5 Body Language Tips Every Presenter Should Master

There are countless body language tips we could offer presenters, but this article focuses on five of the simplest and most powerful.

When there’s a mismatch between what we say and how we say it, the impact of our message is dramatically reduced. People won’t trust what you say if your body contradicts your words.

Body language matters because communication is both verbal and non‑verbal. Even when we’re silent, our body is speaking for us. The way we stand, move, gesture, use our faces, and make eye contact sends a constant stream of signals.

What Is Body Language?

Each of us uses our entire bodies along with our vocal range to communicate. It’s instinctive, largely unconscious, and often deeply ingrained.

Some of it is learned, some is shaped by experience, and some may even be genetic.

A close friend of mine recently met his paternal son for the first time in 26 years. The last time he saw him, the boy was two years old. When they finally reunited, the similarities in their body language were astonishing: identical gestures, expressions, and movements. You would have assumed they’d spent their whole lives together.

We each have an inherent way of expressing ourselves, yet most of us are unaware of how our non‑verbal communication appears to others.

The Mindful Presenter is different; they pay attention and use their body with intention.

Here are five simple behaviours they master.

1. They Smile

Many presenters leave their personality at their desk the moment they stand up to speak. They’re so focused on remembering their content that they forget to smile.

A stern expression sends the wrong message. It suggests you’re not enjoying the experience, so your audience won’t either.

A genuine smile:

• Helps your audience relax
• Shows you’re comfortable and confident
• Signals warmth, kindness, and openness

There are few things more endearing than a sincere smile.

2. They Open Up

A common challenge:

“What do I do with my hands?”

Some presenters hide them in pockets, behind their backs, or pinned to their sides. Closed postures make you appear insecure or guarded.

Instead:

• Avoid crossed arms or legs
• Use open, natural gestures
• Move your hands as though speaking to a friend

Record yourself on mute and watch only your movement. You’ll learn more in five minutes than in five hours of theory.

3. They Enter Gracefully

Your presentation begins the moment you stand up — not when you start speaking.

Before you walk to the front:

• Take a few slow, deep breaths
• Lift your head
• Keep your posture relaxed and upright

Walk calmly to the centre of the platform and don’t speak while walking.

When you arrive:

• Stop
• Smile
• Make a little eye contact
• Pause for two or three seconds

This moment of poise reassures your audience that you’re confident, composed, and in control.

4. They Look at Their Audience

Lack of eye contact makes any conversation uncomfortable, and the same is true in a presentation.

Maintaining eye contact with a large audience may feel challenging, but avoiding it creates distance and distrust.

The solution:

• Focus on individuals and small groups
• Hold your gaze for a few seconds
• Then move on naturally

Avoid scanning the room continuously; it feels restless and insincere.

5. They Own the Floor

Some trainers tell presenters to stand still.

At Mindful Presenter, we believe that’s bad advice, as movement represents life and energy.

Audiences respond to both, and purposeful movement can:

• Animate your message
• Express emotion
• Bring stories to life
• Give structure to your ideas

Move with intention:

• Step forward when speaking about the future
• Step back when referring to the past
• Step sideways to separate key points

Movement should support your message, not distract from it.

Your Body Speaks Before You Do

The mindful presenter never takes body language for granted. They know their body is communicating long before they open their mouth, and long after they finish speaking.

Use it with awareness and intention, and use it to connect.

If you need help with your body language when presenting:

– Book yourself onto a powerful public speaking course.

– Invest in some really good one to one public speaking coaching.

– Get yourself some excellent presentation training

Image: Courtesy of flickr.com