Public Speaking Secrets – Speak & Grow Rich! #7

#7 Where do the hands go?

I remember when I first got up on stage to speak when I was in school, I was not trained and did not know what to do with my hands. So, I stood like a statue with my hands at my sides and spoke without much expression. That was how I started.

So, where do the hands go? One important thing to remember is to use the hands for gestures. You can communicate through your hands. In fact, hand gestures that compliment the words spoken makes a powerful communication. Whatever you say is made easier for the audience to understand with the help of gestures.

The second point to remember is what you would do with your hands when you pause or when you are listening to someone in the audience ask you a question. The palms come together, and you keep one palm on another and the palms are kept close to the tummy area but not touching it, and at a height near the navel region.

Practising the use of gestures and keeping the hands at the right position would help you become a much better presenter and speaker. Body language constitutes 55% of communication according to research.

Are you using your hands for gestures?

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Previous Articles:

#1 Smile when you say something important

#2 Standing Tall

#3 The Magic of Voice

#4 The Lighthouse Technique

#5 The Face Speaks
#6 Breathe slowly. Stay calm.

Public Speaking Secrets – Speak & Grow Rich! #6

#6 Breathe slowly. Stay calm.

Controlling nervousness has a physical aspect. When you get nervous you start breathing faster and chances are you will have a dry throat and mouth. Many people ask me what can be done in such a situation. While there are points about the mind that need to be considered, however, let us focus on the body and understand what can be done.

I found that learning to breathe very slowly is an instant solution. When you take long and deep breaths, you slow down your heart beat and feel relaxed. The nervousness reduces and allows you to speak calmly. This needs to be learnt and practiced to improve its effects.

I also advise speakers to drink a moderate amount of water to prevent the mouth to become dry very fast and to keep hydrated and fit. When you speak, you need to be on top form!

Do you take three deep breaths and drink some water before every speech or presentation?

Click here if you want to know about Public Speaking Workshops

Previous Articles:

#1 Smile when you say something important

#2 Standing Tall

#3 The Magic of Voice

#4 The Lighthouse Technique

#5 The Face Speaks

Public Speaking Secrets – Speak & Grow Rich! #5

#5 The Face Speaks

Expressions are the windows to the meaning of your communication. Your face is of utmost importance in public speaking. Words are of not much use here if not accompanied with facial expressions.

Imagine someone speaking to you with a blank face. This person has no expressions. How would you feel? Will you understand everything this person says? Wouldn’t it be better if you see happiness on the face when you hear something happy, or see an expression of sorrow when something sad is being spoken about?

Your facial expressions help the audience as most people are visual in nature. We pick up meanings easily through the facial expressions. In fact, if you face speaks a different language than your words, people would be confused, and in fact, would be more likely to believe your face than your words. For example, you show a sad face and say you are happy. What would the audience believe?

Are you expressing through your face while presenting in front of an audience?

Click here if you want to know about Public Speaking Workshops

Previous Articles:

#1 Smile when you say something important

#2 Standing Tall

#3 The Magic of Voice
#4 The Lighthouse Technique