Let's talk about gestures on stage ???? One big mistake that I see often: small, quick gestures. When someone is nervous or inexperienced, they pull their arms and legs close into their body. They make themselves smaller. They stay in one place, with limited, fast movement (rocking back and forth, quick hand motions, etc.). This results in feeling frenzied as the speaker, a bit confused as the audience, and makes it hard to get good video footage or still shots, since the person is constantly bopping about. Instead, use BIG gestures, BROAD stance, and POWERFUL poses. This helps ground you as a speaker in the space, it helps orient the audience to know where to look, and it helps folks taking video/pictures to actually get a usable shot. Consider a few scenarios: - Move from/Move to: Use a single, full-arm gesture to show the past in one direction, and the future in another direction. - Making a point with an image on the screen: full-arm gesture, energetic finger point, hold it for emphasis as you speak (you can also walk towards the screen if it's reasonably close to the stage). - Asking a question: Over-emphasize the "shrug" hand gesture, and keep the arms out for the pause to let the audience consider the question. This gives them time to actually process it and think of their answer, and they know you'll continue speaking with you drop your hands. In sum, use your body! Big gestures help you, the audience, and anyone capturing visuals for later use ??
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After negotiating billions in contracts, I’ve discovered a game-changing secret to success: the right body language often speaks louder than any proposal or argument. Ready to take your influence to the next level? Mastering body language could be your game-changer. We’ve all seen plenty of advice on using verbal communication to influence others, but how often do we focus on the power of body language? Nonverbal communication plays a critical role in influencing effectively—it conveys confidence, builds trust, and strengthens your message. How the industry leaders execute it: 1. Establish Open and Confident Posture Stand or sit up straight with shoulders relaxed and chest slightly forward. Avoid crossing your arms or legs, which can appear defensive or closed-off. 2. Make Intentional Eye Contact Maintain steady eye contact to show interest and confidence. Avoid staring; instead, balance eye contact with natural breaks to avoid discomfort. 3. Use Gestures to Reinforce Your Words Use purposeful hand movements to emphasize key points (e.g., open palms to convey honesty). Avoid fidgeting, pointing, or overusing gestures, which can distract from your message. 4. Mirror Your Audience’s Body Language Subtly align your posture and gestures with the other person’s to create rapport. Avoid mimicking; instead, aim for natural alignment that signals connection and empathy. 5. Exude Calm and Confidence Slow your movements and avoid rapid or erratic gestures to project calm authority. Take controlled breaths to maintain composure, especially in high-stakes situations. 6. Align Facial Expressions with Your Message Smile genuinely to build warmth and trust, but ensure it aligns with the context. Use expressive eyebrows or subtle nods to show engagement and understanding. 7. Control Your Space Stand or sit firmly within your space to project presence and authority. Respect personal boundaries while subtly leaning in during conversations to show interest. 8. Pay Attention to Your Hands Keep hands visible; hiding them in pockets or behind your back can create mistrust. Use gestures like steepling (fingertips together) to convey confidence and thoughtfulness. 9. Watch Your Feet Placement Stand with feet shoulder-width apart for a grounded and confident stance. Avoid shifting weight excessively or pointing your feet toward the exit, which signals disengagement. 10. Adapt to Cultural Contexts Be mindful of cultural differences in body language and adjust accordingly. What may convey confidence in one culture might be perceived differently in another. Be mindful of your nonverbal cues and how they might be perceived.?Record yourself or seek feedback to refine your body language for influential communication. Mastering these aspects of body language can enhance your ability to lead, persuade, and build meaningful connections. Nonverbal cues often speak louder than words—use them intentionally to leave a lasting impact!
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93% of communication impact comes from nonverbal cues. In our virtual-first world, your nonverbal signals speak volumes about your leadership. After analyzing hundreds of executive interviews, I've identified 8 nonverbal signals that dramatically impact trust in virtual meetings: 1. Open Palms Visible hand gestures with open palms signal honesty and openness. ? ? According to anthropological research, showing palms has been a universal trust signal across cultures for millennia. 2. Eye Contact Looking directly at the camera when making key points creates connection. ? ? Most leaders look at faces on screen instead, missing this critical trust signal. 3. Head Nodding Deliberate nodding while listening demonstrates active engagement. ? This small gesture signals respect for others' ideas. 4. Upright Posture Sitting tall with shoulders back conveys confidence and attention. ? Poor posture subtly communicates disinterest. 5. Authentic Background A personal yet professional environment signals transparency. ? Research suggests artificial backgrounds can create psychological distance. 6. Facial Animation Natural expressions that match your content demonstrate genuine engagement. ? Flat expressions create disconnect. 7. Frontal Orientation Facing the camera directly communicates full presence and attention. ? Angled positioning suggests divided focus. 8. Mirroring Subtly matching others' pace and tone creates unconscious rapport. ? This established psychological principle works even through screens. The most successful leaders don't just focus on what they say. They strategically manage how they appear. Which of these trust signals could you strengthen in your next virtual meeting?