You're facing a heated debate on stage. How do you exude authoritative body language to maintain control?

When you're in a heated debate on stage, you want to show confidence and control through your body language. Stand tall with your shoulders back and your feet firmly on the ground. Keep your hands steady and use them calmly when you talk to show you're in control. Make eye contact with the person you're speaking to, but also with the audience, so they know you're confident. Speak clearly and avoid fidgeting. Don't cross your arms, as that can make you seem defensive. Instead, make sure you maintain an open posture to show that you're calm and ready to handle the situation.

Remain calm and collected, with an even, laid-back attitude. Ensure you are gazing directly at the person who is speaking or has addressed you without seeming threatening. Talk less and listen a lot Concentrate on what is being discussed only. Nod now and then to demonstrate the activeness of your listening. The calm composed smile may ease tension, thus indicating the ability to regulate both moods and situations. In sitting or standing keep upright, shoulders held back straight. Uprightness denotes alertness while slouching could indicate boredom or lack of confidence.

As long as you’re an expert in the topic a heated debate means you’re giving your audience outsized value. Normally panel discussions are tame affairs. Often the panelists are talking about themselves rather than providing real value. Use this debate to make the audience aware that they’re getting multiple viewpoints on the topic. Acknowledge that the other panellist’s views might be relevant in the given situation, but not necessarily your truth. Ask the other panellists questions that help clarify their thoughts. Then outline the situations in which your views or points become more relevant and if possible make the audience aware of how and when they should be considering the differing views that are being put to them.

Maintain a Strong Posture: Stand tall with shoulders back to project confidence and composure. Steady Eye Contact: Engage directly with your opponent and the audience to show assertiveness. Keep Calm Movements: Avoid fidgeting or exaggerated gestures; use slow, deliberate motions. Controlled Gestures: Use open, confident hand movements to emphasize points without aggression. Neutral Facial Expression: Stay calm and avoid showing frustration or anger. Take Strategic Pauses: Pausing before responding signals control and gives weight to your words. Maintain Composure: Stay emotionally composed, even if the debate becomes intense. These body language cues convey authority and help you stay in control during challenging debates.