Column Relax and show your emotions

Blog by Huib Hudig

"Wow! What a good speech. Yes that one can do it." You often hear that, as if public speaking is an innate skill. Nothing could be further from the truth. Presenting can be learned.

Speakers usually focus on content: how do you get your message across, how do you touch people with words? But your body language is just as important, as are your facial expressions. Because speaking often involves tension, many speakers "freeze" on stage. There is an emotionless look or forced grin on their face. They avoid the audience with their eyes. Result: the audience doesn't believe you and drops out.

By showing emotion in your face, you make your story engaging and your audience starts to trust you. Unreal emotions, such as smiling without your eyes laughing, actually make people distrust you. What does work is to relax as much as possible, and use your facial expression to support your story. Let those emotions come and share them with your audience. In addition, eye contact is an essential part of any presentation. By really looking at people, and letting sentences sink in, you will connect with the audience. Here are the tips for facial expression:

1. relax and allow emotions.

Obama did this very well in his speech on Gun Control. Emotions take time and Obama takes them.

. Support your story with facial expression.

When you use your hands your face often naturally joins in, as with Jimmy Nelson who we coached for his TEDtalks.

Make eye contact with the people in the room.

One of the reasons Mark Rutte is seen as a good speaker is that he makes eye contact and pauses.

Want to know more about presenting? Read our weekly tips, or call: 020-4204068.