Something About The Way You Move…

Storyboard Guru Speaks | March 4, 2008 | Comments (2)

Something About The Way You Move…
As we were talking about last week–your audience is watching the way you move. And nothing goes unnoticed.

It’s as if, just because you are in the front of the room, everything you do is magnified.

So, take a look at these body-movements that could be detracting, distracting and downright annoying for your audience.

• Hands in your pockets
• Jingling change or keys in your pockets
• Twisting rings on your fingers
• Chewing on your eye glasses
• Slouching or poor posture
• Frequent scratching yourself
• Adjusting and readjusting your hair
• Fidgeting with your clothes
• Standing with your legs crossed

You get the idea. Little things take on big proportions.

These are the things people remember.

“Remember the guy who kept chewing on his glasses?” they’ll say. And you don’t want that to be you.

If you suddenly realize when the spotlight is on you that you have several habits that could be detracting attention away from your presentation, here are three things to do.

First, watch yourself on video. You’ll see for yourself which habits are most troubling.

Second, have a colleague, coach or friend consult on your physical expression. Have them make a tally of which habits you do the most. Ask them for their recommendations for which ones are the worst.

Third, starting with the most irritating or distracting habits, make this part of your personal performance plan. Keep track of presentation physical habits and systematically work down your list.

In a short time, you’ll be rid of the worst and having a much easier time connecting with your audience.

Tags: presentation skill