Whether you are aware of it or not, every facilitator sends a constant stream of unspoken messages directly to their audience.

It might be an uncomfortable pause, a perky smile, or even the slight tapping of their toes, but these subconscious cues often deliver conflicting messages to your audience. Body language is the way we speak to others without saying a word. It is crucial for facilitators to understand how it plays into what they are presenting. Some people within the audience may not even consciously recognize body language. However, we all are wired to receive – and interpret – these messages, to help us assess our surroundings.

This means that if you are talking about something you don’t agree with, your body language may rat you out.

It also works the other way. If your audience sees that your body language agrees with the words you are speaking, they are more likely to trust and listen to what you are saying.

Kirk Leverington, a 20-year veteran of the credit union system and a long-term corporate strategy manager. He lays out the basics of body language in his article, “Why Body Language is Critical for Facilitators”. It says, “purposefully changing your body language can make you more easily bond with others and can have a positive impact on your emotional state.”

Mr. Leverington also shares some fundamental, and sometimes quirky, body language tips.

For instance, he offers a little nugget about feet-pointing. “When a person is engaged in a conversation, their feet usually point in the direction of their interest.” If your feet are pointed in the direction of this article, we invite you to read more, click here.

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