Positive body language supports your points, helps you convey ideas more clearly, and avoids sending mixed messages.

Here are some basic postures that you can adopt to show self-confidence and openness.

Body Language for a Good First Impression

Have an open posture. Be relaxed but don’t slouch (耷拉)! Sit or stand upright and place your hands by your sides.

Use a firm handshake. But don’t get carried away! You don’t want it to become awkward, aggressive, or painful for the other person.

Maintain good eye contact. Try to hold the other person’s gaze for a few seconds at a time. This will show them that you’re sincere and engaged.

Avoid touching your face. If you do while answering questions, it can be seen as a sign of dishonesty.

Body Language Examples for Effective Public Speaking

Positive body language can help you to engage people, mask any presentation nerves (紧张), and show confidence when you speak in public. Here are a few tips to help you do this:

Have a positive posture. Sit or stand upright, with your shoulders back and your arms unfolded by your sides or in front of you.

Keep your head up. Your head should be upright and level. Leaning too far forward or backward can make you look aggressive or arrogant (傲慢).

Practice and perfect your posture. Stand in a relaxed manner, with your weight evenly distributed. Keep one foot slightly in front of the other to help hold your posture.

Use open hand gestures. Spread your hands apart, in front of you, with your palms facing slightly toward your audience. This indicates a willingness to communicate and share ideas.

【小题1】What body language can be regarded to be dishonest?

A．Having an open posture.	B．Using a firm handshake.
C．Maintaining good eye contact.	D．Touching the face.

【小题2】What does the underlined word probably mean?

A．Wear.

B．Hide.

C．Prevent.

D．Show.

【小题3】How can you make public speaking effective?

A．Sit with arms folded by the sides	B．Lean the head forward.
C．Stand in an easy manner.	D．Spread your arms apart.

【小题4】What would be the best title for the text?

A．What Is Positive Body Language	B．How to Read Body Language
C．The Body Language of a Bored Audience	D．Body Language Analysis—Expressing Positivity