How can you use body language to establish credibility when speaking online for motivational speaking?

Elevating your motivational speech with body language is easier than what you think! ;) When delivering a motivational speech online, your body language remains a powerful tool. Select your setting thoughtfully – a clutter-free, well-lit space exudes professionalism. Ensure your camera angle captures your gestures, emphasizing confidence and authenticity. Your chosen environment enhances the impact of your words, establishing credibility and resonating with your virtual audience. Other ideas?

Online speaking is not for everyone, definitely not my cup of tea, until the COVID 19 pandemic came and made it a must for all speakers so learning how to do it well is key. Success begins with your setting. Opt for a clutter-free, professional backdrop—no distractions. Nail lighting, camera angle, and sound for a clear, confident presentation. Your goal: a positive, prepared first impression that resonates with confidence.

Eye contact with the audience while presenting your opinion can do wonders. Articulate your thoughts with proper voice modulations. Always try to follow the rule of the 4 Ps: Plan - Prepare - Practice - Present.

Online speaking is different than in person in that you can't make eye contact with your audience. You also can't get a "feel" for the group. Because of this, body language is important. One main tool in online speaking is a smile. A smile can do a lot for an audience. It helps them feel at ease, to be able to receive from you, and perhaps even be more likely to engage. Of course, you can't smile during the whole talk. But you can smile throughout your talk at appropriate times.

Choosing your setting is important in order to establish a controlled environment so that you are comfortable and able to show up as your best self.

Here's an easy Rule Of Thumb for presenting to the camera. LEVEL LOCATE LOCK LEVEL - bring your camera to eye level. This mimics how we communicate as humans in the physical world - eye to eye. LOCATE - locate your lens. Sometimes this isn't obvious with a smartphone using a selfie camera. Once you know where the lens is then... LOCK - lock your gaze onto the lens. This is the only place you look. Again it mimics what happens in the real world where we look people in the eye when conversing.

Consider using Nvidia Broadcast or another similar tool to correct your eye contact. It’s natural to want to look at your screen to see others when they’re speaking but that sadly breaks your eye contact. Thankfully tools like Nvidia Broadcast can use AI to correct your eye contact and make sure you’re always looking into the camera.

In the digital world, it's like the real world: maintaining consistent eye contact is pivotal. Look at the camera to create a connection with your audience. This subtle yet powerful technique fosters engagement, conveying sincerity and reinforcing the impact of your motivational message.

In virtual realms we loose a lot of our ability to read the room or convey fully expressive body language so keeping eye contact with the camera becomes crucial. It connects, conveys trust. But online, it’s different—focus on the camera, not the screen. It feels odd initially, but practice makes perfect. Lock eyes with the camera during crucial moments. Avoid wandering gazes; they signal disinterest or deceit. Engage authentically through the lens for impactful connections in virtual speaking engagements.

Eye connect is the most important part of Body Language and it becomes more Important in a Speech whether offline or online....Maintaining eye contact is a sign of confidence and knowledge of the speaker....It's helps to build instant connection with the audience.

Gestures and facial expressions in virtual speaking amplifies your message, express emotions, and captivate your audience. Gestures illustrate points, infuse energy, and reinforce words. Facial expressions convey tone, empathy, and rapport. But, consider the screen limitations—adjust size, speed, and frequency for visibility and appropriateness. Avoid extremes; inconsistency distracts. Balance is key for impactful online engagement.

Gestures and expression have to be in allignment with the median. Slow, spare gestures, visible in the camera are all that are needed. These are amplified by excellent lighting, continual eye contact with that beautiful green dot on the top of the screen, and appropriate screen sharing and/or background images. Less is definitely more in gestures for online communication.

This generates an aura between the speaker and the audience. There is a flow in communication; compared to just standing like a statue ??

Your ability to communicate without words is just as important as how you maximize the tool that is your voice. There is power in the posture you use to deliver your message yes but even more than that is what energy are you giving to your audience? As a trained vocalist I know that the voice is a powerful instrument. The delivery of your message can be a symphony of energy that ignites a flame in someone else.

Voice control can be an important consideration in online speaking as well as in person speaking. Knowing when to slow down, pause, or repeat something is key. When we slow down, the audience will lean in. If we say, "Let me say that again...", it's highlighting the importance of it and gives the signal to pay attention.

In my #HeartCentered Intuitive approach to online #MotivationalSpeaking, rather than adhering strictly to traditional ideas of an authoritative posture, I prioritize creating an atmosphere of warmth and openness. I encourage a relaxed and natural posture that fosters connection, which is then communicated through voice. It's about infusing authenticity and genuine passion: helping participants feel at ease and more receptive to the message. My emphasis is on creating a space where the audience transforms Tense Energy into Tranquil Calm by using soothing tones, pauses, intonation, and emphasis that evokes a genuine emotional response. It's about forging a profound connection with those seeking inspiration and motivation. ?????

Your voice will give away how nervous you are - unless you can control it. Whether we like it or not, more nervous = less credible to an audience. The key is to control your breathing. If your breathing is too high (think back to someone you could tell was nervous when they spoke - their breath would appear to be happening high up in their chest) your voice will shake and you’ll be snatching at each in take. Practice breathing ‘low’: take a breath in, right down into your diaphragm (so your belly expands) and continue doing so to maximise control over your breath. It will make all the difference!

Posture is one of the biggest indicators of Confidence and how its communicated to others. The way you you carry yourself, your energy translates a lot more than words. Image a person who you feel is confident, does this person stand tall, make eye-contact, keep their back straight, express emotions...taking folks on an energy journey can truly leave a lasting impact.

There is a current decline in our attention spans, so we must have some kind of interactions as far as chants, saying things in the chats, fun games, jokes , and more to keep people engaged. Although engagement is the key, it is also not easy but you must practice on the things that work, and cultivate a plan to use the same body languages, gestures, and facial expressions to stay on topic to prove the reason tire their helps your credibility.

I’m so glad I had two sessions to host a few years ago because of the critical lesson I learned during the first one of a series on storytelling for professional development! For every online presentation or webinar, I make sure I have a co-host to keep an eye on the chat or discussion function. I periodically ask the co-host to read the messages and questions in the chat to ensure I’m not missing anything. The biggest advantage to this is that I don’t get distracted trying to read the chat, and I can keep consistent eye contact with the camera!

Production value is a subtle way to establish credibility. Invest in a good camera and a good microphone. The return on those investments are faster than most financial bonds.

On line communication is done with people who may be distracted. Practicing to be smooth in the presentation is extremely important to hold their interest. A good connection goes without saying, and there in no excuse for poor lighting. Practicing to where you can in real time respond to the chat, or to request participation with on screen emojis is fantastic. If you can, please have a co-host manage the room. Finally, make sure the space is safe. Utilize a waiting room or a passcode that is private. A zoom meeting bombed with porn or explicit language is a zoom meeting where YOUR message is not remembered.