Have you ever been so bored by a speaker’s slow pace that you almost fell asleep? But speaking faster isn’t always the solution. The right speaking speed depends on what the listener is doing. For instance, if you’re multitasking, like driving while listening to an audiobook, a slower narrator is better. But in a presentation where you can give your full attention, a faster pace is ideal. Most presenters aim for about 190 words per minute.

However, just mastering your voice isn’t enough. Connecting with your audience also involves paying attention to your body language. Research shows that body language conveys a lot of information. In a study, students who watched videos of criminal suspects were better at identifying liars compared to those who only listened to audio recordings.

So, what kind of body language should you use? Leaders like US Commander Matt Eversman suggest standing straight to display confidence. Public speakers should do the same to show confidence in their ideas. Gestures are vital too. Studies link a speaker’s gestures to the audience’s confidence in them. To use gestures effectively, limit them to the area between your eyes and belly button, as this has the most impact. Save your grand gestures for emphasizing important points. We’ve covered how to connect emotionally with your audience, and now we’ll explore how to make your presentation truly remarkable.