You’ve probably heard the term “nonverbal communication” many times. But what does it mean with regard to public speaking?

Nonverbal communication basically means everything you communicate to your audience apart from the words you say. Your content is a critical part of your message, of course. But studies have shown that what you look and sound like when you speak plays a determinative role in how your message is received.

In research conducted at U.C.L.A. and published in 1981, communications expert Albert Mehrabian found that most of the message an audience receives comes from nonverbal cues. Only about 7 percent comes from content. Most speakers concentrate on their material as they prepare for presentations and not much else. That means they’re ignoring up to 93 percent of an audience’s perception of them!

A classic example of the importance of nonverbal communication is the John F. Kennedy-Richard Nixon televised presidential debate of 1960, the first in history. Nixon was the better debater, and those listening on radio thought he won the debate. But television viewers saw a perspiring and uncomfortable Nixon, versus a tanned and athletic-looking Jack Kennedy. Clearly, the visual component of public speaking in this contest favored one candidate over the other.

At Public Speaking International, we’ll show you how to spend less time on your content, and more time on your ability to influence people. Improving the physical aspects of your presentation style means you’ll be more successful at winning people over to your side. It’s as simple and effective as that.

Gestures, Body Language, and Using Space

Most of us are conscious of the gestures we make when we speak. And gestures are important. But there are other physical aspects of public speaking that are equally valuable in terms of how you influence listeners.

Have you ever thought about how you enter a room? What about the way you approach others and introduce yourself? And what about the way you carry yourself: your posture and how you relate to others in physical terms? At PSI, we use theater-based techniques to boost your nonverbal skills for situations like these, and for all of your public speaking and presentation assignments. Call or email us today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

More Public Speaking Tips:

Public Speaking – Your Most Important Communication Tool

Using Your Voice

Handling Nervousness

Persuading an Audience