Six Keys to Commanding Body Language
It's essential to communicate confidence when speaking in public or meeting a new client. Here's how
by Carmine Gallo
When you speak, you represent a brand. The brand of you. How you talk, walk, and look reflect upon that brand. What does your body language say about you? Does it say you're trustworthy, confident, and competent, or just the opposite? While there are thousands of books and articles devoted to body language, how many have you read lately? Sometimes too much information is a bad thing. Let's keep it simple. Here are some simple keys to commanding a room.
Gallo is a Pleasanton (Calif.)-based corporate presentation coach and former Emmy-award winning television journalist. He is the author of the new book, 10 Simple Secrets of the World's Greatest Business Communicators. Visit him online at www.carminegallo.com
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The Handshake
Studies show that people size you up in the first two seconds. In that short time, it's not what you say that may matter most but often what your handshake says about you. A limp, clammy, "dead-fish" handshake will leave your listener with little confidence in you and your message.
What to do: Nothing fancy required, just a firm handshake with two or three shakes usually does the trick. Avoid squeezing like a vice. The key is to maintain eye contact while shaking hands. Finally, a warm smile adds just the right touch.
The Stance
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell stands (or sits) tall -- steadfast and assured. No slumping or slouching for this soldier. A slouching body posture is a sure way to associate yourself with a lack of enthusiasm, confidence, and leadership ability.
What to do: Keep your weight balanced on both feet, stand tall, eyes ahead. When sitting, avoid slumping into the fold of your chair or leaning back. Watch as people respond to you differently.
The Eyes
Eye contact is associated with trustworthiness, sincerity, and confidence -- all the traits we look for in leaders. How do you feel when someone at a trade show is talking to you while looking around the room for someone else, perhaps someone "more important." Make everyone feel as though you're having a one-on-one conversation with them. Draw them in with your eyes. You're talking to them, not at them.
The Arms
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina is a very polished speaker. It's nearly impossible to find a photograph of her with a closed posture. This means there's nothing in between her and her listeners. For example, standing behind a podium is closed -- it adds a block between you and the listener. Crossing your arms is closed as well.
The Hands
Former President Bill Clinton uses hand gestures to punctuate virtually every point, as does British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Complex hand gestures means using both hands in various positions during the course of a talk or presentation. Complex gestures reflect complex thought, and give us confidence in the listener.
What to do: Clients often ask me, "What do I do with my hands?" Use them! Don't try to mimic other people's gestures because you will look contrived. However, feel free to use your hands in a way that feels natural. Videotape yourself speaking to see whether your gestures appear natural and comfortable. You might discover that you use few, if any, gestures. Free yourself!
The Air of Confidence
Think about the "Austrian Oak," California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has an air of confidence. Regardless of the events surrounding him or the criticism he may be facing by any particular group, he conveys a look of being in control. You won't see him wringing his hands, shuffling back and forth, jiggling coins in his pocket, or rubbing his hands repeatedly through his hair. He comes across as someone who won't cower, waffle, or retreat.
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/04/sb_presentations/index_01.htm
by Carmine Gallo
When you speak, you represent a brand. The brand of you. How you talk, walk, and look reflect upon that brand. What does your body language say about you? Does it say you're trustworthy, confident, and competent, or just the opposite? While there are thousands of books and articles devoted to body language, how many have you read lately? Sometimes too much information is a bad thing. Let's keep it simple. Here are some simple keys to commanding a room.
Gallo is a Pleasanton (Calif.)-based corporate presentation coach and former Emmy-award winning television journalist. He is the author of the new book, 10 Simple Secrets of the World's Greatest Business Communicators. Visit him online at www.carminegallo.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Handshake
Studies show that people size you up in the first two seconds. In that short time, it's not what you say that may matter most but often what your handshake says about you. A limp, clammy, "dead-fish" handshake will leave your listener with little confidence in you and your message.
What to do: Nothing fancy required, just a firm handshake with two or three shakes usually does the trick. Avoid squeezing like a vice. The key is to maintain eye contact while shaking hands. Finally, a warm smile adds just the right touch.
The Stance
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell stands (or sits) tall -- steadfast and assured. No slumping or slouching for this soldier. A slouching body posture is a sure way to associate yourself with a lack of enthusiasm, confidence, and leadership ability.
What to do: Keep your weight balanced on both feet, stand tall, eyes ahead. When sitting, avoid slumping into the fold of your chair or leaning back. Watch as people respond to you differently.
The Eyes
Eye contact is associated with trustworthiness, sincerity, and confidence -- all the traits we look for in leaders. How do you feel when someone at a trade show is talking to you while looking around the room for someone else, perhaps someone "more important." Make everyone feel as though you're having a one-on-one conversation with them. Draw them in with your eyes. You're talking to them, not at them.
The Arms
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina is a very polished speaker. It's nearly impossible to find a photograph of her with a closed posture. This means there's nothing in between her and her listeners. For example, standing behind a podium is closed -- it adds a block between you and the listener. Crossing your arms is closed as well.
The Hands
Former President Bill Clinton uses hand gestures to punctuate virtually every point, as does British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Complex hand gestures means using both hands in various positions during the course of a talk or presentation. Complex gestures reflect complex thought, and give us confidence in the listener.
What to do: Clients often ask me, "What do I do with my hands?" Use them! Don't try to mimic other people's gestures because you will look contrived. However, feel free to use your hands in a way that feels natural. Videotape yourself speaking to see whether your gestures appear natural and comfortable. You might discover that you use few, if any, gestures. Free yourself!
The Air of Confidence
Think about the "Austrian Oak," California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has an air of confidence. Regardless of the events surrounding him or the criticism he may be facing by any particular group, he conveys a look of being in control. You won't see him wringing his hands, shuffling back and forth, jiggling coins in his pocket, or rubbing his hands repeatedly through his hair. He comes across as someone who won't cower, waffle, or retreat.
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/04/sb_presentations/index_01.htm
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