3 Effective Body Language Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

In this century, being skilled at your job is not enough. To stand out from the crowd and advance your career, you need to articulate yourself effectively while presenting yourself in a positive light. 

A big part of that is body language, which many people struggle with when speaking publicly or one-on-one. 

Luckily, there are some easy tips and tricks you can use to improve your body language and open up new career opportunities. 

Make eye contact 

Eye contact is one of the most important aspects of good body language. If you're constantly breaking eye contact or avoiding direct eye contact, it can make people feel uncomfortable around you. 

However, if you can make and hold eye contact with ease, you'll create a more welcoming vibe around yourself. Many people naturally avoid eye contact, which is often due to anxiety. 

If you're worried about eye contact, try breaking it into smaller segments. Start by looking at one person, then slowly move to the next, then the next. 

This will help you get used to the idea and find your comfort zone. 

Breathing 

Breathing is something we all do naturally, but it's also something we don't often focus on. It's essential to monitor your breathing while in a public speaking situation. 

Try to slow your breathing to inhale for three seconds and exhale for three seconds. Doing this will help you relax and calm down, making you appear more confident. 

You can also try visualizing yourself succeeding. Visualization is a great way to mentally prepare for the task ahead, which can help you feel more confident and calm. 

Expressions

Sometimes, people will still misinterpret your intentions even if you have good body language. You must be aware of your facial expressions and ensure they align with what you're saying. 

If you're keeping your face relaxed and emotionless, you might feel like you're not interested or out of reach.

To avoid this, try to keep your face relaxed and ensure you're smiling naturally. A smile has the power to make you appear friendlier and approachable. 

Apart from these, the most important thing you can do to improve your body language is to relax. Your body language will show if you're stressed about the situation. Try to clear your mind before the event so you can be more present and relaxed.