10 Body Language Mistakes During Presentations

Non-verbal communication can impact your presentation at large. Several studies have shown that body language contributes both in a positive and negative way to a presenter’s influence. Body language is extremely important as you walk into a room to deliver a presentation. Your behaviour helps the audience to figure out your personality and message much before you begin the presentation.

1. Avoiding eye contact Let’s start from the eyes. Avoiding eye contact often implies deceit towards the audience. Always try to maintain an eye contact with the audience while making any point even if it is for a short duration. But don’t break the contact too rapidly.

Remember: Eye contact can help you persuade the audience better on any particular matter since it signifies the confidence of the presence.

2. Rolling of the eyes. Don’t even think of trying it since rolling the eyes sends an attitude of disrespect towards the audience. Rolling of the eyes tells your audience that you are lying to them. Remember: Try making a firm eye contact to convey your preparedness towards the presentation. A little smile can be a great add-on.

3. Single spot staring Trust us; you should never stare at a single spot continuously. If the audience notices that you are staring at a single spot, especially at the roof, it makes you look unprepared for the presentation. Remember: Try looking at numerous people so that the audience members feel wanted. They will attend to the presentation more carefully this way.

4. Refusing to smile Let’s come to the face. Yes, you should begin the presentation with a smile. Your smile can enable the audience to receive the message more willingly. Unless you are conducting a presentation that delivers bad news, it is always ok to smile, even during business meetings. Remember: A smile at relevant timings makes for half the work done (usually).

5. Crossing your arms Keeping your arms crossed may cast an impression on the audience that you are very casual about your presentation. It is best to keep your arms open, slightly distant from the body. Remember: Open arms will convey your confidence towards the audience and create a peaceful background for the presentation.

6. Hand movements Coming to the body, hand movement plays a crucial role. Fidgeting, hiding or clasping your hands flaunts under confidence and weaknesses. Try to be conscious about your body to avoid fidgeting. Remember: Using precise and smaller hand indications are a great way to demonstrate any point with dominance. Going for a presentation rehearsal is a good strategy to control fidgeting.

7. Showing the back to the audience Remember, your audience has come to see you and not your back. Showing the back leads to boring the audience who ultimately lose interest in your presentation. Remember: Face your audience in the forward direction and turn your head occasionally towards them. Like this, you can look at the presentation screen more often.

8. Awful posture An awful posture is pretty uncool while delivering a presentation. You can hold your head upwards and keep the shoulders back to maintain the eye contact. Remember: A comfortable posture enables you to breathe easy and convey confidence while delivering the presentation.

9. Pathetic body movement Gestures like moving the legs and arms too quickly or for a long time can give an odd feeling. Displaying too much body movement can make you look nervous in front of the audience. Remember: Try changing your gestures quite often and let them come naturally. Your gestures should convey a clear message instead of hindering communication.

10. Movement of the legs Finally, we come to the legs. Committing the mistake of shaking your legs and constantly changing your standing position will send the signal to your audience that you are restless with the presentation. Remember: Just stand in a confident manner during the presentation. Make them believe that you are a veteran when it comes to delivering presentations.