Dear Colette,
Following my most recent presentation to a client, I’ve gotten feedback from my boss that while the content is fine, my delivery could use improvement. Apparently, I don’t project enough confidence. Any advice?
– It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It
Dear How You Say It,
The timing of your question fits right in with this month’s article on confidence, which contains some helpful information relevant to your situation. (See #4 in the article above.) In addition, I have further specific body language tips for you below. First, I’d like to share some interesting research that may motivate you to implement these suggestions.
A Harvard researcher found that study participants, including highly trained musicians, were able to identify the winners of classical musical competitions more accurately by watching a silent video clip than by listening to audio recordings.
Because musical differences among top performers can be slight, the researcher surmised that people were basing their selection of the winner on visual cues associated with a quality performance – engagement, passion and energy.
With that in mind, next time you’re giving a presentation, make eye contact, smile and draw your shoulders back. Then, following your presentation, maintain the body language that says you were successful, no matter what.
And again, face it ’til you make it.
