REFERENCES

1. Business, definition, nature by Umar farooq viewed on 8th July 2013

< http://www.studylecturenotes.com/management-sciences/economics/330-what-is-business-definitionnature-and-characteristics-of-business >
2. Business communication viewed on 9th July 2013 blocks 1 and block 2
<http://www.iilm.edu/iilm-online/business%20communication%20self-learning%20material.pdf >
3. Wikianswers aug2012 viewed on 13th July 2013
<http://wiki.answers.com/q/characteristics_of_business>
4. Types of presentation by maranda Gibson viewed on 16th July 2013 (1st article)
<http://www.accuconference.com/blog/types-of-presentations.aspx >
5. How to make a class presentation viewed on 21 July 2013
<http://earthednet.org/eedmaterials/content/how%20to%20give%20a%20presentation.html >
6. How to gesture effectively by Lenny laskowski 1997 ljl seminars viewed on 22 July 2013
<http://www.ljlseminars.com/gesture.pdf >
7. Toastmasters international body gestures speak
<http://www.toastmasters.org/201-gestures>
8. Five ways to make your body speak by lenny laskowsk 1999 ljl seminars viewed on 1st august 2
<http://www.ljlseminars.com/bodyspeaks.pdf>
9. Gesture generation by Justine Cassel mit media lab viewed on 4th august 2013
<http://www.justinecassell.com/publications/gesture.wkshop.html>
10. Ways to make your body speak by Kerry decamps viewed on 4th august 2013
<http://www.members.shaw.ca/thejonuks/gest.pdf>
11. Types of gestures by Isabella poggi universit roma tre viewed on 4th august 2013
<http://mondoailati.unical.it/didattica/archivi/easyup0506/docs/_poggi1.pdf>
12. How to speak effectively with gesture viewed on 5th august 2013
<http://www.ethos3.com/2012/05/how-to-speak-effectively-with-gestures/>

13. Body movement viewed on 5th august 2013

< http://www.trainingmag.com/article/supercompetent-speaking-using-body-language-during-presentations>
< http://www.examiner.com/article/body-movements-impact-presentation-effectiveness>
14. facial expression
<http://www.artofcommunicating.com.au/public_speaking%20tips/body_language_expression.html>
< http://totalcommunicator.com/body_article.html>
< http://www.publicspeakingtip.org/speaking-qualities/facial-expression-and-gestures.php>
15. Eye contact by michigan state university extension viewed on 8th august 2013
<http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/eye_contact_tips_to_make_your_presentations_stronger>
<http://www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/delivery/tips-eye-contact/>
16. Dynamic speaker by Kevin Kearns by 8th august 2013
< http://www.businessknowhow.com/growth/dynamic.htm>
17.hand gestures by Isabella poggi universit roma tre viewed on 8th august 2013
< http://mondoailati.unical.it/didattica/archivi/easyup0506/docs/_poggi1.pdf>
< http://www.persuasivelitigator.com/2011/04/talk-with-your-hands.html>
18. Making good impression by Lenny laskowski 1998 ljl seminars viewed on 8th august 2013
< http://www.ljlseminars.com/impressions.pdf>
<http://andnowpresenting.typepad.com/professionally_speaking/2011/06/presentation-tip-first-impressionsmatter.html>

Concept of business
an organization or economic system where goods and services are exchanged for one another or for money.
Every business requires some form of investment and enough customers to whom its output can be sold on
a consistent basis in order to make a profit. Businesses can be privately owned, not-for-profit or state-owned.
An example of a corporate business is PepsiCo, while a mom-and-pop catering business is a private
enterprise.
A business is an organization involved in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Business
plan and Business model determine the outcome of an active business operation. Businesses are predominant
in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to provide service to
its customers. Businesses may also be not-for-profit or state-owned. A business owned by multiple
individuals may be referred to as a company, although that term also has a more precise meaning.

According to L.H. Haney, "Business may be defined as human activities directed towards providing or
acquiring wealth through buying and selling goods". This definition includes activities relating to the
production of goods.
A vital omission is 'services'. Business includes rendering of services also. An organization or enterprising
entity engaged in commercial, industrial or professional activities. A business can be a for-profit entity, such
as a publicly-traded corporation, or a non-profit organization engaged in business activities, such as an
agricultural cooperative. Businesses include everything from a small owner-operated company such as a
family restaurant, to a multinational conglomerate such as General Electric.

Entrepreneur

Profit motive

Exchange
of
goods and
services

Profit motive

CHARACTERISTICS

Risk
and

Continuity of
transaction

uncertainty

OF BUSINESS
Creation
of
utility

Organisat-ion

Financing

Consumer
satisfaction

Characteristics of business

1. Entrepreneur: - There must be someone to take initiative for establishing a business. The person who
recognizes the need for a product or service is known as entrepreneur. The entrepreneur is a key figure in the
process of economic growth. The quality of entrepreneurship exiting in any region determines to a large
growth. The quality of entrepreneurship existing in any region determines to a large extent the development
of that region. The entrepreneur visualizes a business, combines various factors of production and puts them
into a going concern.
2. Economic Activities: - A Business includes only economic activities. All those activities relating to the
production and distribution of goods and services are called economic activities. These activities are undertaken with economic motive. Business is carried on with a profit motive. Any activity undertaken without
economic consideration will not be a part business. So, business covers only economic activities.
3. Exchange of Goods and Services: A business must involve exchange of goods and services. The goods to
be exchanged my either be produced or procured from other sources. The exchange of goods and services is
undertaken with profit motive. Production or purchasing of goods and services for personal consumption
does not constitute business. The purchase of goods by a retailer constitutes business while the purchase of
goods by a consumer is not business. The same principle is applicable to services. If a person cooks his food
At home it is not business, but if the same person cook at a restaurant, it is business, because he exchange his
services for money.

