Public Speaking – How important is your BODY LANGUAGE?

We’re frequently told that body language is more important than the words that come out of our mouths.

And that when we’re on stage, our movements need to be as carefully planned as the stunts in a James Bond movie.

But…is this really the case?

And can we excel even when we don’t follow the body language rules and regulations?

Public speaking – what the gurus say

Many of the speaking ‘gurus’ tell us we should block our talk ie map out our moves on the stage so they’re in line with our words and stories.

Also, that to best demonstrate the passage of time we need to create an on stage timeline and stand in the right place according to whether we’re sharing details from the past, the present or the future.

Moreover, that expansive gestures are super important to get our point across.

But now, I’m not so sure…

Public speaking – what I learned from the real life ‘M’

If you’re a fan of James Bond movies you’ll have seen the actress Dame Judi Dench in her role as M, head of the MI6 spy agency.

Well, recently I was lucky enough to attend an event where Dame Stella Rimington, former head of the MI5 Security Service in the UK, was speaking. Judi Dench’s character was very much based on Dame Stella.

In the video I share how Dame Stella was able to achieve a rousing and hearty standing ovation from the entire room…without employing a single one of the public speaking ‘moves’ we’re so often taught or urged to use as speakers.

Watch to the video to find out more.

Public speaking – dynamic doesn’t just refer to your movements

When I run public speaking classes I share my D.I.V.A. speaking system. D stands for dynamic.

But maybe not in the way that you might think.

Many of us feel we need to bound around the stage like Tony Robbins to prove to the audience how energetic and enthusiastic we are.

But we can be dynamic with our word choice, our stories, our turn of phrase. It doesn’t have to be with our physical movement.

A cinematic experience

This is exactly how Dame Stella came to move so many of us in the audience.

Her stories spanned continents and generations. Her descriptions took us to India, to Russia during the Cold War and to England at a time when women were supposed to either be typists or homemakers.

What we heard that day was so gripping, so captivating that there was no need for expansive gestures, stage blocking and marking out timelines. Dame Stella’s gravitas and her words were enough.

At the end of her talk, we jumped to our feet clapping and cheering.

What’s YOUR way of being dynamic when public speaking?

Find your own way of being dynamic.

Maybe you’re a Tony Robbins type.

Maybe you’re more like Dame Stella.

Or maybe you’re like YOU and you do it in your very own style.

Whichever one, never be afraid to break the rules and captivate as your authentic self.

You might adopt the expressive movement of a dancer.

You might not.

What matters is that whoever and however you are, you can still knock the ball out of the park with your next speech.

So go do it!

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P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are 4 ways I can help you improve your speaking or grow your business:

1 – Get my free guide – 27 places to find speaking opportunities.

Find out where your next speaking opportunity might come from – whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or experienced speaker.

2 – Are you an ambitious coach, consultant or small business owner? If you’d like to wow your audiences and find more speaking opportunities, then watch the FREE on-demand training video here: https://sholakaye.com/masterclass

3 – Find out about my VIP Days and private coaching.

Book me for a VIP half or full-day session if you want to make some serious progress! We could help you create a business networking strategy and perfect your pitch. Or we could work on your signature talk so that audience members or hungry to work with you. Or we could explore frameworks and strategies to help give you confidence whether you’re speaking at conferences, in meetings or at other events. Or more!!

4 – Join the Facebook community Public Speaking for Female Business Owners

It’s for coaches, consultants and entrepreneurs who want to use speaking to build their business.