Question

As a junior member of an? organization, how could you shape the nonverbal signals you send during a presentation to avoid the appearance of being? "entry level" or? "inexperienced"?

Answer 1

One can use the following nonverbal signals to appear competent and confident during a presentation:

• Maintain eye contact: When presenting to others, one should ideally look directly into the eyes of a member of the audience at least two to three seconds before looking away or moving to the next person.
• Use effective gestures: Gestures can be used to punctuate one’s words in natural, lively, and purposeful fashion. Gestures that indicate distraction or nervousness should be avoided at all costs.
• Dress well: For important meetings and presentations, especially with senior leaders and customers, one should wear good quality and well-tailored garments that convey a sense of professionalism.
• Initiate interactions: Engaging with the audience during a presentation is critical. This can be achieved by being the first to make eye contact, offering one’s hand to shake, having an idea or solution, etc.
• Use appropriate facial expression: One should be aware of what their face reveals to observers, and should choose the expression that matches their intended message.
• Use appropriate voice tone: Nonverbal elements of speech convey the emotional meaning, attitude and impact. These include aspects such as voice tone, pacing, pausing, volume, inflection, pitch and articulation.