I recently had a challenging situation in the office, with a colleague of mine. Because we had only been working together for a short time and our personalities were quite different, we ended up struggling in our communication: I preferred to be direct and to the point, she liked to also have a friendly chat and spend time getting to know each other.
Obviously, because of our differences in communication styles we ended up having some very heated conversations. We both felt upset and not understood by the other which created a tension in the office. Continue Reading »
In this episode of my video series on presentation skills, we explore how your body language impacts your message.
There are four presentation styles that every speaker should and can easily master. Watch the video and read the descriptions below.
Director Style
This is the presentation body language that commands attention while maintaining dignity and rapport. It offers no immediate opportunity for resistance.You will use it to give clear mobilizing directions.
Instructions: Stand straight, square the shoulders, and maintain eye contact. During instruction, stay as still as possible. After the instruction, freeze for a couple of breaths while slowly scanning room. Use a strong voice. Use visual words and physiology.
Discovery Style
This is the presentation body language used when ‘on stage’ or teaching.You can use it to elicit curiosity, wonder, excitement and discovery. To explore what is possible to know or learn; to build closeness and partnership with the audience.
Intsructions: Stand light on feet, move laterally across stage, Use lots of gestures congruent with content, voices and expressions, and maintain an air of playfulness. Use “Let’s”, “Us”, “We” and phrases such as “Here’s an idea. What do you think or feel about it?” “This is true for me, how about for you?” Move in and out of the audience.
Leadership Style
This is the presentation body language style that inspires and calls people to action. You can use it to unify a group, and get them to move toward commitment and action.
Instructions: Stand straight, breathe fully, and maintain eye contact. Keep one foot in front of the other; slightly turn body to one side of the audience at a time. If in center of audience, slowly rotate and speak to different sections.
Authenticity
This is the presentation body language used for establishing openness and authenticity. You can use it to own up to a mistake or deliver bad news.
Instructions: Use a calm voice. Sit down, open your palms upwards be emotionally vulnerable.
Practice these styles in front of a mirror and incorporate them in your next presentation or contact us for presentation skills coaching
If you give enough presentations, there’s a good chance that someday you’re going to find yourself the target of an uncooperative or hostile audience member. As in most crisis situations, you will be in good stead to have a plan of how to respond. There are many verbal techniques available which will help you handle hostile or difficult audiences, some of which I am able to outline here. These are all tried and tested over the course of the last 10 years during my own personal training and presentation courses. Use them with confidence – they really work! Continue Reading »
I recently had a challenging situation in the office, with a colleague of mine. Because we had only been working together for a short time and our personalities were quite different, we ended up struggling in our communication: I preferred to be direct and to the point, she liked to also have a friendly chat and spend time getting to know each other.