8 Body Language Tips to Boost Your Public Speaking Skills

1. Direct eye contact with your audience creates confidence and trust. It also aids in maintaining the audience's attention and helps in communicating more effectively.

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2. Good posture—shoulders back, chest out—projects authority and confidence. Never cross your arms or slouch, which indicates nervousness or boredom.

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3. Use natural hand movements and gestures to underscore your points. Resist fidgeting or over-gesturing, which will detract from your message.

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4. Express your emotions on your face. Smile genuinely, arch your eyebrows to stress a point, and never present a blank or strained face.

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5. Controlled breathing calms and keeps your voice stable. It also prevents nervous habits like fast talking or mumbling.

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6. Your recorded practice speeches allow you to pick up distracting habits and refine gestures, stance, and facial expressions.

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7. Pace or shift your position to add emphasis. Avoid pacing or swaying, which can indicate nervousness and distract the audience.

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8. Your voice is also your body language. Speak in a clear, pausing manner, and project your voice to command attention.

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