Tips for speaking in meetings with upper management, body language to use...?

Question

My boss said that she felt I sound great when speaking to groups in meetings, however she thought I came off through body language as uncomfortable with the executives when speaking. She suggested a class for public speaking. Any other ideas to help?

Answer 1

Keep it short and on the subject. Remember that senior managers spend at least half of their time in meetings. They appreciate good crisp answers and information that is on target. Dress professionally so that it will not detract from what you are saying. Make eye contact with as many people as practical—don’t stare. Know your topic and expect questions. Senior managers know that people can be nervous and will generally try to give new speakers a break. However, they are less forgiving of managers that do not stay on point.

Answer 2

There is nothing wrong with a public speaking class, but you can work on some things at home in the mirror. Try to relax and remember that they are people just like you. Use eye contact, when you're speaking in a board room setting, look at different people in the room as you express yourself. try not to say "Uhh". People like personality, so your boss may see that and like yours.Once you are comfortable with what you are going to speak about, you may not have the problem with executives while speaking- Confidence- what you have to say is important.

Answer 3

Keeps your hands still. Do not talk with your hands. Look at the people your speaking in front of. Talk slowly. Stand straight , smile. Practice with family members or a group of friends. I had to do a few speeches and the first time I was so nervous, the paper that had my speech on it, the words became so blurry, because of the fright. Did much better after that. Now I speak at all of our functions.

Answer 4

I am sure there are courses in this, but let me just offer a couple of random thoughts for now. Finding a calm center is important I think. This is all about learning to relax. Trusting in yourself to speak and not worrying about how you "look". I believe meditation is a useful practice because it shows you how to control your breathing and slow down your heart rate. Don't run away from your nervousness. It will always catch you. Just turn around and look at it. Of course it is a little anxious-making to talk to management types, but remember, you know what you are saying. Like them, you are an intelligent and experienced person. So this is about simple communications....not world peace. Breathe deep. Relax. Share your information. Speak to them respectfully, but naturally. Let your inner voice come out. Trust your self. Believe in yourself. This is not Mt. Everest. It is just another chance to grow.

Answer 5

Just be yourself, if what you have to say makes sence and has relevance, your hunched shoulders or your perfect posture will have no effect.
Did Mother Theresa worry about how she appeared?
Did Ghandi? Lincoln was said to have been lanky and very ungainly a speaker, but the words that he spoke live on to this day.
Frank Lloyd Wright was once asked, Wichis most important, Form or Function? his reply was, They are the same.

Answer 6

Speak in generalities, all positive, never answer a question directly, never say anything negative. Act wildly enthusiastic and be a big rear end kisser.