Avoid Swaying Back and Forth...

by J.A. Gamache
Champion 2001, 3rd place at Toastmasters International's
World Championship of Public Speaking


It's annoying to watch a speaker rock back and forth. To help you correct this bad habit, here's a posture to keep your feet stable when you feel extremely nervous.

What do you think of speakers when they fidget or sway back and forth? What message do you think they're conveying?

The impression I get is that they feel very nervous and are not in control.

When I watch videos of my first speeches, I find my swaying so pronounced that I look like I was caught in a storm on the deck of a ship!

An actor friend told me how to stand at the lectern to avoid any swaying movement. It worked! I felt more stable right away.

Here's the position he suggested:

1- FEET AT SHOULDER WIDTH.
That is usually the position you adopt when you walk.

2- ONE FOOT SLIGHTLY IN FRONT OF THE OTHER.
This way you avoid swaying back and forth.

3- KNEES SLIGHTLY BENT.
The moment you bend your knees, you notice increased leg stability.

Try the following test: Adopt your usual stance and ask someone to give you a gentle push. Most likely, you will lose your balance. Now do the same test standing in the position suggested above. This time it will be hard to make you fall.

Adopt this stable position and practice it often. Use this stance when talking to a college at work, or waiting for the bus, etc. Do it as often as you can and soon the position will become natural.

The next time you give a speech, use the stance I have just described. It will make you stop swaying and give everyone the impression that you're calm and in control, because your legs will feel stable even though you may feel extremely nervous.

Happy writing!

©MMIX J.A. Gamache www.jagamache.com All rights reserved.

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This article was reproduced from the "Speaking in public with J.A." FREE electronic magazine, authored by J.A. Gamache, International Inspirational Speaker. To subscribe to his FREE e-zine or to find out more about his presentations, visit http://www.jagamache.com .
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