Appropriate body image for speeches
Body Image. What can make or break a good speech are the nonverbal cues that you send to your audience. Even before you speak one word, audience members have likely already formed judgments about you based on your appearance and body language. Practice your speech in front of a mirror and watch your body, face, and clothes carefully. What are your hands, posture, and facial expressions conveying to your audience?.
Evaluate your posture and body image:
- Is your head up high?
- Is your posture straight and upright?
- Are your hands relaxed?
- Is your body blocking your audio-visual aids?
Avoid bad habits:
- Don't lean backward or slouch. This can suggest a negative, disinterested attitude.
- Don't cross your legs.
- Avoid placing your hands in your pockets.
- Don't chew gum. The chewing motion can be distracting.
Face and facial expressions:
- Are you making eye contact with your audience?
- Are your facial muscles relaxed?
- Are you smiling comfortably?
- Be sure your hair does not get into your face.
Dressing appropriately:
- Bring a comb, hairbrush, travel iron, clothes brush, and lint roller to ensure your appearance looks good.
- Tuck in your shirt.
- Be sure your clothes are pressed and clean, and your shoes polished.
- Avoid wearing anything too flashy or distracting. You want your audience thinking about your ideas, not your clothes.
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Appropriate Body Image for Speeches