Speaking: Public Speaking & Presentations B1
Basic Body Language & Eye Contact
Scenario: Feedback After Practice 💬
Listen to this conversation. Dara has just practiced a presentation for his friend, Sophea. Sophea gives him some helpful feedback.
Making Effective Eye Contact 👀
Looking at your audience builds trust. Looking at the floor or only your notes can make you seem nervous or unprepared.
The "3-Second Scan" Technique
Don't stare at one person. Look at one person and deliver one thought or sentence (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 pulling the top of your head to the ceiling. Keep your shoulders back and relaxed. Avoid slouching.
Keep an Open Stance
Don't cross your arms tightly. 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, like using your fingers to count points ("First... Second..."). Gestures should be calm and purposeful.
Common Mistakes & Simple Fixes
💡 Three Common Mistakes and How to 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.
Simple Fix: Before you start, feel both your feet firmly on the ground. This creates a stable base.
Practice Your Skills 🎯
Practice Quiz: What's the Best Action?
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. 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.
Vocabulary
- Confident Feeling sure about your own abilities or opinions.
- Engage To attract and keep someone's interest or attention.
- Gesture A movement of your hands or head to express an idea or feeling.
- Posture The way you hold your body when you are standing or sitting.
- Slouch To stand or sit with your shoulders hanging forward.
Your Mission: Mirror Practice ⭐
This week's mission is to see what your audience sees. Practice in front of a mirror or by recording yourself on your phone.
- Choose a short paragraph to read aloud.
- Stand in front of a mirror or set up your phone to record you.
- Deliver the paragraph, paying attention ONLY to your body. Are your shoulders back? Are your hands relaxed?
- Do it a second time, focusing on eye contact. Look at your own eyes or directly at the camera lens. Speak a full sentence before looking away.
The goal is not to be perfect, but to become aware of your own body language.