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SHAPE – invisible body language

August 11, 2010 By 2 Comments
It seems on the surface that body language has little relevance in a situation where your body is unseen, for example in an online meeting, regardless of whether or not you use video. However body control is very important. Your posture affects how you feel as well as how you sound. Here are some rules I follow:

Posture

Feet flat and supported
Body not twisted or stooping
Sit upright with a straight back
Do not cross ankles

Scanning

Scan for audience feedback around the clock face
Check for contact with an individual every 5 or 10 seconds
Never speak while looking at cards or notes
Read – Internalise – Speak

SHAPE = Slow + Hands + Audience + Posture + Eyes

Slow down - don’t rush, take the time to emphasise important content
Hands - keep your hands away from keyboard and mouse unless emphasising key points
Audience - keep your focus on them and their reaction to your presentation
Posture - Sit up straight or stand and don’t slouch or fidget
Eyes - forward, not down or backwards at the screen

About Phil Green

Phil Green has written 59 post in this blog.

Phil identifies himself as a perfomance consultant and teacher who helps people and organisations to do the best they can at work. He has strong skills in designing learning materials and workflow support, and draws from a wide spectrum of methods and technology. Co-designer of a certificated qualification in blended learning, he has trained hundreds of others from many industry sectors in how to create effective learning solutions, both online and offline.


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Filed Under: Blog

Comments

  1. Fred E. Miller says:
    August 11, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    Invisible Body Language – I like that!

    As a speaker, I know how important it is when in front of a group. Non-verbal communication trumps verbal every time when a physical audience sees you.

    Thanks for pointing out the on-line effect, also.

  2. Laura Layton-James says:
    August 11, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    Hmmmm – why is it that the ‘bleedin’ obvious’ often gets forgotten. Great post Phil. I’m guilty of a few of those things myself when delivering online sessions from my sofa! From now on, I shall remember my SHAPE!

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