Though non verbal communication constitutes 93% of your communication impact, many struggle with getting it right. Here are a few tips to great impact.
- Non verbal communication cannot be ‘acted out’. Body language is nothing but a manifestation of your thoughts. So think clear, think positive and think confident and your body will reflect the same!
- A lot of our non-verbal messaging comes from our personality and is rather hard-wired. Any drastic change would only make you look inauthentic and lose credibility! Rather identify your own unique style, “own” it and don’t worry if you don’t fit a stereotypical mould.
- Smile! : Don’t take yourself too seriously and get all wound up. Speak with your audience connecting with them as ‘people’ and not with the ‘roles’ that they play. Flash a warm smile as you greet, start and end your presentation.
- Breathe life into your voice: Don’t focus your thoughts on the outcomes of your talk and the response you think you are getting from the audience like, “Do they agree? “Is this going well?, I am making an impact””. These thoughts distract you from your subject resulting in your speech sounding lifeless and monotonous. Rather, keep your mind committed to the larger purpose of what you are saying, how critical it is, how useful your talk can be.
Fire up your own passion, and watch your voice reflect it.
- Use your hands while speaking as you normally do. Just take care never to use the pointing finger, open palm gestures or digging your hands into your pocket.
Finally, your eyes are the invisible reins to your audience. Use them to connect and really speak’ to’ the audience rather than ‘at’ them. Shiny eyes lit up with enthusiasm are infectious!