Body
Language
As I mentioned
in the previous lesson, besides verbal language there is also body
language (movements, gestures, attitudes, etc) all of which you are
usually not conscious of, nor know how they work.
Through
body language, the speaker transmits messages: nerves, shyness,
security, confidence, enthusiasm, doubts, etc.
From the
moment you get to the stage, your hand movements, facial expressions,
posture, movements on the stand, eye contact, etc are all transmitting
different messages.
The audience
captures all of these things clearly.
Sometimes
these messages are the opposite to what the speaker is trying to
communicate with his/her verbal language.
For
example, the president of the company is telling his employees what
most worries him is their wellfare, but througout the speech he
does not look once at his employees.
The best
way to perceive this body language is to tape it on video.
A lot
of us will be surprised: nervous tics, restless hands that don't
stop moving, contrary gestures, looks towards the ceiling, unyielding
attitude, etc.
Therefore,
given its importance in relation to communication, it is an aspect
that you need to work on in the rehearsals.
From the
moment you go up onto the stand you should be able to use this body
language in a positive way, providing a connexion with the public,
re-inforcing your image.
You have
to transmit serenity and naturalness, avoiding gestures, attitudes
or movements that show the contrary.
You
have to get on the stage with confidence, calmly (speed denotes
nervousness and insecurity).
During
the speech it is a good idea to move around the stage, don't remain
in one place, but control the movements, avoiding strolling without
reason. Movement breaks monotomy and helps to capture the public's
attention.
If
the speech is read you can not move around at all, but you should
maintain a comfortable posture, up right, although try to be natural
and not forced, without clutching the stand (feeling of insecurity).
If
the speaker is seated he should try to sit up with the aim of enhancing
his figure so that he doesn't look lost behind the table (visual
contact is fundamental to establish a communication with the public).
If
it is possible (for example in a class room) it is advisable to
move between the audience, help break distances, transmiting an
image of closeness.
You
have to try and get over your shyness, as this transmits insecurity
and makes the connection with the public difficult.
Your
facial expressions should be relaxed: a smile serves to win over
the public, whilst a stiff expression provokes rejection.
The
hand movements should be rehearsed. Hands that don't stop moving
giving off a bad impression, as do hands that don't move.
The
movements should be elegant. The hands should be used to emphasize
what you are saying, so that your voice and gestures are coordinated,
underlining the crucial points of the speech.
The very
situation of the speaker on the stage also transmits subliminal messages:
Standing
up, in the centre of the stage: authority.
Sitting
down, on one side of the stage: more relaxed attitude, less solemn.
