Simple Mannerisms To Simply Magnificent
By ZARAH WALPOLE
I’ve compiled a short list of common mannerisms that can reduce the effectiveness of your public presentations and some tips (usually learned the hard way) on how to avoid them.
It was my first year of law school. I had just finished my first moot (a mock appeal court argument) and was receiving feedback from my professor. I was well prepared, understood the issues, spoke persuasively but … did I realize I tapped my pen on the lectern every time I made a point. I learned, especially if I am anxious, to hold onto the edges of the lectern while making a presentation. This prevents me from making nervous hand gestures that are distracting to my audience.
Women, in particular, need to be aware of their hands when speaking. We often twirl or flip our hair when nervous, which looks unprofessional. Toe tapping, and bouncing are also common ways in which nerves are expressed – and they are particularly irritating for an audience to watch. With experience you can make a presentation with hand gestures and movement, but if you are nervous, it is a safer bet to plant your hands and feet firmly and thereby avoid repetitive tics that will distract from what you are saying.
By my final year of law school I was “mooting” competitively and still discovering mannerisms that distracted from my performance. This time it was my nasty habit of saying “uhm” before answering questions, even when I knew the answer cold. My partner started throwing spit balls at me every time I “uhmed”. Needless to say, this habit decreased dramatically. You don’t have to go to the extreme of spit balls to improve your presentations. Asking someone to point out distracting mannerisms of which you are unaware can be helpful. It’s hard on the ego but great for your public speaking skills.
I think women are often concerned that they will be perceived as too forceful, aggressive or confrontational. To compensate they turn their statements into questions. Don’t do it. This habit will make you sound insecure or not sure of your facts. It reduces the effectiveness of what you have to say immeasurably. Be strong, be confident and say what you have to say like you mean it.
[Let’s also teach our daughters the same lesson – I cannot count the times I’ve heard teenage girls turn such non-contentions statements as “I’m seventeen” into a question.]
Making presentations does not come naturally to most of us. Don’t sweat it. Take a deep breath, take your time and remember that your audience is interested in what you have to say and wants you to do well.
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The above is not intended to constitute
legal advice. Please contact a lawyer to clarify your
legal rights.
