Copyright (c) 2008 Lynda Stucky

Great professional speakers deliver speeches that are engaging to listen to and that also draw in their audiences visually. They keep their gestures to a minimum and use them purposefully to emphasize the content of the message. They make eye contact with each audience member as though they are the only people in the room. They express sincerity through a smile and appear to be relaxed.

Even if you aren't a professional speaker, paying attention to your "visual presentation" in conversation is important! Do you make eye contact with the listener? Do you use your eyes, eyebrows and mouth to express your meaning? Or does your face suggest boredom and disinterest? Do your hands and arms add meaning to your message or do they nervously move about?

Some of us need to learn to enlarge our gestures and facial expression while others of us need to tone them down a bit. Even if your audience is only one other person, try these techniques for enhancing your message:

1. Minimize distracting gestures. Using your hands non-purposefully while talking is one of the biggest problems. If your hands are constantly moving, sit on them to keep still. This strategy is useful for eliminating unwanted movement. Other behaviors that take the listener away from hearing the speaker's words include fiddling with pocket contents (keys, change), pacing, adjusting clothing, wringing hands, etc. All of these can be eliminated with a little effort.

2. Let your body respond naturally to what you are thinking and feeling. The times that we feel most passionately about a topic are the times when our body movements are most natural. But you can bring natural movements into even the most mundane conversations. Raised eyebrows and expressive smiles are just a few sincere expressions.

3. Use your fingers when listing points. Successful speakers use gestures and words together to convey meaningful messages. For example, use two fingers to express two things. Point to a body part when you speak about listening or thinking. Look for other gestures that help to accentuate your message.

4. Use facial expression to express sincerity and a positive attitude. A warm smile, raised eye brows and head nods can help to express sincerity and warmth.

5. Make eye contact when you speak. In order to involve your listeners and let them know you are speaking to them personally and directly, you must look them in the eye. Failure to make eye contact may imply disinterest and a lack of confidence, sincerity and trust.

Take a few moments to observe others. What body language or gestures do others use in every day speech? The ability to communicate ideas through gestures and facial expressions will enhance your effectiveness as a speaker.


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Speech and voice expert Lynda Stucky shows you how to use your voice effectively to establish credibility, position yourself within your company, and enhance your reputation as an authority in your area of expertise. She is a corporate speech pathologist who consults with business professionals on speaking to captivate, engage and inspire. http://www.clearly-speaking.com