4. Profit Motive: - The profit motive is an important element of business. Any activity undertaken without
profit motive is not business. A businessman tries to earn more and more profits out of his business activities.
The incentive for earning profits keeps a person in business and is also necessary for the continuity of the
business. This does not mean that there will not be losses in business. The object of starting a business is to
earn profit through there may be losses. The profit motive does not entitle a businessman to start exploiting
the consumers. The responsibility of business towards society restricts a businessman from earning exorbitant
profit. The business activity will flourish more when the business serves the society.
5. Risk and Uncertainty: - The business involves larger element of risk and uncertainty. In fact a business
tries to foresee any future uncertainties and plan his business activities accordingly. The factors on which
business depends are never certain, so the business opportunities will also be uncertain. These may be shift in
demand, strike by employees, floods, fall in prices, fluctuations in money market etc. If a businessman is able
to foresee uncertainties and is able to bear them then he will successful, otherwise he may be forced out of
business. The risk element in business keeps a person vigilant and he tries to ward off his risk by executing
his policies properly.
6. Continuity of Transactions: - In business, only those transactions are included which have regularity and
continuity. An isolated transaction will not be called business, even if the person earns from that deal. A
person builds a house for himself, but later on sells it on profit. We will not sell them, this will be called
business. So the transactions should have continuity and regularity, otherwise they will not be a part of
business.
7. Creation of Utility: - The goods are provided to the consumers s per their likings and requirements.
Business crates various types of utilities ion goods so that consumers may use them. The utility may be form
utility, place utility, time utility etc. When raw materials are converted into finished goods, it creates from
utility. The goods are transported from the places of production to the ultimate consumers; it creates place
utility. In the present industrial world, production is not done only for the present but it is undertaken for the
future also. The process of storing goods when they are not required and supplying them at a time when they
are needed is called creation of time utility. So the business creates many utilities in goods so that the
consumers may use them according to their preferences and needs.

8. Organization: - Every enterprise needs an organization for its successful working. Various business
activities are divided into departments, sections, and jobs. An organization creates the framework for
managerial performance and helps in coordinating various business activities. A proper organization is
helpful in the smooth running of the business and helps to achieve its objectives.
9. Financing: - Business enterprises cannot move a step without finance. The finances are required for
providing fixed and working capital. The availability of other factors of production also depends upon the
availability of finances. After estimating its financial requirements, the businessman tries to find out the
sources from which these requirements will be met. A proper capital structure is must for the success of the
business.
10. Consumer Satisfaction: - the utility of business is to supply goods to the consumers. The foods are
produced for the consumers. If the consumer is satisfied, then he will purchase the same thing again,
otherwise he will for in for an alternative commodity. The business should try to satisfy the consumer so that
the demand for his products is maintained. The existence and expansion of business depends upon the liking
of the consumers for the products of that business. The businessman should try to produce goods according to
the likings and tastes of consumers. The commodities should be made available when they are needed.
11. Satisfying Social Need: - The business should aim at serving the society at large. The business is a socioeconomic institution. It must look to the public good. A great emphasis is laid, now a day, on the social aspect
of business and social obligations of business. It is not only the public, which needs business, but business
also needs public support. S business must serve public purpose.

Concept of business communication:

Communication skills have emerged as the most powerful set of skills to possess for accelerating ones career
trajectory and speed of accomplishment in every walk of life. To prepare us for a rewarding career in the
broad field of management, it is even more essential to acquire, practice and exhibit high levels of
communication skills in normal and crisis situations. Effective communication skills provide the ladder to the
managers and leaders for rapid progression in their careers.

Communication is a two way process:

Communication is a complete process - it starts with communicators sending
Messages to receivers the communicates. An experienced sender of message,
Whether oral or written, would think of the audience as his customer. He would try to gauge or guess the kind
of level of communication the receiver is comfortable with. Thereafter, he would craft his message in a
manner and in the language, words, phrases and idioms that the receiver is familiar with.

Each receiver of message is really a customer whose needs and wants should be as well known to the sender
as it happens in a market place. Obviously, like the sender who chooses words, phrases and idioms from his
vocabulary depending on own learning, experience and exposure, receiver also has his own mental filter that
is the product of his learning, experience and exposure.

To absorb the message in his mind, he does the abstraction of the message in to words, phrases and idioms
that he is familiar with or has command over. This leads to his formulating his response to the message
received. Once again, it goes through the mind filter and ultimately comes out of the communicate and starts
its return journey to the sender of the message.

A sensitive speaker is able to judge the reaction of his audience from the gestures, sounds and expressions of
the audience the way they sit, the way they yawn or the way they twitter their fingers etc. It is thus a
complete cycle because it is a two way process. Until the full process has been gone through the process of
communication is considered to be incomplete

Concept of presentation:

People in organization are being required quite often to make oral presentations before select audience. Most
people experience discomfort while making presentations either to bosses or to the clients. Speaking before
an audience provides an opportunity to the speaker to express his point of view. But the initial fear and

nervousness create butterflies in the stomach.

Presentation means speaking before people on some formal occasion. It is also known as public speaking.
The term presentation is preferred perhaps because the purpose of a presentation is defined more precisely
than that of a public speech. Moreover, presentation is done before a select audience whereas in a public
speech the audience is not selected. According to ADAIR, a presentation means a formal or set-piece
occasion with two usual hallmarks: the use of audio- visual aids and team work.

Need for presentation:

Oral presentations play a vital role in modern business. Successful oral presentations can boost the career of
an employee while failure to present well can block career progress.
Need for oral presentation may arise on several occasions, some of which are given below:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Presenting a new business plan.

Launching a new product/service.
Making a sales proposal.
Starting a training course/session.
Participating in a conference/seminar.
Negotiating a business deal.

Hark work alone does not take a manager up the corporate leader. Ability to make good presentations is
essential. A well-made presentation keeps the name of the speaker in the minds of people and provides more
credit than is due. Therefore, it is necessary to invest time and effort in mastering the art of making good
presentations. No other skill of communication has perhaps a greater impact on career in business than the
skill of making presentations.

Types of presentations:
1) Informative Speeches These are the most common types of presentations and are used to present
research. A student who is defending a thesis or a non-profit group that did a research study will use
informative speeches to present their findings.
2) Demonstrative Speeches These will show us how to do something. In introduction to communication
classes, these speeches are usually how to Make Cakes kinds of speeches and include different pictures and

steps to the process.

3) Persuasive Speeches This kind of speech is trying to change the way we think about a subject or issue.
If we have to come to a health conference we may find our self-listening to why we should change our eating
habits or stop drinking.

4) Inspirational Speeches These speeches are designed to make our audience move. Also considered a
motivational speech, this is designed to encourage participants to go after their goals, whatever they may
be. Inspirational speeches will tell stories and the hope is that the audience will feel an emotional connection
to the topic.
Example -Think about Apple CEO Steve Jobs and the presentations he gives when he introduces a new
product. He gives us information, he shows us how to use a new product, tells us how we can use the product
to solve a problem, makes us understand why we need it, and closes by letting us touch and feel the product.
He lets the entirety of his speech stand for decision-making and then by letting us get our hands on the new
isomething, we see why the new product will help us.
In truth, the best presentations will embody a little bit of each one of these kinds, but we can take a specific
type to help move us along the right path.

