A guide to using body language in video 

Word’s are one of our least effective forms of communication, with the most effective being our body language followed by the tone of our voice.

In fact, body language is 7.8 times more powerful!

This is why we’re often shocked when we watch ourselves or others on video. You just can’t ignore that cowering stance or that overpowering confidence that ruins the whole thing.

When we present videos, it’s all about how we make the viewer feel through the content and the way it’s communicated so body language is key.

To help you out, here’s our guide to making sure your body language doesn’t take over from your message and ruin your videos.

So first off, let’s examine the don’ts

Don’t number one. Hands in your pockets.

Unless you’ve taken your pet hamsters out of their cage for the day and are trying to stop them from escaping, avoid putting both hands in your pockets at all costs. It makes trying to convey a strong message though..you’re just too casual!

Don’t number 2, Hands on hips

Unless you’re doing the Macarena as part of your video then don’t try and emulate a teapot, it’s too overpowering like you’re telling someone off.

Don’t number 3 – The, I came out of the house without my trousers this morning.

Covering yourself below your waist as if you’re hiding something appears timid.

Don’t number 4 – Cover your vital organs

Unless you’re convinced there is a sniper on the roof, avoid this at all costs.

You want to make your audience feel welcome and in order to do that, you have to appear open.

We cover our vital organs with our arms and hands when we feel nervous so that’s the exact impression you’ll give off.

Open your palms and invite people in, it’ll connect you with your audience.

How to perfect your stance.

Place feet hip-width apart, look up and lift hands above head. Then drop your hands to the side, there’s your bass posture. Gesture too and from here to keep it cool.

What to do with your hands

You’re gonna be wondering if you should use them or not and this conscious thought, that’s usually automated is gonna make the whole experience harder.

Stick to these three moments to regain control

Can I have some sweets – Keep your palms up when you give facts and options to get your audience on board with your ideas

The Self Hug – Putting your hands on your chest can be used for feeling and personal thoughts.

The axe – This chopping motion is there for delivering strong opinions you want people to agree with.

Tony Blair used the axe so often he was made an honorary lumberjack.

Never point!!

The power of gestures when presenting

Believe it or not, 85% of your audience will comply with you if you use the palms up technique compared to 52% with palms down and only 28% with pointing!

Mastering gestures are key, as audiences remember twice as much when you make a point with a gesture.

Of course, this is going to take some practice but it gives you a map you can follow and trust rather than wondering if you look like the shell of the human you are all the time.

How to give off more energy presenting on video

If you start your video with a smile and your head slightly raised up, you’ll come across as excited and happy to be there. When we film we have the camera higher than peoples eyeline for this very reason, it forces them to look up!!

These are all things to be aware of and incorporate where you feel you can get them in naturally.

But be warned, nobody likes to feel they’re getting techniqued and like with most things, practice will make perfect.