Mastering First Impressions: How Body Language and Tonality Can Create Instant Rapport When Public Speaking

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever noticed that when you first see or hear someone speak, you can feel an instant rapport with them? Or sometimes it's the opposite.? The first two things people notice about you are firstly the way you present yourself when speaking and secondly, the actual sound & quality of your voice. We generally only have a few seconds to make a great first impression, so when you're public speaking, you need to grab people's attention fast and keep it.

In this LinkedIn article, I’ll be sharing five simple tricks to help you use body language and specific tones of voice to make your speaking presentation more memorable. These tips will empower you to create lasting impressions and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

1. ALIGNMENT OF CONFIDENCE

The first step to a powerful presence is the alignment of confidence. When we use this alignment, we stand upright, tall, with our shoulders up, back, and down, with ears over our shoulders for correct alignment. The minute we let our body slump into a weak, disempowered stance, we switch off our core muscles that help support and project our sound.

When you slump forward, you can't breathe or project properly. You have to work harder to be clearly understood. Standing upright with an open stance and the alignment of confidence not only makes you look and feel more confident but also makes you sound more confident.

Similarly, if you cross your arms, you’ll notice your diaphragm can’t work effectively, and your chest and stomach are quite constricted. In this closed position, you can't breathe or project properly either. Open positions, in contrast, will help make a better first impression and give you more control over your body instrument.??

2. HAND GESTURES AND MONKEY MOUTH

Hand gestures can be a double-edged sword in public speaking. When someone talks with their hands excessively like an over-excited Italian at a dinner party, it can give the impression that they are overly nervous or excited.? People who exhibit too much nervous energy, usually end up trying too hard to impress the listener when they speak, which can be a turn off to many people. Watching and listening to someone speak with too much nervous energy can be quite draining for an audience. People may also have difficulty focusing on the message you wish to share because too much nervous energy during speaking can sound very disconnected and scattered.

Overusing hand gestures distracts your audience from your message. When you use your hands excessively without mindfulness during speaking,? your message can get lost due to the visual distractions of your delivery. Remember, if you make your audience work too hard in order to truly hear and understand you, they will simply switch off. So, use your hands to strengthen your message, but don’t let them overpower your words. Too many hand movements will make your voice waver and make you look and sound more nervous.

3. EYE CONTACT

Whether you’re on camera or in person, eye contact is key. In a room full of hundreds of people, make sure you're maintaining eye contact for at least three seconds with as many people as possible. One of the most important things to remember when public speaking is to speak as though you are only addressing one person at a time.?

Many people speak in generic terms such as "you guys", or "who here has….?" when asking a question.? In other words, they speak in such a 'group' way that people do not feel the need to engage or respond, because there are so many other people in the room to take the heat.?

If you’ve truly done your job as an inspiring and engaging public speaker, your audience will feel as though you are speaking directly to them. This connection between speaker and listener will make your message more powerful and memorable. So speak as though you are talking to only one person at a time. Speak from your heart, and connect? your voice with your own passion for your topic. Remember, it’s not about you; it’s about your message and what value you bring to your audience.

4. VOLUME AND ANCHORING

If you speak with a low volume and a weak voice, people will perceive you as lacking confidence and competence. Many people who are nervous about public speaking tend to talk too softly, and won't be taken seriously. This is a common complaint from students, especially those from cultures that don’t encourage young people to speak up and out for themselves.

If English is your second language, ramp up the volume a little each day. Build strength in your voice and get used to speaking louder. Here’s a quick exercise to ensure correct volume: place your hands on your waistband and count loudly to ten. Set a volume level of seven out of ten for this exercise.

If done correctly, you'll feel a strong, powerful sensation in your body and a sense of being anchored to the ground when you speak. Another way to anchor your sound is using a trick from the opera singer Pavarotti: imagine you have two oranges under your armpits, squeeze them, and project your voice. This will give your voice a huge volume boost when you speak due to anchoring the sound using your abdominal and support muscles.?

5. PACING AND PAUSES

Many people speak too fast, sometimes due to nerves or cultural differences. To be clearly understood and taken seriously, you need to slow down your pace and add strategic pauses. Articulate every consonant, shape your vowels correctly, and pause at the end of each sentence to allow your audience to assimilate what you're saying.

Everyone loves an accent, it can be interesting and exotic to listen to sounds that are very different from your own. Make your accent your best asset by being clear, articulate, and well-paced in your public speaking. Slowing down and pausing will make you look and sound more confident and give your audience the perception that you know your stuff. Speaking clearly with a well paced vocal tone will endear you to an audience, accent or not.?

CONCLUSION

Public speaking is an art that combines body language, vocal tone, volume, pacing, and eye contact. By mastering these elements, you can make a lasting impression and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Remember, the key is confidence. Stand tall, use your hands wisely, maintain eye contact, speak with the right volume, and pace yourself.

If you found this article helpful, please share it with a friend who could benefit from these tips. Remember to follow me for more insights on mastering the art of voice and public speaking and presentation skills.

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Let's make your voice heard with confidence and clarity!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ELISA JAMES M.MUS.TH.M

Elisa James is an Executive Voice Coach, International performer and influencer in the field of voice and presentation skills for business. She is the author of 5 best-selling books, and has a popular Youtube Channel - The Voice of Confidence TV. Elisa? coaches many of the world's celebrity speakers, TV journalists and entrepreneurs over five continents. She has over 60,000 followers world-wide and holds two Master's Degrees to back up her 35 years of experience on stage and on camera. Elisa offers VIP private coaching to high level business executives and also has four online courses and live group coaching programs available for business professionals, coaches and aspiring speakers.? As a workshop facilitator she also leads one and two day workshops in Voice and Presentations skills for Corporate Professionals.?

www.elisajames.com?

The Voice of Confidence TV?