While verbal communication takes center stage during a speech, the impact of a speaker’s nonverbal cues should not be underestimated. When addressing an internal companywide audience, leaders must be aware of how their nonverbal communication can either enhance or diminish the effectiveness of their delivery.
Below, 16 Forbes Coaches Council members share nonverbal forms of communication that can undermine a leader’s message, providing practical strategies to avoid these pitfalls. By understanding the power of nonverbal cues and making conscious adjustments in their style and mannerisms, leaders can ensure their speeches will resonate positively with audiences, thereby fostering engagement and inspiring action.
1. Failing To Make Eye Contact
Poor eye contact is a death knell for leaders. If a leader fails to make eye contact, they appear disinterested, insincere or untrustworthy. To avoid this, leaders should make a conscious effort to establish eye contact throughout their speech. They should also vary their gaze to engage with different individuals or groups, and use appropriate facial expressions to convey their message. – Adam Cubbage, Center Point Leadership Development
2. Having Poor Posture
Poor posture can make it difficult for the audience to view the leader as effective and inspiring. Leaders can observe their body language and identify any inconsistencies with their intended message by recording their speeches. Then, they can review the speech with a coach or trusted colleague who can provide valuable insights and help them identify areas for improvement. – Sandy Schwan, Evolving Strategies LLC
3. Crossing One’s Feet
Lack of congruence between what is being said and how it is being said causes confusion. We take nonverbal cues more seriously, so any closed body language, such as folded arms, lack of eye contact and such will be noticed. One that particularly undermines women when presenting is crossing their feet because of wearing high heels. This makes the presenter appear to lack confidence and affects how they come across. – Cath Daley, Cath Daley Ltd
4. Using Too Many Facial And Hand Gestures
The leader’s speech delivery is essential to the company’s messaging and visibility. Many leaders use their body language to emphasize their delivery. Some are more animated than others with facial and hand gestures. However, when raised eyebrows and hand gesturing become too much, it takes focus away from the message. Besides the tone of voice, it is essential to pay attention to facal and hand gestures. – Izabela Lundberg, Legacy Leaders Institute
5. Looking Down While Speaking
Reading your speech, using lots of jargon and looking down at the podium will guarantee that your audience is not engaged and does not believe you. Stand up straight, look your audience in the eye and be authentically you. Ask questions and then pause to invite the audience to interact with you. Close with your main point and ask them to do what you want them to do as a result of what you said. – Cindy Lamir, Impact Business Coaches
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6. Frowning
A smile is the most basic and powerful nonverbal cue we can use to set the tone and create psychological safety. Smiling reduces stress and lowers cortisol levels. A smile triggers the release of endorphins—the natural feel-good chemicals in the brain. Smiling creates a sense of trust and rapport. No matter the news, leaders bring the weather. Even in tragedy, a poignant smile creates hope. – Jodie Charlop, Exceleration Partners
7. Failing To Manage Your Facial Expressions
Failing to manage your facial expressions can be the kiss of death for a leader’s presentation. Are you making eye contac? Are you smiling? A wise boss once took me aside after a presentation and told me I had a look on my face that made it seem like my shoes were a size too small! I was clueless about my facial expression, but since the gift of that feedback, I always make a point to smile. – Kathy Bernhard, KFB Leadership Solutions
8. Being In Constant Motion
Pacing or aimless movement can indicate nervousness and lack of direction, which renders a leader’s speech less effective. Watching you in constant motion is exhausting for your audience. Be intentional and strategic with your movements. Your motion must match your message. A topic transition is a great time to move physically. Most of your speech is best delivered from a confident and centered stance. – Erin Urban, UPPSolutions, LLC
9. Having Stiff Body Language
Our energy introduces us before we introduce ourselves. The biggest put-off is when leaders appear with the intent to drive an agenda without connecting with the audience emotionally. Delivering a speech can be about communicating a message. However, it’s also about sensing the room and pivoting accordingly. A stiff body language that communicates “my way is the only way” is a recipe for disaster. – Jaya Bhateja, Abhyudaya Consulting Services
10. Positioning Oneself In A Virtual ‘Talking Head’ View
Assuming a leader is delivering a message virtually, the way they situates themselves in the background is key. A “talking head” view is not nearly as inviting as seeing more of the complete person. Professor Peter Hawkins (a renowned team coach) encourages us to make sure both our head and heart are visible. This positioning creates a more engaging and open space for the audience. – Lisa Walsh, Beacon Executive Coaching
11. Focusing On Slides Instead Of People
Some leaders connect with slides instead of people. Some leaders are so focused on what they’re presenting that they forget the audience connection that needs to be made. As a leader, speak from the heart and you won’t have to rely on what the slides say. – Stacey Ackerman, NavigateAgile
12. Gesticulating Too Much
Talking too fast, using a lot of abbreviations, gesticulating too much—and especially in front of your own face—can all render your speech far less effective. You can avoid the above mistakes by using a second-level awareness; there’s the you who talks (first-level awareness) and the you who listens (second-level awareness), and your goal is to listen to how you are talking while you talk. – Alla Adam, Alla Adam Coaching
13. Having A Guarded Posture With Closed Fists
Amy Cuddy has encouraged us to use the power pose; the opposite of this would be to have a guarded body posture with closed fists or to try to shrink your bodily “footprint.” While a Wonder Woman pose can give you confidence to “fake it till you make it,” with the reverse postures, you could convey a lack of confidence, belittling yourself even before you deliver your message. – Kelly Huang, Coach Kelly Huang
14. Wearing Mismatched Socks
Wearing mismatched socks undermines a leader’s speech, causing distraction and shifting focus. Double-check your attire—including matching socks—before a speech! Remember, humor and lightheartedness can enhance a speech, but it’s important to strike a balance and ensure that the focus remains on the intended message. – Andre Shojaie, HumanLearn
15. Hiding Your Hands
We often hide our hands when we’re nervous, especially if a table is in front of us. Leaders should sit tall and use their hands while speaking as they normally would in day-to-day conversation. When your body language is natural and expressive, you’ll be perceived as trustworthy and confident by your audience. – Michelle Rockwood, Unscripted Sales
16. Pointing
Pointing at the screen or at people often has negative consequences. Leaders need to learn how to use body language that demonstrates inclusiveness and looks natural. Hard-charging, type A leaders often see themselves as “driving the vehicle”; they can easily come across as too aggressive and too overbearing. Be yourself, but learn some gestures that bring people into the conversation with you. – John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.
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