NONVERBAL COMMUNICATIONS

When communicating in public you communicate with more than words: you use body language and voice. You are viewed as a complete package.

VOICE

• volume, range and pitch and tone-can be modified
• tension can cause vocal cords to be too tight
• nervousness can give sentences upward intonation

TONE

• think of a speech on ballet in gruff voice or amilitary speech in breathy tone
• speakers expect you to sound way you look

BODY LANGUAGE

• dress, gesture, visual contact, proxemics, posture, movement, facial expression
  • DRESS
  • what does the colour you wear say?-conservative/flamboyant
  • what does style say?-does it suit occasion?
  • do you accessories command more attention than what you are saying?
  • VISUAL CONTACT
  • are you face to face?
  • eye contact establishes trust vs shifty
  • 90% of time you should be looking at audience-pan the audience
  • FACIAL EXPRESSION
  • look in mirror- Do you exhibit a natural range of emotions?
  • are your expressions natural -unplanned
  • do you appear to be emotionally involved in what you are saying?
  • POSTURE and MOVEMENT
  • are you rigid?--a beginner? do you stand/lean/ slouch?
  • do you appear comfortable?
  • try not to confine yourself-keep one spot as home base
  • watch out for too much movement; it distracts from what you are saying or may make you appear nervous
  • movement can be a transitional devise, to move from one part of speech to another
  • be moderate and spontaneous
  • GESTURES
  • are gestures natural? To exaggerate use larger gesture but use a combination-moderate
  • PROXEMICS
  • How close are you to audience? Are you with them? On them?
  • think of an elevator and personal space-more familiar closer
  • 1/2 meter closer may be uncomfortable-territorial -choice of seats
  • become familiar with audience

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2003 Karen E.Hamilton