RomanceEverAfter

The Writing Craft:
Business Issues for Writers

The Art of Public Speaking:
Typical Trouble Spots for Novice Speakers

Incorporating the appropriate use of body movement and gestures will add depth and interest to your public speaking experience both for you and the audience. Layer by layer, you can build creditability, connection, and comfort with your listeners. You can utilize the nonverbal communication of your body and gestures to reach your audience on a variety of levels.

The challenge to the novice speaker is identifying the initial body movement and gestures that can be diverting to an audience. We have identified several examples for your reference.

1. The podium/lectern

Nervousness can be channeled into unconscious action that can take away from your message. The podium can be either a blessing or a curse depending on how you use this prop. (The podium can be viewed as a prop because it is a physical object in the vicinity of your speech).

Don’t hide behind the podium
Acknowledge that the podium is not a wall to hide behind. Think of the podium as a pole and you are connected to it with a string. You can move to the side, to the front, and return to the back of the podium without actually leaving the podium. By periodically eliminating the barrier of the podium, you are permitted to connect with your audience in a more personal way.

The death grip
One danger that the podium presents is that it is an object in which to route unconscious nerves. Some speakers will rest their arms on the side of the podium, then take a death grip hold as though someone is about to yank them off the stage. At the very least, your fingers and hands are going to ache by the time you have completed your speech.

Keep in mind that some lecterns may have wheels that allow for easy movement. (These types of lecterns may be found in training rooms or auditoriums for meeting assemblies). Be cautious not to rock the podium back and forth. Once again, this action is likely unconsciously done, so stay on the lookout.

2. What to do with your head…

An effective speaker well knows that body movements and gestures comprise a full list of possible trouble spots, specific issues being unique to each individual. How you control your head movements is a critical component of a good speech. A speaker must master the techniques of head movement so he doesn’t take his eyes from his listeners.

One of our first recommendations to novice speakers is to be aware of what your head does when transitioning from one thought to another. When we shift from one idea to another or need a moment to gather our thoughts, we may have the tendency to look down at the ground or at our feet. The second you take your eyes away from the audience, you have cut off contact.

What do you do in lieu of glancing down at the ground? We recommend you try the following:

Take a momentary pause
It may seem like the minutes are ticking away from your perspective, but in reality it’s only a matter of seconds. This method can also be used to bring emphasis to a point.

Select an object to rest your eyes
While pondering your next sentence or gathering your composure, glance at an object in the back of the room. (Clock, chair, or table). After a few seconds, direct your gaze to an audience member and resume speaking.

Don’t look at the ground.

Don’t glance up to the ceiling (unless you are specifically using this gesture to emphasize a point or it is a deliberate part of your speech).

As you gain experience in speaking, your body movements and gestures will become more natural and comfortable. You can incorporate numerous nonverbal communication signals to make your verbal message more dynamic.

Typical Trouble Spots for Novice Speakers - 3 >>>