How to Overcome Nervousness through Body Language in Public Speaking
The Power of Body Language
Body language plays a crucial role in how we communicate with others. It is estimated that only 7% of communication is verbal, while the remaining 93% is non-verbal, made up of body language and tone of voice. This means that our body language can greatly impact how others perceive us and our message.
When it comes to public speaking, our body language can also affect how we feel. Research has shown that adopting a powerful posture, such as standing tall and making eye contact with the audience, can actually increase feelings of confidence and reduce feelings of nervousness.
Here are some body language techniques that can help you overcome nervousness in public speaking:
1. Stand Tall
When you stand tall, you signal to your brain that you are confident and in control. This can help reduce feelings of nervousness and increase your overall confidence. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, your shoulders back, and your chin up. This posture not only makes you look confident, but it also helps you breathe deeply and fully, which is crucial for public speaking.
2. Make Eye Contact
Making eye contact with your audience shows that you are confident and engaged. It also helps you connect with your audience and can make them more receptive to your message. When you make eye contact, hold it for a few seconds before moving on to another audience member. This will make your audience feel like you are speaking directly to them.
3. Use Gestures
Gestures can be a powerful tool in public speaking, helping to emphasize your message and engage your audience. Use your hands and arms to punctuate key points, and use facial expressions to convey emotion. This will help you come across as more passionate and authentic in your speech.
4. Use Open Body Language
Using open body language, such as uncrossing your arms and legs, signals that you are open and receptive to your audience. This can help build trust and rapport with your audience, helping them feel more comfortable and engaged.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Practicing your body language techniques is crucial for success in public speaking. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend, experimenting with different body language techniques and finding what works best for you. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when speaking in front of an audience.
Additional Tips for Overcoming Nervousness
While body language can be a powerful tool in overcoming nervousness in public speaking, there are also other techniques you can use to calm your nerves and increase your confidence:
1. Prepare thoroughly. Thorough preparation is key to feeling confident and in control when speaking in public. Make sure you know your material inside and out, and have a clear understanding of what you want to communicate to your audience.
2. Visualize success. Visualize yourself giving a successful presentation, feeling confident and in control. This can help you feel more comfortable and prepared when the time comes to speak.
3. Breathe deeply. Deep breathing can help calm nerves and reduce feelings of anxiety. Take a few deep breaths before speaking, and continue to breathe deeply throughout your presentation.
4. Focus on your message. Instead of focusing on your nerves, focus on your message and what you want to communicate to your audience. This can help take the focus off of your nervousness and help you feel more confident.
In conclusion, overcoming nervousness in public speaking is possible with the right body language techniques and mindset. By standing tall, making eye contact, using open body language, and practicing your techniques, you can become a confident and effective public speaker. Remember to prepare thoroughly, visualize success, breathe deeply, and focus on your message, and you'll be well on your way to overcoming nervousness and delivering successful presentations.