Delivering the

presentation

1) Write note cards on

index cards- Write main ideas on our

index cards. Don't write

details, or be stuck with the fate of looking

down, staring at our

note cards while reading. Put in some fun

facts interactive

questions, and other interactive activities

on the cards to share

with the class.

2) Practice- In most

presentations, it is pretty obvious who

has practiced and who

hasn't. Work on what we are going to

say and how we are going

to say it. We will feel a lot more

confident when we do the real thing and we will eliminate the "likes" and "ums" unlike those who try to
"wing it."

3) Do our research. In order to give an engaging presentation, we need to know what we are talking about.
We don't have to become an expert, or read every book or website ever written about our topic, but we should
be able to answer any questions our teacher or classmates might give us.

4) Smile at your audience. When it comes time to present, there's nothing that draws our audience into our
presentation than a good old-fashioned smile. Be happy and give positive response to our audience about our
speech.

5) feel confident about

your presentation. When we give our

class a presentation, our

teacher is essentially having us take over

their job for a little while.

It's our job to make sure everyone

understands what we are trying to tell him or her. Make sure we pay attention to how our teacher does this
before our presentation, because teachers are expert presenters.
Visualize success before, during, and after our presentation. Be humble about what we do no need for
cockiness but imagine a successful presentation at all times. Don't let the thought of failure creep into our
mind.

6) Make eye contact. Nothing is more boring than listening to a presenter who looks at the floor or at notecards. Relax. Our audience is made up of our friends and we talk to them all the time; talk the same way now.
Have the goal of looking at every person in the classroom at least once. That way, everyone will feel like we
have engaged with him or her. Plus, we will look like we know what we are talking about.

7) Have a good conclusion. We have probably heard the presentations that end in something like "um...
yeah," our conclusion is our final impression on our audience, including our teacher. Make it exciting by
introducing a final statistic, or come up with something creative to do at the end. Our conclusion can be
anything so long as our audience knows we are finished.

Gestures in presentation:
More than half of all human communication takes place nonverbally. We are constantly sending nonverbal
messages even as we read these words. When we speak in public, our listeners judge us and our message
based on what they see as well as on what they hear. Heres how to use our body to effectively enhance our
message.

Ag

esture is

form

of n

on-verbal

communication in which visible bodily actions communicate particular messages, either in place of speech or

together and in parallel with words.

Gestures include movement of the hands, face, or other parts of the body. Gestures differ from physical nonverbal communication that does not communicate specific messages, such as
purely expressive displays, proxemics, or displays of joint attention. Gestures allow individuals to
communicate a variety of feelings and thoughts, from contempt and hostility to approval and affection, often
together with body language in addition to words when they speak.

Gestures can be some of the most direct and obvious body language signals. Waving, pointing, and using the
fingers to indicate numerical amounts are all very common and easy to understand gestures. Some gestures
may be cultural, however, so giving a thumbs-up or a peace sign might have a completely different meaning
than it might in the United States.

The following examples are just a few common gestures and their possible meanings:

A clenched fist can indicate anger or solidarity.

A thumbs up and thumbs down are often used as gestures of approval and disapproval.
The "Okay" gesture, made by touching together the thumb and index finger in a circle while
extending the other three fingers can be used to mean okay. In some parts of Europe, however, the
same signal is used to imply we are nothing. In some South American countries, the symbol is

actually a vulgar gesture.

The V sign created by lifting the index and middle finger and separating them to create a V-shape,
means peace or victory in some countries. In the United Kingdom and Australia, the symbol takes on
an offensive meaning when the back of the hand is facing outward.

GESTURES: YOUR BODY SPEAKS

When we present a speech, we send two kinds of messages to our audience. While our voice transmits a
verbal message, a vast amount of information is being visually conveyed by our appearance, our manner, and
our physical behavior.

Research shows that more than half of all human communication takes place nonverbally. When we speak
before a group, our listeners base their judgment on out content and our message on what they see as well as
upon what they hear.

In public speaking, our body can be an effective tool for adding emphasis and clarity to our words. Its also
our most powerful instrument for convincing an audience of our sincerity, earnestness, and enthusiasm.
However, if our physical actions are distracting or suggest meanings that do not agree with our verbal
message, our body can defeat our words. Whether our purpose is to inform, persuade, entertain, motivate, or
inspire, our body and the personality our project must be appropriate to what we say.

To become an effective speaker, we must understand how our body speaks. We cant stop sending our
audience nonverbal messages, but we can learn to manage and control them.
In this we will learn how nonverbal messages affect an audience, what kinds of information they transmit,
how nervousness can be alleviated by purposeful physical actions, and how to make our body speak as
eloquently as our words. Included are how-to sections on proper speaking posture, gestures, body movement,
facial expression, eye contact, and making a positive first impression on an audience.

GESTURES: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

Our goal in public speaking is to communicate. To be an effective speaker, we must project earnestness,
enthusiasm, and sincerity by making our manner and actions affirm what we say. If they don't, the results can
be disastrous.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "What you are speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say." When we
speak, people not only judge our speech they also judge us. If they aren't convinced of our earnestness and
sincerity, they are also unlikely to accept our spoken message.
What we are is more clearly communicated through our non-verbal behavior than through our words. When
presenting a speech, our listeners will use their visual sense to determine if we:
> Are sincere.
> Welcome the opportunity to address them.
> Truly believe what we are saying.
> Are interested in them and care about them

When we present a speech, we send two kinds of messages to our audience. While our voice transmits a
verbal message, a vast amount of information is being visually conveyed by our Appearance, our manner, and
our physical behavior.
In public speaking, our body can be an effective tool for adding emphasis and clarity to our words. It is also
our most powerful instrument for convincing an audience of our sincerity, earnestness, and enthusiasm.

However, if our physical actions are distracting or suggest meanings that don't agree with our verbal
message, our body can defeat our words.
If we want to become an effective speaker, we must understand how our body speaks. We can't stop sending
our audience nonverbal messages, but we can learn to manage and control them.

The purpose of this gestures information is to help us learn to use our entire body as an instrument of speech.
We will learn how nonverbal messages affect an audience, what kinds of information they transmit, how
nervousness can be alleviated by purposeful physical actions, and how to make our body speak as eloquently
as our words. Included are how-to sections on proper speaking posture, gestures, body movement, facial
expression, eye contact, and making a positive first impression on an audience.

Also featured is a special evaluation form that can help us identify our body's spoken image. With it we will
be able to determine our nonverbal strengths and weaknesses and eliminate any physical behavior that
detracts from what we say during a speech. We can then begin to use our body as a tool that will make us a
more effective speaker.

