There are some key professional tips every skilled entrepreneur uses to build excellent nonverbal communication.
Nonverbal communication is equally as valuable as any other means of communication.
As a result, it works in classrooms, conferences, auditoriums, and especially amongst executives in boardrooms when delivering a pitch for your business.
Verbal communication is critical.
However, how you present business content will determine how listeners perceive, receive, process, accept or engage with your presenting content.
Make your business pitch memorable. According to research, 83 percent of memorable communication is nonverbal, although there is a distinct difference between poor and quality nonverbal communication.
What are some of the nonverbal tactics you can use to make a significant difference when delivering your pitch?
FIVE NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES
1. Eye Contact:
Effectively make eye contact with each individual throughout the presentation; only glance at the PowerPoint, dedicate your time focusing on your audience.
2. Voice Fluctuation:
Vary in vocal patterns throughout your presentation to keep your pitch interesting; a moderately monotonous range can often be dull and lose the audience’s attention.
3. Position in the Room:
Walk around the room using a PowerPoint clicker to connect with and keep the audience engaged; do not merely stand behind a podium navigating the desktop computer with a mouse.
4. Facial Expressions:
Engage your audience with exciting and enthusiastic facial expressions; flat expressions are not captivating.
5. Hand Gestures:
Using the palms of your hands sends the signal that you are engaged and have nothing to hide – it demonstrates a level of comfort and ease. Therefore, do not keep your hands hidden on the surface of the podium.
KEY COMPONENTS CONCERNING PERCEPTIONS OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATORS
Listeners share standard unspoken views about presenters, whether you realize it or not, regardless of how great your business idea is.
Most importantly, when delivering your pitch, the audience needs to believe in you.
As a result, you must look like you know what you are talking about, which means you’ll need to study your own company and present well-researched materials.
Knowledgeable entrepreneurs gain trust, and your body language speaks volumes concerning what you know about the subject matter.
When preparing your pitch, be sure to implement techniques to prevent boredom – keep your audience engaged with interaction.
Avoiding Poor Nonverbal Communication
- A list of random facts is not what investors are looking to hear.
- Be sure to avoid unwanted nonverbal distractions.
- Always remember that you are saying more with your body than you are saying with your mouth.
SEVEN POWERFUL, EXPLOSIVE, AND TOPNOTCH TIPS TO ROCK A BUSINESS PITCH
Now that you understand the importance of what you are saying without uttering a word, examine seven professional tips to make your business stand out during your business pitch.
You are confident, well-rehearsed, and logical.
Taking your presentation to the next level means you’ll need to follow some key strategies – this means drama should be in the content, not in the presenter.
Follow these topnotch tips when presenting your message in person:
1. Appropriate Distance
Leave an appropriate distance between yourself and your audience, typically 12-15 feet from the first row or the panel of board members.
Avoid standing so far off that you appear impersonal.
The smaller your audience, the closer you should be, perhaps 4-5 feet away when speaking to less than four people.
Have you ever listened to a presenter or public speaker that appeared stuffy or fearful? Do not allow this behavior to become yours – it makes listeners uncomfortable.
The physical distance between yourself and listeners determines how you will be perceived from the onset of your presentation.
When speaking to a group from a standing position, move in slightly as the presentation progresses – this will help you establish a rapport nonverbally.
Even still, never get too close.
Getting too close to the audience can express dominance as opposed to friendliness.
Know your audience because different cultures follow different rules about distance expectations when presenting.
2. Stand Erect
You can correct poor posture by pressing your spine flat against a wall while standing. Good posture gives the impression of authority.
Folded arms often encourage slouching and send the signal of distrust and cause listeners to become defensive because you appear as though you are defending yourself.
While good posture is a must, do not confuse it with stiffness – be relaxed, not rigid – relaxation sends the signal of authority.
3. Appearance Matters
Psychological research has proven that attractive professionals are more persuasive than unattractive colleagues.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Achieving attractiveness is done through good grooming, cleanliness, and professional attire.
Always remember, your presentation is not a fashion show.
Flashiness can divert your audience’s attention and create an unwanted distraction – focus on delivering a professional pitch, not making a fashion statement.
It is much safer to stay on the side of conservatism with your dress attire.
Not in what you are wearing; convey competence in the subject matter – do not undermine your overall business presentation with flashy clothing.
The proper appearance allows you to be seen as an expert in your field.
Please make no mistake about it; how you look is the first and most memorable thing people will notice about you.
Appearances to Avoid
- Spots on your clothing
- Outfits that are too tight
- Clothing that is too baggy
- Untidy hair
- Wrinkles and unkept attire
The old expression “clothes make the man – or woman” is true in the professional sense. Your credibility is often measured in the professional world by what you wear, not what you say.
4. Facial Expressions and Mannerisms
Gestures and facial expressions are difficult to control and often give an accurate clue about how you feel.
In addition to self-evaluating your presentation on video, dig deep into the meat of your presentation to be sure that you know the materials.
Be prepared to respond to questions honestly and openly, without questionable reservations.
Always remember that a smile breaks down barriers. While smiling, show interest in what you are talking about because if you are not interested, how can you expect your audience to be?
5. Maintain Eye Contact
When people fail at proper eye contact, it sends an unwanted, distrustful, and awkward feeling – especially during a presentation when trying to secure capital for your business venture.
Do not stare at your notes; focus on your visuals or zone in a spot on the back wall.
Be sure to spread your attention around the room evenly, do not merely focus on the ultimate decision-maker – it can make others feel unimportant to you.
Look at each participant and make them feel relevant throughout your entire pitch.
6. The Value of a Pause
Adverse environments, hostile situations, and defensive circumstances often demand a brief pause.
A quick answer increases the pressure under these circumstances – maintain your composure – you are still the presenter – you are still in control of the outcome.
Always remember that there is value in a pause – it provides a mini-break for yourself and the listeners.
Collecting your thoughts calms the energy in the room and enables you to deliver them with ease under pressure.
Taking a pause also eliminates angry and emotional outbursts – brief pauses will work to your advantage, know when to use them.
7. Attitude
Attitude carries more weight than anything else – attitude is everything. So, after you’ve employed all the strategies listed above, don’t come across as a know-it-all.
What others have to say or ask is equally important as your presentation – so be prepared to listen.
Remember, this is a nonverbal skill set that many presenters lack.
Sincerity can win the heart of an audience. It’s a sign of respect and a nonverbal display of encouragement for audience input.
Sincerity draws people into what you have to say, so check your attitude because attitude shows before words are spoken.
USING PITCH MASTERS ACADEMY AS A PLATFORM FOR GAINING CAPITAL
Visit Pitch Master Academy to learn how to perfect your business pitch and present content professionally, whether verbal or nonverbal.
Remember that you are communicating more than most, even when using nonverbal cues.
Listen carefully to what others have to say.
Experts at Pitch Masters Academy will teach you all the strategies needed to build the perfect pitch deck and gain the capital necessary for your business idea to succeed.
Without saying a word, click the following link to get connected and start learning everything you need to know to excel, Pitch Master Academy.