Being able to communicate your message in a clear, articulate way is key to professional success. However, strong professional communication isn’t only about what you say and how you say it. What your listener sees is just as important as what they hear. This means honing both your verbal and non-verbal communication skills in order to make the strongest impression possible. One of the most effective ways to convey confidence and strengthen your message is through your posture and stance. Take a look at the following tips to make sure your posture is sending the right message:
- Straighten Up: Good posture begins with standing up straight. Start with your shoulders back and your chin level with the floor. Imagine a string running up through your spine and out the top of your head. Now, imagine that someone above you is lightly tugging on that string, pulling your body upright and into perfect alignment.
- Keep a Strong Stance: Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground with your weight evenly distributed between them. Shifting your weight back and forth is distracting to your listener, and can give the impression that you are unsure of yourself or your message.
- Don’t Lean: Leaning against a podium or wall or your desk can look sloppy and overly casual. If you find you’re a habitual leaner, try to stick to open spaces during presentations or important conversations.
- Avoid Closed Postures: Crossing your arms, crossing your legs, clasping your hands in front of you, or keeping your body turned away from your listener all make you appear closed off and unsure of yourself. Try to keep your body open to fully engage your listener.
- Relax: Although you want to appear professional and confident, having an overly rigid posture can have the opposite effect, making you appear stiff and uncomfortable. Once you’ve found a strong, straight posture that feels right, try to release muscle tension and relax into the stance.
If you have questions or are interested in improving your communication skills, give me a call at 212-308-7725 or send me an e-mail at info@corporatespeechsolutions.com. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!
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