SOUND OFF

Researchers studied the body language of job applicants during job interviews.

One group was told to practise power poses – open, confident postures – before the interview. The other group wasn’t given any instructions.

The results: the candidates who practised power poses were rated as more confident – and were more likely to get the job.

The way we carry ourselves matters. And often, we’re unaware of what we’re doing.

If you want to improve your body language when presenting, try this: watch a recording of yourself with the sound off.

Notice your posture, gestures, movements and expressions. Do they support your message or distract from it? Are you moving with purpose or fidgeting without realising?

When your body aligns with your message, your delivery becomes more convincing.

Intentional gestures and confident posture go a long way.

So, start watching so you can learn what your audience already sees.