BCR 119 - How to persuade on video: The power of body language

G'day!

 

Today, I'm going to dive into the power of body language and how to use it to persuade your audience when presenting on video. If you want to make a strong impression and truly connect with your audience, mastering your body language is essential. Stick around and let's explore these powerful techniques together, or watch the Better Communication Results playlist over on YouTube. 

 

1. **Maintaining Eye Contact**:

    - Make sure to look directly into the camera, as this simulates eye contact with your viewers. This creates a sense of connection and makes your audience feel as if you are speaking directly to them.

    - Avoid shifting your eyes around too much, as this can make you appear distracted or untrustworthy. Practice focusing on the camera lens as if it's a person you are speaking to.

    - Use sustained eye contact during key moments to emphasize your points and show confidence in what you're saying.

 

2. **Use Gestures**:

    - Hand movements can greatly enhance your presentation by adding emphasis and illustrating your points. Use open palms and natural gestures to appear more approachable and genuine.

    - Avoid overdoing the gestures. Instead, ensure they are purposeful and not just random movements. Also, keep hand gestures in the camera frame to maintain visibility.

    - Practice using iconic gestures that match your speech, such as hands apart for "big" or touching fingertips to convey precision.

 

3. **Facial Expressions**:

    - Let your facial expressions match the tone and content of what you’re saying. A smile can convey warmth and approachability, while a serious expression can emphasize the importance of a point.

    - Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to see if your expressions are aligning with your message. This feedback can help you make adjustments.

    - Avoid a monotone expression. Dynamic facial expressions keep the audience engaged and show that you are passionate about your topic.

 

4. **Posture**:

    - Good posture is non-negotiable. Sit or stand up straight to project confidence and authority. Slouching can make you appear disinterested or unsure.

    - Practice maintaining a relaxed yet upright posture. This balance helps you appear both confident and approachable.

    - Pay attention to your shoulders; keep them relaxed and avoid pushing them up towards your ears, which can indicate tension.

 

5. **Movement**:

    - Incorporate small movements into your presentation to avoid appearing stiff and robotic. This can include shifting your weight slightly or moving your hands.

    - Ensure movements are controlled and purposeful. Avoid excessive swaying or pacing which can be distracting to viewers.

    - Use your body to punctuate points. For instance, a small step forward can emphasize an important statement, making your message more impactful.

 

Conclusion

Remember, body language can be your secret weapon in persuading your audience on video. Practice these tips regularly, and you'll see a significant improvement in how your message is received. Your audience will connect with you on a deeper level, making your presentations more engaging and effective.