Body language - Speaking

Bodylanguage

Tips for Speaking Exams

Index

Maintain Good Posture

Clear Speech

Using your hands

Mindfulness

Making Eye Contact

Practice

Facial expressions

Maintain Good posture

Sitting or stand ing up straight with shoulders back is a posture which conveys confidence and attentiveness. This will help project confidence and command attention. Candidates should avoid crossing their arms, as this can make give the impression of seeming closed off or defensive. Keep the bottom half of the body relatively still and focus all movement in the top half of the body.

Using your hands

Candidates should be mindful of any nervous habits, such as fidgeting, tapping their foot, or playing with their hair. Practice calming techniques beforehand to help reduce these tendencies.

"What do I do with my hands?"

When you aren’t using your hands to emphasise what you’re saying, hold your hands slightly in front of you, with bent elbows. That’s what good body language looks like. You may find this feels odd at first – but watch Ken Robinson to see how effective it can be. If you are sitting at a table , then above-shoulder gestures will be the only ones viable. If you choose to rest your hands on the table, keep them hands loose and relaxed. Use hand gestures to emphasize your points, but avoid excessive or distracting movements. Because on the opposite end of the spectrum brusk, unpredictable movements seem maniatic.

Make Eye Contact

Establishing eye contact with the examiner shows engagement and sincerity. But please, don't stare; instead,candidates aim for a natural balance, shifting the gaze periodically. This also holds true of the stages with interactive communication where candidates are expected to fully engage with one another.

Tips for making eye contact

• Only talk when you are looking at someone. No more looking into your notes or staring into the middle distance.
• Spend one or two sentences talking to each person. Get some ‘quality time’ with each person.
• Hold your eye contact until the end of the sentence.
• If you are nervous, if you don’t like looking into someone’s eyes, then look at their forehead or nose.
• Practice improving your eye contact. Start with friends. Make them point out each time your eye contact drops.

Use facial expressions to show emotions

Facial expressions can convey a lot of emotion and help engage the receptor. Good body language means using facial expressions to show enthusiasm, concern, or surprise, depending on the content of your presentation. A little smile goes a ling way

Clear Speech and Moderate Pace

Clear speech and a steady pace indicate confidence and command of the material. Avoid speaking too quickly, as this can make you appear nervous or rushed.Deep breathing can help calm nerves and regulate your body language. Take slow, deep breaths before and during the exam to stay composed.

Mindfulness

Stay present in the moment and focus on the content of the conversation rather than worrying about your body language. Confidence often comes from being well-prepared and knowledgeable about your topic.

Successful speakers use open, controlled and strong gestures that reinforce their message. Less successful speakers contradict what they say with their non-verbal behaviour. For instance, if your body language suggests nervousness when you speak, the receptor will interpret this as a lack of confidence in your own message. Equally, if you fold your arms while you speak, you create an implied barrier between you and your audience. That’s why successful leaders learn how to control their posture and gestures to avoid negative or distracting body language.

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