Chapter 10

The Power of Sight “Making a Good Impression”

p. 200-208

Nonverbal Communication

Composure/Poise

•  “The bearing of the head/body” •  Presents “ the look of confidence”

Good Posture •  Proper alignment of

head, shoulders, & back

•  Helps establish credibility with audience

•  Results from proper relaxation & effective concentration

Visual Directness •  Makes good impression •  Establishes good rapport •  Initial visual contact as

you approach platform •  Take a relaxed,

sweeping glance –  Not too slow –

uncomfortable look –  Not too fast – confused

audience

Approaching/Leaving Stage

•  Eyes are watching you •  First impressions count •  Begins as soon as you’re called •  Ends when next person is called

On the Platform

•  Delivery •  Verbal & Nonverbal

• How message is delivered •  Supports message

Facial Expression

•  Conveys meaning to audience •  Facial expressions should be

“natural” and “expressive”

Gestures

•  Nonverbal delivery in movement of limbs or body – Usually moving hands/arms – Shrugging shoulders

1st Position of a “Gesture”

1. Approach: Arm comes away from your side & hand moves into position

2nd Position of a “Gesture”

2.  Hand reaches final destination & stops briefly

3rd Position of a “Gesture” 3.  The “return” – your

hand & arm come back to relaxed, initial position

*A gesture can look bad when rushed on approach or return. Relax & take your time!

Principles for Using Gestures

1.  Well timed 2.  Large enough to be seen 3.  Appropriate for the idea

being expressed 4.  Varied

•  Distracting, fidgeting hand & arm movements

•  Holding podium •  Hands in pockets •  Clasping hands together

Remember to keep one (if not holding visual aids) or both hands relaxed at your side when not gesturing.

Effective Gestures •  Well-timed – falls on word/idea

being supported •  Large enough for entire

audience to view –Gesture from elbow, not the wrist

•  Appropriate for idea expressed –  Big gestures for little ideas –  Avoid pounding on podium unless

emotion demands –  Avoid using same gesture

repeatedly –  Practice before a mirror to preview

Types of Gestures

•  Use to accomplish any 4 purposes – To emphasize – To describe – To locate – To transition

Emphatic Gestures

•  Oct. 13, 1960: Former Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev took off his shoe and waved it around & banged it on his table in response to another delegate’s claim against during a meeting at the U.N.

Think “emphasis” – mean what you say!

Locative Gestures •  Show where an object’s located •  Direct audience’s attention to a specific

object, person, place (book, those women, that room)

•  Uses index finger or entire hand

Think “location” – pointing direction

Descriptive Gestures

•  Speaking about something big, small, round, square

•  Gives audience an idea to visualize

Transitional Gestures •  Informs audience: Turning to a new

idea •  Sweeps from one side to another,

showing movement

Remember When Gesturing

•  Let gestures flow from your thoughts

•  The more you relax & concentrate on your message

•  The more natural and effective gestures will be