Unfortunately, for many entrepreneurs talking about what they do is one of the most difficult parts of being a business owner. Not only are many uncomfortable talking about themselves and their businesses, their bodies scream the message of their discomfort, creating an environment of 'awkward'. Moments like these prevent others from wanting to hear their story. Instead of being viewed as approachable, their discomfort causes others to be uncomfortable and opportunities for interaction to be lost. When this happens to you, it's time to "put it in neutral".
Public speaking to larger groups is rarely sought after by those who are as uncomfortable as I've just described, yet many public speakers never realize what their bodies are saying about them - every time they take the stage. They are unaware that words that sound good and an important message are only part of the equation to speaking publicly. There is a connection necessary to effectively speaking, whether to a group or one-on-one. It is imperative to invite others in, welcome them to hear what you have to say, and compel them to hang on every word. How do you do this?
There is a place, a position if you will, that your body needs to be in before you start speaking. I call this the place of "alignment" and it is where public speaking (or any kind of speaking for that matter) begins. I'd like to walk you through some examples and give you the simple solutions to immediately improve the results of your communication.
You are about to be introduced and take center stage or perhaps you are ready to stand up in the middle of the group to make a presentation. Wherever you are, the focus is now on you. It's "show time"! Suddenly, fear sets in. Your body feels like it's not connected to your brain and you cannot remember what you were so well prepared to say. Your audience is acutely aware of your fear, anxiety, confusion or distress, because your body is speaking louder than any words!
The solution for moments like these (and nearly every speaker has them) is to put your body in the Neutral Position.
- Let's start at the beginning. You are ready to speak, but what to do with your body? Do you stand in a "fig leaf" position (hands crossed in front) or a "reversed fig leaf' (hands crossed in back)? This is common - and not exactly a powerful way to express yourself, is it.
- Let's back up. You must establish a way for your body to begin to feel comfortable when all eyes are directed at you. Uncross your hands. Get ready to deliver the most powerful information you can think of to those listening. What would you automatically do with your hands if you had such a gift to give to others?
Speakers who are comfortable in their bodies have a lovely natural flow in the way they use them. They have a talent for moving over a stage, freely expressing and gesturing as they go. They present themselves and their message as a wonderful gift, and cause their audience to anticipate receiving it.
In my next article, I will address how to free up your body and speak from the source of your talent.
Laurie Burton wants you to master the art of communicating. In
fact, she wants you to master the art of YOU - so she wrote the book on
it! Grab your FREE chapter of Presenting You at http://www.laurieburtontraining.com
and see for yourself why regardless of skill-level, business experience
or leadership involvement, Laurie's techniques quickly and consistently
generate dramatic results with immediate impact and effectiveness.