The Principle of Empathy

Part

of the impact our

physical behavior has on an audience can be explained by the concept of empathy, the ability to share in
another persons emotions or feelings. When we speak, the people in our audience tend to mirror our
attitudes. They unconsciously feel what we feel and respond accordingly. So its vital that our body faithfully
portray our true feelings.

If we appear relaxed and confident, our audience will also feel relaxed and confident. If we smile at our
listeners, they will perceive us as a friendly person and smile back at us. And, most important, if theyre
convinced we are sincere and trustworthy, they will pay attention to what we say and evaluate it on its own
merits.

Why Physical Action Helps

When we demonstrate purposeful, effective physical action while speaking in front of an audience, we
provide a true barometer of our feelings and attitudes. But there are other benefits as well:
1. Messages Are More Memorable
People become bored with static presentations. Thats why television newscasts almost always include film
showing some kind of action. If a fire, protest demonstration, or some other visually exciting activity occurs,
the newscast will usually lead with it even if its not the most significant news story. A newscast focusing
on talking heads would soon lose viewers, who could get as much information from radio. On the other
hand, its difficult not to look at a moving object. At Toastmasters meetings we have probably noticed how
people pay attention to visual distractions. A latecomers arrival or a flashing timing light usually siphons
attention away from a speech.

People also remember messages that reach multiple senses. We remember more of what we see than what we
hear. However, we remember best when both our visual and auditory
Senses are involved. As a speaker we can capitalize on these tendencies by providing visual stimuli that

capture our Audiences attention and enhance retention of our verbal messages. Gestures, body movements,
facial expressions all of these can be valuable tools when skillfully employed.

2. Punctuation Adds meaning

written languages have a whole array of symbols for punctuating messages: commas, periods, exclamations
points, and so on. But when we speak, we use an entirely different set of symbols to show the audience what
parts of our speech is most important and to add power and vitality to our words.
Some are performed with the voice. Just as effective are gestures, body movements, and facial expressions.
However, to achieve the greatest possible impact, we should coordinate our voice and body, making them
work together. The more communication methods we employ, the more effectively we will communicate

3. Nervous Tension Is Channeled.

Being nervous before a speech is, to a certain extent, healthy. It shows we care about doing well.
Many of the worlds top entertainers really admit they are nervous before a performance. But true
fear the kind that ruins a speech will keep us from becoming an effective speaker.

Fear and nervousness in public speaking work on three levels: mental, emotional, and physical. A
speakers mental and emotional fears are conquered by self-confidence a byproduct of
preparation and experience. We can best control the physical manifestations of fear and
nervousness, however, through conscious use of gestures and body movements.

Public speaking activates the adrenal glands. Our heartbeat quickens. Our breathing becomes
shallow and more rapid. Our muscles tense since the body will do almost anything to relieve
tension; we might unconsciously perform mannerisms that will distract our audience unless we
can dissipate the tension. Gestures and body movements can help us harness our nervous energy
and make it work for us instead of against us.

FOUR WAYS TO MAKE OUR BODY SPEAK EFFECTIVELY

How can we marshal our nonverbal tools posture, gestures, body movements, facial expressions, and eye

contact and use them effectively when we speak? In this section we will learn five general methods for
strengthening our bodys spoken image.

1. Eliminate Distracting Mannerisms

Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, the founder of Toastmasters International, wrote, The speaker who stands and talks at
ease is the one who can be heard without weariness. If his posture and gestures are so graceful and
unobtrusive that no one notices them, he may be counted truly successful.
When our actions are wedded to our words, we will strengthen the impact of our speech even if the audience
doesnt consciously notice them. But if our platform behavior contains mannerisms not related to our spoken
message, those actions will call attention to themselves and away from our speech. In fact, rather than adding
physical characteristics, sometimes the enterprising speaker must work on removing impediments.
Some mannerisms involve the whole body, such as
Rocking
Swaying
Pacing.

Others that commonly plague inexperienced or ineffective speakers include

Gripping or leaning on the lectern

Tapping the fingers
Biting or licking the lips
Jingling pocket change
Frowning
Adjusting hair or clothing
Turning the head and eyes from side to side like an oscillating fan.

Most of these actions have two things in common: First, they are physical manifestations of simple
nervousness; second, they are performed unconsciously the speaker isnt aware that he or she is doing
them. Most of us are aware of our verbal mistakes. But unless we have access to video equipment and can
have our movements recorded, many of our distracting mannerisms go unchallenged. The first step in
eliminating superfluous mannerisms is to obtain an accurate perception of our bodys spoken image.

Our next step is to eliminate any physical behavior that doesnt add to our speeches. We can accomplish this
by being aware of our problem areas and by conscious self-monitoring during future presentations. If we
have several problem areas, work on one at a time. As each is eliminated, move on to the next

2. Be Natural, Spontaneous, and Conversational.

The single most important rule for making our body speak effectively is to be our self. Todays favored
speaking style can best be described as amplified conversation. Its much more informal than the grandiose
style that characterized public orators in years past. The emphasis is on communication and the sharing of
ideas not on performance or sermonizing. Dont try to imitate another speaker. Instead, let us respond
naturally and spontaneously to what we think, feel, and say. Strive to be as genuine and natural as when we
talk with friends or family members.

3. Let Body Mirror Your Feelings.

The father of modern public speaking, Dale Carnegie, wrote, A person under the influence of his feelings
projects the real self, acting naturally and spontaneously. A speaker who is interested will usually be
interesting.
If we are interested in our subject, believe in what we are saying, and want to share our message with others,
our physical movements will come from within and be appropriate to what we are saying By involving our
self in our message we will be natural and spontaneous without having to consciously think about it.

4) Build Self-Confidence through Preparation.

Nothing influences a speakers mental attitude more than the knowledge that he or she is thoroughly
prepared. This knowledge inspires self-confidence, a vital ingredient of effective public speaking.
When we are well prepared, our behavior can be directed outward toward our audience instead of inward
toward our own anxieties. We will be less likely to send visual messages that contradict what we are saying,
and we will find it easier to be natural and spontaneous. Almost effortlessly, we will project the magic
qualities of sincerity, earnestness, and enthusiasm. Practice and rehearse our material until it becomes part of
us, but do not try to memorize speech verbatim. This can defeat our preparation because the conscious effort
required recalling each word will make us nervous and tense. Instead, know our material so well that we need
only memorize the flow of ideas. We will find the words will spring forth spontaneously.

MEANING OF GESTURE AND ITS TYPES?

A gesture is a specific bodily movement that reinforces a verbal message or conveys a particular thought or
emotion. Although gestures may be made with the head, shoulders, or even the legs and feet, most are made
with the hands and arms.

