🧍 Speaking: Public Speaking & Presentations B1 - Lesson 2: Basic Body Language & Eye Contact Tips
Welcome back! In a presentation, what your body does is as important as what your mouth says. Good body language and eye contact help your audience feel connected and show that you are confident1, even if you feel nervous inside.
Scenario: Feedback After Practice
Listen to this conversation. A man named Dara has just practiced his presentation for his friend, Sophea. Sophea gives him some helpful feedback on his delivery.
Sophea: That was great, Dara. The information about the new project was very clear.
Dara: Really? Thanks! I felt so nervous. I didn't know where to look. I think I just stared at my notes the whole time.
Sophea: I noticed that a little. A good tip is to just look at one person for a few seconds, then gently move to another person. It really helps to engage2 the audience.
Dara: Okay, I can try that. And my hands? I just put them in my pockets. I didn't know what else to do.
Sophea: That’s a common habit. Try resting them in front of you, or using a small gesture3 when you have an important point. Your posture4 was very good, though! You were standing straight, and that made you look confident.
Making Effective Eye Contact
Looking at your audience builds trust. Looking at the floor, the ceiling, or only your notes can make you seem nervous or unprepared. Here's a simple technique:
- The "3-Second Scan": Don't stare at one person. Look at one person and deliver one thought or sentence (this usually takes about 3-5 seconds). Then, gently move your eyes to a person in a different part of the room and do the same. This makes everyone feel included.
Using Positive Body Language
Your body sends a strong message. Use it to show confidence and openness.
- Stand Straight (Good Posture): Imagine a string is pulling the top of your head towards the ceiling. Keep your shoulders back and relaxed. Avoid slouching5.
- Keep an Open Stance: Don't cross your arms tightly across your chest. This can look defensive. Let them hang naturally or bring your hands together in a relaxed "rest position" in front of you.
- Use Natural Gestures: Use your hands to help explain your words. For example, you can use your fingers to count points ("First... Second..."). Gestures should be calm and purposeful, not wild or distracting.
- Plant Your Feet: Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. This creates a stable base and stops you from rocking back and forth.
💡 Common Mistakes & Simple Fixes
Here are some common mistakes and how to easily fix them.
Mistake 1: Hiding Hands in Pockets.
Simple Fix: Consciously bring your hands out and let them rest in front of you. If you need to hold notes, hold them with one hand and gesture with the other.
Mistake 2: The "Head Scan". Moving your head side-to-side quickly without actually looking at anyone.
Simple Fix: Slow down. Remember to pause and connect with one person for a complete thought before moving on.
Mistake 3: Rocking or Shifting Weight. Moving nervously from one foot to the other.
Simple Fix: Before you start, feel both your feet firmly on the ground. Wiggle your toes inside your shoes to feel grounded.
🧠 Practice Quiz: What's the Best Action?
Read the situation and choose the best action to take.
1. You are halfway through your presentation and you realise you have been staring at the floor. What should you do?
A) Keep staring at the floor to finish quickly.
B) Take a breath, look up, and make eye contact with a friendly face in the audience.
C) Stare at the ceiling instead.
→ Best Action: B. It's never too late to correct yourself. Looking up and connecting with the audience shows confidence.
2. Your co-worker tells you that you cross your arms when you present, which makes you look "unfriendly". What should you do next time?
A) Keep your arms crossed because it's comfortable.
B) Hold a pen or your notes with both hands to keep your arms open.
C) Put your hands in your pockets.
→ Best Action: B. Holding something lightly can help you break the habit of crossing your arms and keeps your posture open and welcoming.
📝 Your Mission: Mirror Practice
This week's mission is to see what your audience sees. You will practice in front of a mirror or by recording yourself on your phone.
- Choose a short paragraph to read. You can use the example talk from Lesson 1.
- Stand in front of a mirror or set up your phone to record you.
- Deliver the paragraph. Pay attention ONLY to your body. Are your shoulders back? Are your hands relaxed? Are your feet still?
- Do it a second time. This time, focus on eye contact. Look at your own eyes in the mirror. If using a phone, look directly at the camera lens. Speak a full sentence before looking away.
The goal is not to be perfect, but simply to become aware of your own body language.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Confident: (Adjective) - មានទំនុកចិត្ត (miən tumnuk cət) - Feeling or showing that you are sure about your own abilities, opinions, etc. ↩
- Engage: (Verb) - ទាក់ទាញ (teak'teanh) / ធ្វើឱ្យមានការចូលរួម (tvəə aoy miən kaa coolruəm) - To attract and keep someone's interest or attention. ↩
- Gesture: (Noun) - កាយវិការ (kaayɔɔvikaa) - A movement of your hands, arms, or head to express an idea or feeling. ↩
- Posture: (Noun) - ឥរិយាបថ (iriyabot) - The way you hold your body when you are standing or sitting. ↩
- Slouch: (Verb) - អង្គុយឬឈរឱន (ɑngkuy rɨɨ chɔɔ aon) - To stand, sit, or walk with your shoulders hanging forward and your head bent down. ↩