# 4 Essential Body Language Tips from a World Champion Public Speaker
Public speaking is an art that involves more than just verbal communication. To deliver a compelling speech, understanding and mastering body language is crucial. Let's delve into four essential body language tips from a world-champion public speaker that can help anyone improve their public speaking game.
## 1. The Power Pose
Before stepping onto the stage, strike a "power pose." This means standing tall, hands on your hips, and feet spread apart, occupying more space. Studies suggest that holding a power pose for a few minutes can raise your testosterone levels and lower cortisol, the stress hormone, making you feel more confident. When you walk onto the stage with this newfound confidence, your audience will notice.
## 2. Open Gestures
Once on stage, maintain an open posture. Keep your arms uncrossed and your hands visible. This openness communicates trust and receptivity, putting your audience at ease and making them more likely to engage with your message. Use hand gestures to emphasize essential points but ensure they are organic and relevant, not forced or exaggerated.
## 3. Eye Contact
Eye contact is a non-verbal communication that can help establish a connection with your audience. Rather than scanning the crowd haphazardly, make meaningful eye contact with individual members for a few seconds. This enhances your credibility and creates an intimate atmosphere, making each person feel as if you're speaking directly to them.
## 4. Strategic Movement
Walking around the stage can be effective, but only when done with purpose. Aimless pacing can be distracting. Instead, use movement to underscore transitions in your speech or to highlight key points. For instance, moving towards the audience can create a sense of intimacy, while stepping back can give the audience a moment to absorb a complex idea.
### Conclusion
Effective public speaking is about more than words; it's a blend of verbal and non-verbal cues that together make for a compelling presentation. By mastering these four essential body language tips, you can captivate your audience and deliver a speech that is not only heard but also felt.