Our hands can be marvelous tools of communication when we speak. But many inexperienced speakers are
unsure what to do with their hands. Some try to get them out of the way by putting them in their pockets or
behind their backs. Others unconsciously relieve nervous tension by performing awkward, distracting
Movements. A few speakers over-gesture out of nervousness, waving their arms and hands wildly.

A speakers gestures can suggest very precise meaning to an audience. The Indians of North America devised
a sign language that enabled people with entirely different spoken languages to converse. Sign language has
also made it possible for deaf people to communicate without speaking.
The use of gestures in communication varies from one culture to the next. In some cultures, such as those of
Southern Europe and the Middle East, people use their hands freely and expressively when they speak. In
other cultures, people use gestures less frequently and in a more subdued way.

The specific gesture we make and the meanings we attach to them are products of our cultural training.
Just as cultures differ, so do the perceived meanings of gestures. For example, nodding ones head up and
down signifies agreement or assent in Western cultures but in some parts of India this gesture means the
exact opposite.

To be effective, a speakers gestures must be purposeful even if theyre performed unconsciously. They
must be visible to the audience. They must mean the same thing to the audience that they mean to the
speaker. And they must reflect whats being said, as well as the total personality behind the message.

TYPES OF GESTURES

Despite the vast number of movements that qualify as gestures, all gestures can be grouped into one of the
following major categories:
Descriptive gestures clarify or enhance a verbal message. They help the audience understand
comparisons and contrasts, and visualize the size, shape, movement, location, function, and number
of objects.
Emphatic gestures underscore whats being said. They indicate earnestness and conviction. For
example, a clenched fist suggests strong feeling, such as anger or determination.
Suggestive gestures are symbols of ideas and emotions. They help a speaker create a desired mood or
express a particular thought. An open palm suggests giving or receiving, usually of an idea, while a
shrug of the shoulders indicates ignorance, perplexity, or irony.

Prompting gestures are used to help evoke a desired response from the audience. If we want listeners
to raise their hands, applaud, or perform some specific action, well enhance the response by doing it
our self as an example.

Gestures made above the shoulder level suggest physical height, inspiration, or emotional exultation.

Gestures made below shoulder level indicate rejection, apathy, or condemnation. Those made at or near
shoulder level suggest calmness or serenity. The most frequently used gestures involve an open palm held
outward toward the audience. The meaning of this type of gesture depends on the position of the palm.

Holding the palm upward implies giving or receiving, although this gesture is sometimes used as an
unconscious movement, with no specific intended meaning. A palm held downward can express suppression,
secrecy, completion, or stability. A palm held outward toward the audience suggests halting, repulsion,
negation, or abhorrence. If the palm is held perpendicular to the speakers body, it tends to imply
measurement, limits in space or time, comparisons, or contrasts.

Why Gestures?
All good speakers use gestures. Why? Gestures are probably the most evocative form of nonverbal communication a speaker can employ. No other kind of physical action can enhance our speeches in as many ways as
gestures. They:
Clarify and support your words. Gestures strengthen the audiences understanding of our verbal
message.
Dramatize your ideas. Together with what we say, gestures help paint vivid pictures in our
listeners minds.
Lend emphasis and vitality to the spoken word. Gestures convey our feelings and attitudes more
clearly than what we say.
Help dissipate nervous tension. Purposeful gestures are a good outlet for the nervous energy
inherent in a speaking situation.
Function as visual aids. Gestures enhance audience attentiveness and retention.

How to Gesture Effectively

Gestures reflect each speakers individual personality. Whats right for one speaker probably wont
work for us. However, the following six rules apply to almost everyone who seeks to become a

dynamic, effective speaker.

1. Respond Naturally to What You Think, Feel, and Say.

When we present a speech, we naturally express our self though gestures. No matter what our personality or
cultural background may be every one of us has a natural impulse to punctuate and strengthen our words with
gestures.

The trick is not to suppress that impulse by retreating behind a mask of impassiveness; this can only create a
buildup of tension. At the same time, dont get gestures out of a book or from another speaker. Be genuinely
and spontaneously our self. If we impose artificial gestures onto our natural style, our audience will sense it
and label us a phony.

Some people are naturally animated, while others are naturally reserved. If we naturally use our hands freely
when we converse informally, use them freely when we give a speech. If we are by nature a reserved, lowkey person, dont change our personality just to suit public speaking situations
2. Create the Conditions for Gesturing Not the Gesture.
Our gestures should be a natural outgrowth of our own unique thoughts and feelings. They should arise
naturally and habitually from our attitude toward the message we present when we speak, we should be
totally involved in communicating not in thinking about our hands. Our gestures need to be motivated by the
content of our presentation. By immersing our self in our subject matter, we will create the conditions that
will enable us to respond naturally with appropriate gestures.
3. Suit the Action to the Word and the Occasion.
Our visual and verbal messages must act as partners in communicating the same thought or feeling. When a
speaker fails to match gestures with words, the outcome can be wooden, artificial, and sometimes comical.
Every gesture we make should be purposeful and reflective of our words.

In this way our listeners will note the effect rather than the gesture. We have to make sure that the vigor and
frequency of our gestures are appropriate for our words. Use strong, emphatic gestures only when our feeling
for the message calls for them. On occasion, we may need to adapt our gestures to fit the size and nature of

our audience. Generally speaking, the larger the audience, the broader and slower our gestures should be.
Also keep in mind that young audiences are usually attracted to a speaker who uses vigorous gestures, but
older, more conservative groups may feel irritated or threatened by a speaker whose physical actions are too
powerful.

4. Make Your Gestures Convincing.

Our gestures should be lively and distinct if theyre to convey the intended impression. A gesture performed
in a half-hearted manner suggests that the speaker lacks conviction and earnestness.

Every hand gesture should be a total body movement that starts from the shoulder never from the elbow.
Move our entire arm outward from our body freely and easily. Keep our wrists and fingers supple, rather than
stiff or tense. Effective gestures are vigorous enough to be convincing, yet slow enough and broad enough to
be clearly visible. Our gestures should be distinct but not jerky, and they should never follow a set pattern.
5. Make Your Gestures Smooth and Well-Timed.
Any single gesture has three parts: the approach, the stroke, and the return. During the approach, our body
begins to move in anticipation of the gesture. The stroke is the gesture itself, and the return brings our body
back to a balanced speaking posture.
The flow of a gesture balance, approach, stroke, return, and balance must be smoothly executed in such a
way that only the stroke is evident to the audience. Just as timing is an essential ingredient of comedy, a
gestures timing is just as important as its quality. The stroke must come on the correct word neither before
nor after it. However, the approach can be initiated well before the stroke in fact; we can obtain an especially
powerful effect by approaching a gesture several seconds in advance, then holding the approach until the
exact instant of the stroke. The return simply involves dropping our hands smoothly to our sides it doesnt
have to be rushed.

