* Power-pose before speaking. Speakers can improve their confidence and performance simply by changing their posture before speaking.
* Enter the stage with confident energy. While all speakers feel some anxiety, the best ones are able to channel nervous energy into calm confidence. When entering the stage, they project a level of energy that reinforces the purpose of their speech.
* Speakers should settle themselves and connect with the audience before speaking. Speakers commonly fuss with papers or computers before they speak. Listeners will have a better first impression of someone who comes across as composed and relaxed.
* Decide on a base position for hands. When not gesturing, speakers need to place their hands so as to feel and look comfortable. Relaxing hands and arms at one’s sides conveys friendliness, while holding hands together at navel level appears more authoritative.
* Hold eye contact with individuals for 3-5 seconds. To encourage trust, speakers should choose specific listeners and hold eye contact with them for approximately the length of one or two sentences.
* Match movement to message and venue. Some speeches are best without movement. Business presentations and some other types need a small degree of movement. Keynotes require the most movement.
* Start and end at the front and center of the stage. This is a natural focal point for the audience. It also minimizes the distance between speaker and listeners.
* In stories, give each character a personality. To bring characters to life, it is important to give them distinctive physical presences and voices. Additionally, each character may be acted out at a particular stage location.
* Gesture naturally. There is no perfect number or type of gesture. Speakers should use whatever gestures seem natural and appropriate to the message.
* Accept applause gracefully. Standing still when finishing a business presentation signals confidence and invites questions.
* Maintain poise while exiting. Speakers who leave the stage with confidence and poise can keep an emotional bond with the audience as they depart.
* Dress to relate. It is a mistake to over- or under-dress. The speaker’s goal should be to dress in the same style and one step above the audience; for example, wearing a suit for a business presentation where most listeners’ attire is business casual.
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