance the effect.
• If you have to present less-than-optimal data or results, pull your eyebrows down and squint your eyes a bit. This clearly signals a negative emotion.
• When you make a rhetorical pause or lose your train of thought, make sure that you keep your mouth closed. This will make you appear calm and confident. Breathe calmly and continue the sentence you have started.

Hand Gestures

A gesture is a hand or arm movement that expresses or emphasizes an idea. Many presenters know the feeling of not knowing where to put their hands during a presentation. A common awkward reaction is to clasp your hands behind your body or just let your arms hang. This often comes across as insecure, unprofessional and uninspired. Instead, use your hands to punctuate your presentation at specific points and underline key messages. This communicates professionalism and dynamism.

Whenever you explain a new section of the process, point to where you are on the slide. Or punctuate the process itself. If the process went forward, represent this with forward-moving had gesture. If it went backward, make a backward motion with your hands. This shows that you’re involved, energized and professional. Be sure to practice in front of a mirror beforehand. Which gestures complement your presentation? Do they support your statements? Next, test these gestures in front of family and friends. Make sure to get feedback. You can also find a lot of online resources to help you.

What about your hands? Hand gestures can be game changers during a presentation.

Avoid the following:

• Hands on hips: This quickly comes across as unsympathetic or judgmental.
• Hands in pockets: This makes them look insecure and unprofessional.
• Pen in hand: You may find yourself playing with the pen, either unconsciously or out of nervousness.
• Crossed arms: It may be a comfortable position for you, but it expresses resistance and detachment. You’ll subconsciously build a barrier and come off as defensive to your audience.

Stance

Do you plan to sit during your presentation? Please don’t! When you present, you need to be the literal center of attention. Presenting while sitting will immediately take the focus off you. You’ll appear unmotivated, uninspired and limit how much body language you can use. If you’re sitting behind a table or have your laptop in front of you, you’re basically hiding from your audience.

Stand while presenting. You’ll have freedom to move around and use your body language in a more purposeful way. You’ll appear more animated and motivated. Be aware of distracting objects in front of you, such as tables, and remove them. You want to be fully visible to the audience and not create an unconscious barrier.

Everyone who presents has faced the question, ” Can I move around, or should I stay in one spot?”. Here’s the answer: you can do both. But there are some rules to follow in both cases. Here’s one: Avoid walking back and forth all the time – give your movements intention and meaning. For example, move after you’ve made a statement or finished a section. Or when you want to explain something from a different point of view.

Posture

Stand up straight. Make yourself as tall as possible. Avoid slouching or slumping your shoulders forward. Rocking your upper body back and forth or swaying side to side creates an unsettled effect. What has a positive impact on your posture?  Self-confidence. Know your presentation topic inside and out and rehearse your presentation several times over. The more familiar you are with your topic, the more confident you will appear. Self-confidence straightens the back.

Keep your head as still as possible while speaking. Raising your head and voice at the end of a sentence sounds like you’re asking a question. And this makes you seem less confident. Avoid nervous hair flicking or touching.

• Don’t stand with your legs too far apart. This can make you look less elegant.
• Don’t stand with your legs too close together. It’s an easy way to lose your footing and maybe even trip.
• Do stand with your legs about shoulder width apart so you have a firm and stable stance.

Physical Appearance

We all know looking good is important, but did you know that your choice of outfit can directly affect your body language? Choose something comfortable but at the same time is appropriate for the occasion (no sweatpants!). If you’re not a suit-and-tie guy, don’t decide to become one for your presentation. You’ll be uncomfortable and won’t be able to present confidently.

Specifically for women, high heels can look good. But make sure that you can walk in them if you want to wear them during your presentation. Nothing is worse than an unsteady gait or even slipping or falling. Think about your footwear.

Avoid wearing clothes that are too colorful or garish. This quickly distracts from your actual presentation and may even make your body language look funny. Coordinate your clothing with your background so that you don’t “disappear”.  Before you start your presentation, check that your clothes fit. Are all buttons closed? Is the zipper of the pants closed? This will allow you to go into the presentation with confidence, which will only benefit your body language.

I hope these tips will help you i your next presentation, let me know if you have any other tips or thoughts on this in the comments section.