Dont try to memorize gestures and incorporate them into a speech. Memorized gestures usually fail, because
the speaker cues himself or she by the word the gesture is designed to punctuate. This results in the gesture
following the word, which looks artificial and foolish.

6. Make Natural, Spontaneous Gesturing a Habit.

To improve our gestures, practice but dont wait until the day of our speech! Work on enhancing our
gesturing abilities in front of friends, family members, and co-workers. Relax our inhibitions, gesture when
we feel like it, and let our self-respond naturally to what we think, feel, and say. Through awareness and
practice, we can make appropriate gesturing a part of our habitual behavior.

BODY MOVEMENT
Body movement changing our position or location during a speech is the broadest, most highly visible kind
of physical action we, as a speaker, can perform. Because of this, it can be either a tremendous asset or a
tremendous liability to our delivery system.

When we move our entire body in a controlled, purposeful manner during a speech, we can benefit in three
ways. To begin with, body movement can support and reinforce what we say. And, of course, motion will
almost always attract an audiences attention. Finally, using body movement is the fastest, most effective

means of burning up nervous energy and relieving physical tension.

The eye is inevitably attracted to a moving object, so any whole body movement we make during a speech
invites attention. Moving for a reason in league with our verbal message stimulates the alertness and
attentiveness of our audience while simultaneously enhancing what we say.
Watching a stationary object is tedious, so we dont want to glue our self to one spot while we speak. On the
other hand, our body movement should be governed by moderation. Too much body movement even the right
kind can become distracting to an audience. Ideally, we should seek a middle ground that consists of enough
movement to keep our listeners attention, yet not enough to divert attention away from what we are saying.

Another valid reason for body movement is to enhance understanding of our message. The means suggested
by most types of body movement are less precise than those aroused by individual gestures, but body
movement can still be an effective visual complement to our spoken word.

Stepping forward during a speech suggests we are arriving at an important point. A step or two backward
indicates we have concluded an idea and are willing to let the audience relax for a moment and digest what
we have just said. A lateral movement implies a transition that we are leaving one thought and taking up
another.

In some instances, we can use body movement to illustrate or dramatize a specific point. For example, if we
are describing a physical action such as throwing a ball, or a runner straining to break the tape and win a
close race we can help our listeners clearly visualize what we are saying by acting out our description

The final reason for body movement is perhaps the simplest: Getting from one place to another. In almost
every speaking situation, we must walk to and from the point where we deliver our speech. And if we
incorporate visual aids into a presentation, we will be moving about as we use them. The key to effective
movement lies in making those movements easy, natural, and smooth.

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
An impassive expression may be an asset to a good poker player, but to a speaker it is a barrier to effective
communication. People watch a speakers face during a presentation. Politeness, of course, is one reason for
this, but equally important is the need to obtain visual data that will make the speakers message more
meaningful.

When we speak, our face communicates our attitudes, feelings, and emotions more clearly than any other part
of our body. According to behavioral psychologists, people can easily recognize simply by observing a
speakers facial expressions such distinct feelings as surprise, fear, happiness, confusion, disgust, interest,
disbelief, anger, and sadness.

To an audience, our face serves as a barometer for whats inside us. Our listeners will watch our face for
clues about our sincerity, our attitude toward our message and our earnestness in sharing our ideas with them.

Remove expressions that dont belong on our face. These include distracting mannerisms and unconscious
expressions, which are unconnected to our feelings, attitudes, and emotions. Both types of unwanted facial
expression usually are manifestations of nervousness. Once we are aware that we display distracting facial
expressions, work toward controlling our apprehensions about speaking.

The key to conveying friendliness is remembering to smile. To do so constantly is inadvisable we might be

labeled as inconsequential and it would be inappropriate during a serious presentation. But by all means
smile when its suitable to the situation. Show our listeners that we are pleased to have the opportunity to

share our ideas with them, that we are enjoying our self, and that we are interested in them

No rules govern the use of specific expressions. By relaxing our inhibitions and allowing our self to respond
naturally to our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions, our facial expressions will be appropriate and will project
sincerity, conviction, and credibility.

EYE CONTACT
Each one of the categories weve just discussed physical appearance, posture, gestures, body movements, and
facial expressions provide critical nonverbal elements for our speeches. But after our voice, our eyes are our
most powerful tools for communicating.

IMPORTANCE OF EYE CONTACT

When we speak, we involve our listeners with our eyes, making our presentation direct, personal,
and conversational. One sure way to break the communication bond is to fail to look at our

audience.

No matter how large an audience, each listener wants to feel important, to sense a personal
connection with the speaker, to feel that the speaker is communicating directly with him or her.
Public speaking is amplified conversation. Just as a member of a small, informal group feels
excluded from a conversation if the speaker doesnt meet his or her eyes, the people in audience
will feel left out if we fail to establish eye contact with them.

In most cultures, the act of looking someone directly in the eyes is a symbol of sincerity. Failure to meet
another persons gaze when speaking implies disinterest, lack of confidence, insincerity, or chicanery. The
same psychological associations are found in public speaking.

In one study, speakers who established eye contact were judged more truthful, honest, credible, friendly, and
skillful than those who did not. Only by looking at our listeners as individuals can convince them that we are
sincere, that we are interested in them and that we care whether or not they accept our message.

When we speak, our eyes also function as a control device. Simply by looking at them, we have an influence
on our listeners attentiveness and concentration. On the other hand, if we dont look at them, they wont look
at us, and attentiveness to our message will suffer. In turn, the attentiveness generated by our effective eye
contact can serve as a source of strength and encouragement for us. When we see that the audience is
interested in our message, we will gain confidence and become more comfortable.

Eye contact can also help us overcome nervousness. Fear is the most common cause of nervousness in

speaking, and the unknown causes fear. Eye contact makes our audience a known quantity. When we look at
our listeners and realize that most are interested in our message, our fear will evaporate, and our nervous
tension will decrease.

Not only do our eyes send vital messages while were speaking, they also receive them. Effective eye contact
is a feedback device that makes the speaking situation a two-way communication process. Only by looking at
our listeners can we determine how they are reacting. Are we performing well?

By watching the audiences reactions, we can make immediate adjustments to our presentation. Experienced
speakers consider this visual feedback to be the biggest benefit of eye contact. Once weve developed the
ability to gauge audience reaction and tailor our words accordingly, we will become a much more effective
speaker.

