Body language is a powerful factor that forms part of the overall process of communication and can greatly impact the effectiveness of any video presentation.
Whether it’s an online job interview, a video conference call or a YouTube video, the way you present yourself through body language can either enhance or detract from the message you are trying to get across.
Maintain Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact with the camera is crucial in video presentations although it is best not stare maniacally into the camera!
Eye contact conveys self-confidence and an interest in what you’re saying making your audience feel “spoken to” and valued.
Try to look directly into the camera lens as if you were making eye contact with the person watching the video.
If you are using a teleprompter spend time rehearsing with it to make sure you are reading the text yet still looking into the camera.
If you find yourself appearing to look anywhere other than the lens set the teleprompter up so that you are further way, shoot in 4K then zoom in slightly.
Use Open Body Language
Keep your posture “open” and relaxed.
This means that you have your shoulders back, sitting up straight with your arms uncrossed and your hands visible.
Humans have evolved to read certain signs unconsciously as possible threats or efforts to deceive.
Crossed arm and hidden hands are very much a part of these signals so don’t do it.
An “open” posture conveys a sense of approachability, openness and trustworthiness.
Natural Gestures
Gestures are used to emphasize points and convey reaction to things whether positive or negative.
On video or in a remote situation whatever your gestures are they will be exaggerated beyond what you think because of that slightly unnatural situation.
Excessive gesturing can be distracting, take away from the message you’re trying to convey and may seem disingenuous.
Practice using gestures in a natural, relaxed way to make your presentation more engaging and also practice NOT gesturing when it is unnecessary.
Remember, less is more!
Use Positive Facial Expressions
Smile and look happy to be there to convey warmth, friendliness and most importantly, interest.
This helps to build a rapport with your audience and makes your presentation or presence more appealing.
Avoid negative expressions like frowning or scowling even if you disagree with something or are unhappy about something.
Instead maintain a calm exterior and try to clarify first.
Move with Certainty
Avoid fidgeting or fiddling with objects like pens etc. or shifting your weight excessively.
Doing this makes you look uncomfortable and makes the audience uncomfortable because you look uncomfortable!
Instead, move in a positive and in a natural way or simply don’t move at all.
This can help to engage your audience and keep their attention on the message you’re trying to convey rather than you.
Speak Clearly
Speak at a steady pace and take the time to enunciate your words clearly.
Remember that in online meetings the audio quality can be bad and in videos the same can happen.
Doing this ensures that your message is understood by all viewers without them placing their attention on the poor audio.
Regardless of where they are located or how they are viewing it conveys that you believe yourself what you are saying to them.
Use Visual Aids
Consider using props or some kind of visual aid to help clarify your message.
People respond better to information that can be visually represented on top of an oral explanation.
This can make your presentation more engaging and memorable as long as what you use is relevant to the message.
Dress Appropriately
What you wear on camera can have a big impact on your presentation and people’s reactions to the physical appearance of others has been proven out time and time again..
Choose an appearance that is appropriate for the occasion or the subject being discussed.
Conclusion
Body language and your appearance is an important aspect of any video presentation or online meeting.
Paying attention to the way in which you present yourself can greatly improve the effectiveness of communicating your message.
By maintaining eye contact, using open body language, gesturing naturally, making positive facial expressions, speaking clearly, using props, and dressing appropriately, you can improve your body language and effectively communicate with your audience.
Read more: https://vimeo.com/blog/post/improve-body-language-on-video
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