Body Language: Teleprompter Training Series Part 2
Body language is important when you are filming because it contributes to whether or not you are perceived as energized, positive, and confident. Body language is a critical part of your first impression. So much so that studies show that nonverbal communication is the most important part of communication.
Dr. Albert Mehrabian, in 1971, published a book called Silent Messages, which showcased just how important nonverbal communication is. Mehrabian’s research found that:
- 55% of all communication is conveyed through nonverbal elements (body language like facial expressions, posture, etc)
- 33% of all communication is conveyed through vocal elements
- 7% of all communication is conveyed through words
We know that nonverbal (aka body language) communication is the most important part of communication. But getting body language communication right can be a challenging task.
Posture:
Great posture is a sure bet to looking and feeling confident. So stand up tall and roll back your shoulders. This will give you an immediate proper posture. If you are filming standing up, set your feet apart shoulder width apart from one another. If you are sitting in a chair, plant your feet on the ground while sitting up straight in the chair. Make sure you also don’t swivel in the chair because it will make you appear nervous.
Natural Placement of Arms and Hands:
You want your hands and arms to look natural. So let them hang naturally at your side. Don’t put them in your pockets. Don’t bend your arms at a 90-degree angle while clasping your hands. Don’t rub your hands through your hair. Just let them be in their natural place at your side and use your hands/arms to emphasize certain points in your message.
Keep Your Head On Straight:
This can be taken many ways but for this, take it literally. You don’t want to tilt your head to one side. Make sure to keep you head straight and looking directly at the camera. This way you’ll look like a confident, straight shooter.
Be Natural:
The last thing you can do is just be you. Be natural. When you start to use your hands more often than normal, or blink quickly, or have bad posture it just makes it look like you are nervous. So try to block everything else out while you are filming and use a nice posture that you are used to. The more you can integrate these tips into your normal body language the better.