100 Things Every Presenter Needs to Know About People

75. People Assign Meaning to Your Body Positions and Movement

In addition to the initial first impression discussed previously, people continue to unconsciously interpret and react to your body positions throughout your whole presentation. Assuming that you want to convey confidence, leadership, authority, passion, and openness, there are certain body positions that you should use and some that you should avoid.

Direction and Orientation

Face people directly to convey authority and confidence (Figure 75.1). Standing at an angle (Figure 75.2) says that you and the audience are collaborating.

Figure 75.1. Facing full front conveys authority and ...