Why Body Language Matters

Can you guess one of the quickest ways you can make your audience comfortable or uncomfortable? Body language! More specifically the use of your hands when speaking! Believe it or not, hand gestures can reinforce what you are saying and help convey your message more clearly. However, excessive or erratic gestures can be distracting or perceived as nervousness. Next time you’re giving a speech, do yourself a favor and take video and make yourself rewatch it after the speech. Your goal is to get better at your craft! Specifically, take a look at your body language. Are you instilling, confidence, nervousness, or arrogance? What message are you sending through your body language? Maybe you are inadvertently making your audience uncomfortable. Don’t worry! You are allowed to make course corrections and can improve your performance before your next speech! However, unless you’re taking the time to analyze your approach and look specifically at your body language, you won’t know if you’re making a mistake…