How can you use body language to show emotion?

When I practice my own speech or coach others, I sometimes exaggerate my body language, inflection and facial expressions. Like stretching before exercise, it allows me to feel more free as I continue to prepare.

Body language is instant, conversation takes some time. Good advice. Do not think "I hope they like me" or "I hope I do good" Forget that foolish thinking. Just be yourself and articulate!!! Slight smiling is the cheapest facelift you can get. Don't over do hand gestures it can become a distraction. Borden Davis.

Gestures can make the unsaid become seen. It ignites other senses to make storytelling more palpable. Using a gesture at the right time, can change the meaning of a statement or relay emphasis. Be sure not to use too many because it can distract from the conversation.

The subtlety of gestures is what makes them such a critical part of communication. A slight tilt of the head can indicate interest or curiosity, while a simple lift of the eyebrows can signify surprise or incredulity. Gestures also help to establish rapport and connection with the audience. When used correctly, they can make communication more personal. Gestures can be used to guide the listener's attention. By using directed movements, you can emphasize a point or focus your listener's attention on a specific element. And timing is another crucial factor. Syncing your gestures with your words can boost the impact of your message. But be careful and respectful as the same gesture can have different meanings in different cultures.

The angle of your body towards or away from the person you're communicating with can also reveal emotions. Mirroring the other person's posture can foster rapport and a sense of connection, suggesting empathy and understanding. It can subtly communicate the message, "I'm in sync with you". Consider movement and stability. Holding a steady posture conveys a sense of composure and confidence, while constant shifting or swaying may signal nervousness or uncertainty. And the overall 'openness' or 'closedness' of your posture can speak volumes. While you've asked to exclude specific examples, in general, an open posture suggests receptivity and approachability, while a closed one may be interpreted as defensiveness or withdrawal.

Pauses act as the 'silent notes' that give meaning and depth to the 'music' of conversation. Despite excluding some conventional points, there are numerous other aspects of pauses that can be employed to communicate emotion. Pausing can create anticipation, drawing in the listener's attention and heightening their focus. This is especially useful when you're about to share an important point or revelation, thereby amplifying its impact. A thoughtful pause before responding can show respect towards the speaker, indicating that you're carefully considering their words rather than rushing to reply. Pausing can be used to give emotional weight to your words.

Eye contact is essential for effective public speaking. It helps connect with the audience, draw their attention, and demonstrate confidence. Eye contact also helps keep their listeners engaged and focused. Mastering eye contact can be an excellent arsenal for a public speaker to connect with the audience and reflect their emotion.

Knowing all these things is great, at the end of the day you want to focus on being real, being unique and getting your message across. If you focus too much on how you are doing that, you could lose track of what you are actually trying to accomplish. Integrating how to communicate into who you are is essential.