Human is a social creature. That is why communication is vitally important for us. However, have you noticed that when we speak our bodies speak with us? To make it clear there are two types of languages that each and every person uses in daily life. These are verbal language (when we use words and sounds to give the information) and non-verbal. The last one is the body language which we use without thinking, but that gives the most information about the speaker.
For instance, you are going to give a speech at the conference, so there is a must for you to take care of your posture, gestures, facial expression. If you feel unconfident in your speech or you are too shy and timid to go on the stage and open your mouth then no matter how well your topic is you’ll fail. Probably you saw some people that without saying even a single word could attract everyone’s attention. Actually, such people appeal to the audience silently, using non-verbal language.
Students usually are not keen on speaking from the stage. Some people can be so scared of the crowds that lose whole assurance. They start to cry, forget their lines and sometimes it may lead even to losing their voices.
Hence, here are some tips which could be useful for every student to take note of.
Facial Expression
Eyes
It is said that eyes are the mirror of the soul. Somehow it is true. At least they may reveal our thoughts and intentions. To give a good impression, it is important to make an eye contact with the listener. In case you speak in front of several people or a big audience, it would be better to look above their heads. It will make them think that you look at each person’s face. Another way is to choose one or two listeners from the others and look at them when you speak. Don’t hide your eyes! That will show your fear and make you feel even more worried.
Mouth
Don’t mumble! Open mouth, speak loudly and don’t forget about a smile. Smile always makes people attractive for others. They will think that the speaker has such a charming smile, and they, for sure, will gladly listen to you. Which is also important, your brain considers a smile as a reflection of your positive mood. Which is mean if you force yourself to smile latter you’ll feel that your nervousness is going down, and your mood is up.
Hands and Shoulders
Remember the game of your childhood called “Hide and seek”? When you wanted to hide in a small place, you should have bend sometimes to make yourself smaller. Same goes with your shoulders when you are afraid to speak. You hump because you want to hide from the audience, and people perceive it as lack of the confidence. On the other hand, wildly spread shoulders will make you look impressively.
Hands are your best helpers and the worst enemies you may have. Mind your hands and better use them to indicate something, to express your feelings towards a situation or during the explanation. Keep in mind couple taboos for the hands:
Firstly, don’t cross them in front of your body. Crossed hands are as closed doors between you and the audience. Quite inconvenient, don’t you think so?
Secondly, don’t pretend to be a mill and wave your hands too much. That won’t give any information except that you are nervous.
Legs
Things with the legs are pretty similar as with hands, but they are the most difficult to deal with. Usually, you try to stand as it is the most comfortable for you. In the same time if you look down on your legs you’ll notice that they are crossed. That means that unconsciously you what to divide yourself from the others. Try not to cross your legs and you will feel more confident in yourself.