Non-verbal communication

We have already noted that your dress and body language contribute to the first impression. Body language is, however, culturally specific and what is acceptable behaviour in one country or society may be rude or offensive in another.

Whatever the cultural setting, your gestures need to match your words; a wide grin will not usually help communicate the gravity of a serious point. You should use your hands, body posture and eye contact only to facilitate communication and you should avoid any gestures that positively distract or annoy your audience. Fiddling with pens, buttons or jewellery, and swaying to and fro at a lectern will undermine the effectiveness of your presentation, whereas a timely and appropriate hand gesture will reinforce your point. Avoid body language which communicates nervousness, such as covering part of your face with a hand or constantly clearing your throat, as well as anything that might suggest that you are untrustworthy, such as looking away from the audience when speaking. Above all, maintaining eye contact with the audience is vital for creating trust and sustaining engagement when addressing a Western European or North American audience.