Spreading your feet as far apart as your shoulders may at first feel like you're imitating a wrestler on cable, but this simple action can help ground you. It certainly will give you a more powerful look.

When you're actually presenting, try to become aware of who you are physically. You might be a hip-swayer. Or you could be a knee-bouncer. Possibly you're one of the ever popular move-shufflers, repeating a small pattern of steps over and over as if it were a ritual dance. Or you might be the time honored slow-ambler. These seemingly calm presenters simply move continuously through their presentation space as if their private mantra were: "It's hard to hit a moving target.

None of these movement styles are going to have your watchers running screaming from the room, but they're not going to enhance your look of leadership either. Think of it this way: any generalized, non-specific movement is probably unconscious and habitual, like saying "um" with your body. If it doesn't add value, why do it?

The preferred style of movement has intention attached to it. One way to accomplish this is to feel confident in stillness. For some people this can be even more difficult than being comfortable with silence. Spread your feet as far apart as your shoulders and put your weight over your toes, as if you're ready to spring forward. Then, when you make eye contact with someone, walk towards them.

When you're at a comfortable distance from them, hang out there in that same feet-at-shoulder-width stance. Keep looking around and connecting with people. Then, next time you move, move towards someone else as you look at them.

Think of it this way. Habitual, generalized movement is like fluorescent lighting. It's broadband illumination, serviceable but not terribly attractive. Movement that has intention attached to it is like a laser, focused and powerful. Which would you rather be?

Also see, Feedback and Eye Contact

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