How to Use Your Eyes Effectively

1. Know Your Material.

Being prepared having control over our verbal message is a prerequisite for establishing effective eye
contact with our audience. We should know our speech so well that we dont have to devote our mental
energy remembering the sequence of ideas and words. Our projection must be outward to the audience not
inward toward mental turmoil.

If we can speak effectively without notes, by all means do so. But if we must use an outline or some other
form of written reminder, go ahead just dont let it be a substitute for preparation and rehearsal.

We can use our eyes effectively while using notes, but this requires practice and conscious effort. Many
experienced speakers are highly adept at this skill, taking advantage of such natural pauses as audience
laughter or the aftermath of an important point to glance briefly at their notes. To make this technique work,
we must keep our notes brief a few simple words or symbols keyed to the sequence of our message. If we
know our material and are well prepared, these cues should be enough to keep us on course and avoid losing
eye contact with our audience.

2. Establish a Bond.
When we speak, we are communicating with a group of individual people not performing before a single
unit. So making effective eye contact means more than just passing our gaze through out the room it means
focusing on individual listeners and creating person-to-person relationships with them.

How do we do this? Begin by selecting one person and talking to him or her personally. Hold that persons
eyes long enough to establish a visual bond perhaps five to 10 seconds, or the time required to say a sentence
or share one thought. Then shift our gaze to another person. We may have noticed the speaker who wags his
head from side to side, or slowly shifts his gaze from right to left like an oscillating fan. Always remember
that although our eyes need to move from one person to the next, they should not follow any set pattern.

With an audience the size of a typical Toastmasters club, this is relatively easy to do. But if we are addressing
hundreds or thousands of people, its impossible. However, if we pick out one or two individuals in each
section of the room and establish personal bonds with them, each listener will get the impression were
talking to him or her directly.

3. Monitor Visual Feedback.

While we deliver a speech, our listeners are responding with their own nonverbal messages. Use our eyes to
seek out this valuable feedback. By monitoring these visual messages, we can gauge the audiences reactions
to what we say, then adjust our presentation accordingly.

If individuals in the audience are not looking at us, they may not be listening, either. Sometimes this is
because they cant hear us. If we are not using a microphone, speak louder and see if that gets a positive
reaction. Perhaps they are just bored. If so, well need to regain their attention, perhaps by using appropriate
humor, increasing our vocal variety, or adding some purposeful gestures or body movements.

Rules apply to anyone who seeks to become a dynamic effective speaker

Gestures are reflections of every speaker's individual personality. What's right for one
Speaker may not be right for another however, the following six rules apply to
Anyone who seeks to become a dynamic effective speaker.

1. Respond naturally to what you think, feel, and see. - It's natural for us to
Gesture and it's unnatural for us not to. If we inhibit our impulse to gesture, we
Will probably become tense.

2. Create the condition for gesturing, not the gesture - When we speak, we should
Be totally involved in communicating not thinking about our hands. Our gestures
Should be motivated by the content of our presentation.

3. Suit the action to the word and the occasion -Our visual and verbal messages
Must function as partners in communicating the same thought or feeling. Every
Gesture we make should be purposeful and reflective of our words so the audience

Will note only the effect, not the gesture itself. Don't overdo the gesturing.
We will draw the listener away from our message. Young audiences are usually attracted to a
Speaker who uses vigorous gestures, but older, more conservative groups may feel
Irritated or threatened by a speaker whose physical actions are overwhelming.

4. Make your gestures convincing - Our gestures should be lively and distinct if they
Are to convey the intended impressions. Effective gestures are vigorous enough to be
Convincing yet slow enough and broad enough to be clearly visible without being
Overpowering.

5. Make your gestures smooth and well timed - Every gesture has three parts:

The Approach - our body begins to move in anticipation.

The Stroke - The gesture itself.

The Return - This brings our body back to a balanced posture.

The flow of a gesture - the approach, the stroke, the return-must be smoothly executed
So that only the stroke is evident to the audience. While it is advisable to practice
Gesturing, don't try to memorize every move. This makes our gesturing stilted
And ineffective. The last rule is perhaps the most important but also the hardest.

6. Make natural, spontaneous gesturing a habit- The first step in becoming adept at
gesturing is to determine what, if anything, we are doing now. The best way to
Discover this is to videotape our self. The camcorder is completely truthful and
Unforgiving. If we want to become a better speaker, we need to make the camcorder
Our best friend. Videotape our self and identify our bad habits, then work at eliminating them, one at
A time. We will need to continue to record our self and evaluate our progress if we
Expect to eliminate all our distracting mannerisms.
One of the most common questions people ask is, "What should I do with my hands?"
Well some people will advise us, Stop talking with them; hold them by your sides! I think that's not
appropriate. Remember we are trying to sound natural and give the audience the perception that we are
having a conversation. And one of the things we do when we have a conversation, is use our hands.

I agree that we don't want to wave our hand around aimlessly like a semaphore operator without flags, but
what we should do is deliberately talk with our hands, but use carefully-planned, specific gestures instead
of subconscious ones we are unaware of!
We may think it doesnt really matter what gestures we use, that its the verbal content that matters. But in
one study, a 10-minute presentation was given to several small audiences. The only difference was the hand
gestures used. The audience was feedback was startlingly different.
84% positive when the hand was held upwards
52% positive when it was held downwards
only 28% positive when a finger point was used
There are three main types of hand gesture:

1. Iconic
2. Metaphoric
3. Beat
1. Iconic gestures are closely linked to the meaning of what we are saying and help to explain it. For
example, if we are telling a story which involved turning a key in a lock, we may actually hold our fingers as
if they held a key and turn them to the right as we said those words. If we were explaining how we drank a
glass of water very quickly, we might hold our hand as if it contained a glass and then tip it quickly towards
our mouth whilst tipping our head back.
2. Metaphoric gestures are similar to iconic gestures but they are used to describe abstract ideas rather than
actual things or events. For example, I was there last year A might accompany the words by making our
hand into a fist, raising it to shoulder height and then pointing the thumb backwards
over our shoulder.
By doing this, the past is represented as being behind us. Similarly, a presenter wishing to put two halves of
an argument might hold both hands to his left whilst explaining one side, and then move them to the right to
explain the other.
3. Baton gestures are the most important from a presenting perspective. They beat time to the rhythm of our
speech and tend to be used regardless of the words we are saying, and it's these that I want to concentrate on.
They illustrate how we feel about what we are saying rather than the words themselves and are used to make
points of emphasis. We tend to be completely unaware of them and use them so unconsciously that most of
us even use them on the telephone.
Unless we are gripping the sides of the lectern or holding a glass of water, our hands will seldom be still.
They'll dip, wave, sway, point, chop, jab, punch, grasp, clench and flick in brief, unplanned gestures.
Some of the more common and most useful hand gestures are explained below. We have two action points
here:

Firstly, identify which ones we use habitually. If we dont have a video tape of our self in action,
record our self-rehearsing. An alternative is to rehearse in front of a mirror or partner and ask him/her
to identify our most frequent gestures and mannerisms. Once we have identified them, ask our self
whether they are helping or hindering us. If theyre not projecting the image we want, stop doing
them. If they are, think about how to do them better.

