Quick Tips for Better Body Language and Stance

Written by Gail Zack Anderson
Sections of this topic
    Young business man gesturing showing ok sign

    stand and deliverPresenting? Don’t obsess over how to stand and move in order to project confidence; follow these guidelines and you will look—and feel confident when you speak.

    1. Stand tall from the ribcage; this looks confident–strong yet relaxed. Keep your head straight but not rigid.
    2. Plant your feet, weight distributed evenly between both feet and place your feet just a little apart for balance.
    3. Don’t rock, sway, or shift from foot to foot. Instead, try to balance on both feet for a position that signals confidence and control without rigidity.
    4. Stand in the center of the front of the room for your opening, move every 2-3 minutes or at the start of each new topic, then return to center for a strong close.
    5. Like to move around? Try this: move from point A to point B deliberately, then stop and plant your feet again.
    6. Stand still or move? Standing frozen in place; not good. Pacing; not good. Try to achieve a balance between stillness and movement
    7. Still not sure? Ask someone to video record your presentation (or a rehearsal) and then watch it to see if you move too much or too little.

    Gail Zack Anderson