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Why Body Language Is So Important

Have you ever looked into the eyes of someone and felt like you knew what they were feeling? The eyes are a powerful tool in communication and can speak a thousand words.

I’ve had the good fortune of meeting many celebrities, thought-leaders, game-changers, influencers and experts with diverse and complex characters throughout my career. There’s truth in the saying the eyes are the windows to the soul. For example, an infamous murderer’s eyes were nearly totally black and dull in texture, very unnerving. In contrast, a charity worker talked passionately about her cause with bright and expressive eyes.

Body language is as important in communication as the spoken word. Perhaps in more so when you consider that 70%-80% of our communication is non-verbal.

When making a video for your company either professionally, on your phone, computer or via Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube LIVE, you tell a story. For my team and I, this usually involves talking to people involved in that story, as well as interviewing them to discover in their own words why their company, product or service is relevant to their audience.

Body language has an important role in communicating. The person being interviewed may have the best speech prepared, full of juicy content. But if the body language doesn’t complement the speech, the message is lost.

How to persuade and influence

It’s vital the person communicating is believable. Firstly, if you don’t believe in what you’re saying, then why should the audience believe? It’s not easy to fake and there are many tell-tale signs.

Here are a few…

Are you overly animated?
Does it sound like you’re reading what you’re saying or that it came from someone else?
Do you stumble over words or make mistakes?
Do you look like you’re concentrating on what you’re saying?
Do you look stiff and uncomfortable in your own body?
Are you looking around as though distracted or looking for guidance?

Confidence is key

Confidence is the most important aspect of a convincing delivery when it comes to body language. So, here are a few of my best tips on how you can use body language to your advantage and why it matters… 1. Maintain eye contact If you’re being interviewed, it’s important to maintain eye contact as much as possible, without being intense. Looking around makes you look shifty and suspicious. It looks like you are uncomfortable or looking for inspiration. When making your own videos or Facebook lives, it’s important to look into the camera to connect wit your audience. 2. Stand tall and straight, but relaxed Standing tall asserts authority and power. Don’t be afraid to own the space. Even if you are nervous, faking it helps you sound more self-assured. Your voice will project clearly through the open stance. Slouching makes you appear not to care. It also looks messy on camera and is actually more likely to make you withdraw into yourself. 3. Keep your feet still For practical reasons the cameraman needs to keep you in the frame of the picture. Sometimes the crew uses a marker on the floor to keep you in the right position. For the purpose of effective body language, shuffling your feet makes you look on edge, and that communicates to nerves. Keep your feet rooted and pointing to where the producer says. Looking towards the camera shows you as poised and at ease while communicating to the audience. By projecting down the line of sight of the lens (or the producer), you are effectively speaking directly to the viewer. Trust the producer to give you the right advice about where to stand and where to direct your eyes. 4. Don’t put up barriers Body Language Research shows crossing your arms or legs is a defensive pose and is a big no-no when being interviewed. You need to look as open as possible, showing you have nothing to hide. Face the camera or producer and direct your message towards them. 5. Talking with your hands It is totally normal to talk with your hands; it’s expressive and can help put your message across. Producers are commonly asked by the talent what to do with their hands. I suggest starting the interview with hands clasped together in front of you. This position feels secure and occupies your hands. It means you are less likely to fidget. The audience focus is redirected from your fidgeting hands to what you are going to say.

As an experienced producer, media personality, mentor and trainer, I’m used to interviewing nervous people. Feel free to get in touch. I offer guidance and feedback so you reach your full potential in communicating your message. You’ll look, sound and feel your best on-camera, whether you have a traditional media, pod or webcast interview scheduled, need to prepare for an important speech, virtual, solo, panel or TEDTalk, want to add videos (including Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube LIVES) to your marketing mix or simply become a better communicator when engaging with prospective clients, investors, sponsors or staff.

THE WOW REPORT SESSION 1 – How to tell your story in photos and to the media (Tell Me A Story)

Why Body Language Is So Important

How to persuade and influence

Here are a few…

Confidence is key