Your posture can make a big difference in how you communicate your message, confidence, and credibility when speaking in public. A good posture can also help you breathe better, reduce tension, and avoid fatigue. Here are some tips for improving your posture when speaking in public.
One of the most important aspects of posture is the alignment of your spine. A straight spine can help you maintain balance, stability, and flexibility. To align your spine, imagine a string pulling your head up from the crown, and a weight pulling your tailbone down. This will help you avoid slouching, leaning, or hunching. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your chest open, but not puffed up.
Maintaining proper spinal alignment is indeed crucial for posture. Imagine your head lifted by an invisible string and your tailbone gently anchored down for balance and flexibility. Avoid slouching, keep shoulders relaxed, and maintain an open chest, promoting not just physical wellness but also confidence and presence in various situations.
Your feet are the foundation of your posture, and they can affect how you move and stand. To use your feet effectively, place them about shoulder-width apart, parallel to each other, and firmly on the ground. Avoid crossing your legs, shifting your weight, or rocking on your toes or heels. If you need to move, do it with purpose and direction, and avoid pacing or wandering.
Your core muscles are the ones that support your spine and pelvis, and they can help you stabilize your posture and prevent back pain. To engage your core, tighten your abdominal muscles slightly, as if you are bracing for a punch. This will help you keep your spine aligned and your hips level. Don't suck in your stomach or hold your breath, as this can interfere with your breathing and voice.
Your neck and jaw are connected to your vocal cords, and they can affect how you speak and sound. To relax your neck and jaw, keep your head centered over your shoulders, and avoid tilting or twisting it. Make sure your chin is parallel to the floor, and not jutting out or tucked in. To release tension in your jaw, massage it gently, or open and close your mouth a few times.
It’s vital that the jaw is relaxed, so that we can round our vowel sounds and create more resonance in the mouth cavity. This will assist with voice projection. It will also enable our organs of articulation to move more freely and energetically which is essential for effective speaking and listener engagement.
Your facial expression and body language can also influence your posture and your audience's perception of you. To smile and gesture naturally, be aware of your emotions and intentions, and let them show on your face and in your movements. Smile when you are happy, excited, or grateful, and avoid frowning, grimacing, or scowling. Gesture when you want to emphasize a point, illustrate an idea, or invite participation, and avoid overdoing it or fidgeting.
By following these tips, you can improve your posture when speaking in public, and enhance your presentation skills, performance, and impact.
Stay Centred and Breathe into your talk. When we slow our nervous system and responses down, we can give a more authentic talk. Stand and position yourself in a way that is natural to you otherwise the unnatural hand gestures/ foot placements and stance can really put people off and therfore distrust what you have to say.