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| Michelle Eppley |
I am often asked about gestures. People want to
know whether they are gesturing too much or too
little, too big or too small, and whether their gestures
communicate confidence. These are great
questions, and the answers are simpler than you
might think.
Are you gesturing too much? Are your gestures too big? If your movements are distracting from your message, you are moving too much. The ultimate goal is to align your message with your voice and movements. If any one of those areas is incongruent, your audience will pick up on that immediately. We often move unconsciously. This could be a swaying movement or a repetitive gesture that has nothing to do with your communication goal. These extraneous movements take away from your ability to persuade, inspire, or clearly convey information. Are you gesturing too little? Are your gestures too small? If you look stiff or need to add animation to your talk, try moving. We usually consider hand movements when we think about gestures, but we are made of many moving parts, and it is often helpful to explore the full extent of movements possible. Forward leans indicate interest. A strong posture communicates confidence. Even the movements of our eyes help us communicate effectively. How do I know how I look? Watching yourself on videotape may be a frightening thought, but it is arguably the best tool to learn more about your presentation style. Most people find it an eye-opening experience. If you would like The Sound Center to videotape you during a practice session or an actual presentation, give us a call at 630-435-5622. Another way to learn more about how you look as you present is to explore different levels of movement. First try the extremes. If you stand still with a strong foundation, you may communicate competence and ease with yourself. If you move a lot, you may increase your audience's enthusiasm. Experimenting will teach you a lot about your usual mode, and give you new options for communicating your message. That is the ultimate goal--to communicate! We can do this with the words we say, how we sound, and how we move. So let's get moving! |
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Workshops, Seminars & Classes
JULY 25: Presenting--YOU!
There are still a few spaces left for this workshop. You've probably seen Presenting--YOU! offered before at The Sound Center. Maybe you have even attended. Whether you are an expert presenter or public speaking is your greatest fear, this workshop is guaranteed to enhance your skills--or your money back! You will receive expert feedback to make instant improvements. If you would like to be more prepared, overcome your fear, or improve your voice, don't wait! Register now to reserve your space!
AUGUST 15: Overcoming Anxiety in Your Voice Does your voice shake or quiver when you're nervous? Does your sound fade after talking for a short time? Would you like your voice to be more powerful? This workshop will provide exercises and tips to help you sound your best!
SEPTEMBER 12: Presenting--YOU! Do you have a big presentation coming up this fall? Would you like to put a priority on polishing your presentation skills? This workshop allows you to pick your goal and content. If you're not sure what to address first, give us a call. We can help!
New offering! OCT 1: Slay Your Public Speaking Gremlins! Do you have a fear of public speaking? Michelle Eppley will be joined by professionally trained Executive and Personal Coach, Elene Cafasso of Enerpace Inc. for an intense Saturday morning of slaying the gremlins that keep you from being a dynamic, compelling presenter.
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