I smile a lot while I present.
Though it comes naturally for me now, it wasn't always the case. I consciously made a habit of it because I know just how powerful it can be.
A smile can capture attention, build rapport with the audience, change the energy of the room. It can even calm your presentation jitters.
It's simple.
It's easy.
But it's not always easy to do.
For example, when presenting a serious topic or sharing bad news.
So what do you do when you can't smile?
Luckily, a smile is just one tool at your disposal - one of many. So if you can't flash your pearly whites, you can use other techniques which achieve the same results.
For example, here are some more delivery strategies that can help you build rapport, or connect, with your audience:
Eye contact
You already know you're supposed to do this, but do you? Remember, in a virtual setting, this means looking into the camera. Body language
Aim to be natural and relaxed, instead of stiff and robotic. Consider how you can achieve this through your posture, hand gestures and facial expressions. Voice
Vary the tone, volume and rhythm of your voice, to sound more natural and expressive.
Also consider how you can convey emotion through your voice. This is especially important when sharing difficult news, so that you don't sound detached or cold. Positioning
Whether on stage or in a boardroom, moving from one side to another brings you closer to your whole audience.
I caution against using a podium because it forces you into one place, conceals valuable body language, and separates you from the audience. If using one, try to stand beside rather than behind it. So what do you do when you can't smile? You make sure to use the other tools at your disposal - which you should be using anyway.
As I close, I invite you to consider whether a smile really is inappropriate for your setting. This simple gesture can light up a dull presentation. Even when sharing bad news, a smile at the start conveys welcome and warmth.
And to be clear, I'm not asking you to fake it - people can see right through that!
Rather, I simply encourage you to be more conscious of your smile - and all aspects of your delivery - because they do make a difference.
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