Secondly, try rehearsing with a heavy book in each hand. This will stop all but the most essential
gestures. The points at which we still raise the book are those where a gesture is really necessary. At
those points, ask our self which gestures would best underline them.

The Open Palm

A common gesture is to extend the hand in a flat, neutral position with the fingers together with the fingers
pointing to the side or downwards. This shows that a speaker has nothing to hide it is a blatant demonstration
of honesty, a would I lie to you? gesture, a demonstration that he has nothing up his sleeve .It is the gesture
universally used by football/soccer players expressing their innocence to referees when a decision has gone
against them.

The Palm Back

Here the hands are brought towards the front of the speakers body and held there for several seconds with
the palm(s) facing towards the chest. Its a metaphorical attempt to embrace the audience and pull them
closer to the speakers point of view.

Side Palm

When the palm is held side on in a handshake position and beaten up and down, it's like an urge to reach out
and touch the audience, showing a strong desire to reach out and persuade them with an idea or opinion.
When done with both hands, it looks almost as if the speaker is trying to physically hand his argument or
point of view over to the audience.

The Precision Grip

Here the hand is held as if gripping an imaginary object with the

thumb and first finger. Just as we use a precision grip when holding
a small or delicate object, so in speaking we use it when we wish to
express ourselves delicately or with accuracy. It is often used when a speaker is trying to explain the finer
details or minutiae of an argument.

The Fist

When the fingers in the power grip close over completely to form a fist, the gesture is so universal that it is
impossible to misunderstand. By closing the fingers around the metaphorical issue or problem, the speaker is
demonstrating that he has a firm grip on the situation. It shows determination, commitment and strength of
belief, and is ironically therefore often deliberately used by speakers who have none of these.

A variant is the Air Punch. This is probably the most aggressive of all baton gestures, as it is almost
impossible to misunderstand the emotions behind a punch. While the fist grips the air, the Air Punch actively
punches it aggressively, as if delivering a physical blow.

Power Grip

Sometimes called a Grasp, this is similar to the precision grip, but uses the whole hand. It is how we hold
our hand for grasping something such as a tool or weapon. The result in speaking is a bent hand or ultimately,
a fist. With the fingers stiffly spread and slightly bent, it is used when the speaker is trying to get to grips with
a bigger subject, but hasnt quite succeeded. The hand seems to be grabbing at something but doesnt quite
follow through. But unlike the precision grip, there is nothing delicate about this.

SUMMARY OF HAND GESTURE

When we are preparing a speech, what proportion of time and effort do we give to the movement and
cadence of our hands? If we are like most people, the answer is not much. Yet appropriate use of our hands
can be result in a marked increase in the understanding and retention of our message. Correctly used, hand
gestures can help us say more in less time, show what we mean without having to resort to visuals, signal our
conviction and confidence and add texture and dimension to our material and ideas.
Avoid holding notes in our hands since this effectively immobilizes them. If we are nervous about our about
our presentation, stands with our hands relaxed at our sides. Stage fright closes down normal muscle
coordination. Avoid making the audience nervous with gestures that reveal anxiety such as gripping the
lectern, clenching our hands together, clutching an object, fiddling with clothing or accessories or touching a
body part (pulling ear, wiping brow, rubbing chin).

Once we have learned to relax in front of an audience, hand gestures can be used to emphasize the structure
of our presentation. This represents the best use of hand gestures and we should avoid using gestures as
decorations. Begin by using our hands to illustrate our enthusiasm for being there. We can accentuate our
point of view with a solid, intentional gesture and emphasize main points with deliberate gestures.
Use our hands to indicate a new topic or transition with a forward or open gesture. Finally, signal the ending
with a gesture indicating closure or departure.
We can also use hand gestures to enhance our presentation by using them to respond to audience input with
affirmative or encompassing gestures. Introduce humour by contradiction between our gestures and our
words. Where appropriate look for opportunities to use our hands to express emotion or attitude, emphasize
importance, demonstrate relationship or contrast, show shape, direction or location and signal recognition,
acceptance, departure, or approval.

HOW TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

First impressions are critical. People meeting for the first time form immediate judgments of one another that
Forever color their relationships. When we present a speech, the people will judge us in our audience, and the
initial impression we make on them will directly affect the success of our presentation.
One of our objectives as a speaker should be to create a visual image that complements and enhances our
verbal message. We want our listeners to like us, trust us, and want to hear what we say.

Your Appearance
Like it or not, our physical appearance strongly influences how others judge us. When we deliver a speech,
our appearance conveys a powerful visual message to the audience a message vital to our success as a
communicator.
A good rule of thumb for dress is to be at least as well dressed as the best-dressed person in the audience. If

our listeners will be wearing suits and dresses, wear best suit or dress the outfit that brings us the most
compliments. Make sure every item of clothing is clean, well tailored, and well fitting. Dont wear jewelry
that glitters or jingles when we move or gesture it might divert attention away from our speech. For the same
reason, empty our pockets of bulky objects or things such as pocket change or keys that produce audible
sounds when we move.

Audiences like speakers who reflect good health and physical vitality. Research has shown that an audience
associates a speakers well being with the soundness of his or her verbal messages. So watch our diet and
exercise regularly.

Before We Speak
Part of our first impression is made before we are introduced to begin our speech. As the audience is arriving,
our preparations should be concluded we should not have to study our speech. Instead, mingle with the
audience, and project the same friendly, confident attitude that will make our speech a success.
When the meeting or program begins, be attentive and courteous.

THUMBS UP ON GESTURES!
As speakers, we need to remember that much of our message is not just in our words, but also in our visual
presentation. For some of us, this means enlarging upon our gestures and facial expressiveness as well as
developing a stronger sense of eye contact. For others, it means modulating those very same attributes.

Whatever our vocal strengths and speaking skills, our ability to visually communicate our ideas through
gestures and other forms of body expression will enhance not just our presentation, but our overall
effectiveness as a speaker.