Just recently one of my coaches chatted to me about why so many corporates still don’t see much value in alternative training. Which is rather strange because most of the world already uses some kind of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in a corporate setting but South Africa is still way behind.

When it comes to “Presentation skills”, even business schools and colleges don’t offer some kind of additional soft skills training to teach people how to present their business once they’ve graduated?

None the less, VbD has done just that. You see, when you have eyes on you, something about your body and behaviour changes. If you don’t understand the change and have some practical tips and techniques to handle this, it always ends up wrong. You have to get your brain on board to get your body onboard to get your message delivered effectively.

Body Language Mistakes to Avoid

1.  Movements of the hands

One of the common mistakes among presenters is certainly the movements of the hands.

• Hiding your hands,
• clasping them, or
• fidgeting with them
• Keeping your hands in pockets is also a meek gesture that indicates that you are afraid

This displays your nervousness, and might give your audience the sense that you do not believe in what you’re saying. , Some of your audience members might find it rude towards them. Remember, if you don’t look confident in you are presentation –the audience will not remain attentive.

Try keeping your arms in front in an open manner.  Use your hands to explain your point of view through calculated, concise movement.

2.  Crossed arms

Crossing your arms might also give the impression to your audience that you are

•  unenthusiastic about your presentation or information,
• or that something is incorrect.
• It’s a defensive posture that will signal defensiveness and resistance and
• Create a distance between you and your audience.

Keep your arms open, and at a certain distance from your body, almost like you are giving a big bear hug.  This open gesture is engaging and welcomed, it will give a message of peace and confidence to the audience.

3.  Avoiding Eye Contact

Avoiding audience eye contact and looking at the

• watch,
• at your feet,
•  or constantly looking at the screen or your presentation will look facetious and unprofessional.

Instead – Always consider making eye contact with audience when making a point. You can even make it short but don’t be too quick, stay truthful when eye contact.  Quickly moving your head during presentation will portray that you are personally interested and passionate in that individuals.

4. Bad Posture

Posture is one of the most important attributes within body language during delivering a presentation.

If you are dropping your back and shoulders and your neck limping, it will defiantly convey a weak message and your audience might start thinking about your professionalism.

Instead – aim for a neutral position, sitting or standing tall like a string is connecting your head to the ceiling.

Every month we have Presentation Skills Master Class to share some very valuable knowledge about this.