Voice, body, and presence. The part the audience actually feels.
The Three Channels of Delivery
Your message rides on three channels at the same time. When they agree, you sound credible. When they don't, the audience trusts the body, not the words.
| Channel | What It Includes | Impact |
|---|
| Verbal | Words, content, message | What you say |
| Vocal | Tone, pace, volume, pitch | How you sound |
| Visual | Gestures, posture, movement, expressions | How you look |
The Mehrabian Myth, Corrected
The famous "7-38-55 rule" gets misquoted everywhere. The original study only applied to mismatched emotional cues, not all communication. The underlying point still holds: when channels disagree, body and tone win.
| When Channels Align | When Channels Conflict |
|---|
| Message is clear | Audience believes visual/vocal over verbal |
| Trust increases | Confusion and distrust result |
| Impact multiplies | Message undermined |
| Authenticity perceived | Manipulation suspected |
Voice: Your Primary Instrument
Your voice is the tool you use the most and practice the least. Fix that.
Volume
| Level | When to Use | Effect |
|---|
| Loud | Key points, calls to action | Commands attention |
| Medium-loud | Normal delivery (project) | Ensures everyone hears |
| Medium | Intimate moments, stories | Creates connection |
| Soft | Emphasis, drama | Pulls audience in |
| Whisper | Rare, for effect | Maximum attention |
Volume Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|
| Too quiet | Back row disengages | Project from diaphragm |
| Too loud | Audience fatigued | Vary and moderate |
| Monotonous volume | Boring | Consciously vary |
| Microphone misuse | Distortion or dropping | Practice with equipment |
Pace
| Speed | When to Use | Effect |
|---|
| Fast | Excitement, energy, enthusiasm | Creates momentum |
| Medium | Regular content, explanations | Easy to follow |
| Slow | Important points, emphasis | Increases impact |
| Pause | After key points | Lets message land |
Effective Pausing
| Pause Type | Length | Purpose |
|---|
| Beat pause | 1 second | After sentences, natural rhythm |
| Emphasis pause | 2-3 seconds | Before important point |
| Impact pause | 3-5 seconds | After major statement |
| Dramatic pause | 5+ seconds | Rarely, for maximum effect |
Common Pace Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|
| Speaking too fast | Conscious slow-down, pause more |
| Rushing when nervous | Deep breaths, practice with timer |
| No variation | Script pace changes |
| Running out of breath | Shorter sentences, pause at periods |
Pitch and Tone
| Element | Technique |
|---|
| Vary pitch | Avoid monotone by consciously going up and down |
| End sentences down | Avoid upspeak (ending statements as questions) |
| Match content | Excited content = higher energy, serious = lower |
| Use natural emphasis | Stress important words |
Eliminating Filler Words
| Common Fillers | Replacement Strategy |
|---|
| "Um," "uh," "ah" | Replace with silence (pause) |
| "Like," "you know" | Pause, then continue |
| "Basically," "actually" | Delete entirely |
| "So," at start of sentences | Start clean |
| "Right?" "Okay?" | Make statements, not questions |
Vocal Warm-Up Routine
| Exercise | How To | Time |
|---|
| Humming | Hum up and down scales | 1 min |
| Lip trills | Blow air, make lips vibrate | 1 min |
| Tongue twisters | Red lorry, yellow lorry | 1 min |
| Vowel stretches | Exaggerate A-E-I-O-U | 1 min |
| Diaphragm breathing | Deep belly breaths | 1 min |
Body Language: Visual Communication
What your body does is louder than what you say. The audience reads it before they parse a single word.
| Technique | How To | Effect |
|---|
| Individual connection | 3-5 seconds per person | Creates personal bond |
| Section scanning | Work through room systematically | No one feels ignored |
| Full room coverage | Include all areas, especially back | Everyone engaged |
| Thought collection | Look slightly up briefly | Appears thoughtful |
| Avoid: reading notes | Glance only if needed | Maintains connection |
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|
| Nervous to make eye contact | Look at foreheads initially |
| Large audience | Connect with individuals in each section |
| Bright lights | Pick out people you can see |
| Looking at one spot | Consciously move through room |
| Staring too long | Move on after 3-5 seconds |
Posture and Stance
| Element | Best Practice | Avoid |
|---|
| Feet | Shoulder-width apart, grounded | Crossed, shuffling, rocking |
| Weight | Balanced, slightly forward | On heels, swaying |
| Spine | Straight, shoulders back | Hunched, stiff |
| Head | Level, chin neutral | Tilted down, looking up |
| Arms | Relaxed at sides when not gesturing | Crossed, hands in pockets |
Power Positions
| Position | When to Use | Effect |
|---|
| Center stage | Key points, openings, closings | Maximum authority |
| Stage left | Transition, dialogue | Movement, energy |
| Stage right | Counter-point, contrast | Shift in tone |
| Front of stage | Connection, emphasis | Intimacy |
| Back of stage | Bigger picture, reflection | Distance for thought |
Gestures
| Gesture Type | Examples | Use For |
|---|
| Descriptive | Size, shape, direction | Illustrating concepts |
| Emphatic | Pointing, chopping | Stressing points |
| Suggestive | Open palms, inviting | Including audience |
| Prompting | Counting on fingers | Organizing information |
| Symbolic | Thumbs up, open arms | Universal meanings |
Gesture Guidelines
| Do | Don't |
|---|
| Use gestures larger than conversation | Make small, timid movements |
| Keep gestures above waist | Gesture below belt line |
| Match gesture to content | Gesture randomly |
| Vary your gestures | Repeat same gesture constantly |
| Return to neutral between gestures | Keep arms in constant motion |
| Practice key gestures | Wing it |
Common Gesture Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It's a Problem | Fix |
|---|
| Fig leaf (hands over groin) | Protective, weak | Arms at sides |
| Crossed arms | Defensive, closed | Open posture |
| Hands in pockets | Casual, hidden | Visible hands |
| Behind back | Formal, distant | In front, visible |
| Prayer hands | Passive, pleading | Varied gestures |
| Pointing at audience | Aggressive | Open palm indicate |
| Pen/pointer fidgeting | Distracting | Put down or use purposefully |
Facial Expressions
| Expression | When to Use | Effect |
|---|
| Genuine smile | Opening, light moments, closing | Warmth, connection |
| Serious | Important points, data | Gravity, credibility |
| Curious | Questions, stories | Engagement |
| Surprised | Reveals, twists | Energy, attention |
| Passionate | Calls to action | Motivation |
Movement and Stage Presence
How you use the room is part of the message. Standing in one spot says one thing. Walking with intent says another.
Purposeful Movement
| Movement | Purpose |
|---|
| Walk to new position | Transition between sections |
| Step toward audience | Emphasize point, connect |
| Step back | Give audience space, bigger picture |
| Walk while telling story | Create energy, timeline |
| Stand still | Important point, let it land |
Movement Patterns
| Pattern | Best For | Avoid |
|---|
| Triangle | Three main points | |
| Forward-back | Emphasis and reflection | |
| Side to side | Addressing full audience | |
| Standing still | Key moments | Entire presentation |
| Random | Never | All unplanned movement |
Movement Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|
| Pacing | Distracting, nervous | Purposeful steps only |
| Swaying | Hypnotic, weak | Plant feet |
| Hiding behind podium | Barrier, distance | Move to front |
| Turning back to audience | Disconnection | Face audience always |
| Standing in one spot | Static, boring | Planned movement |
Presence: The Hard-to-Name Thing
Presence is what makes a room go quiet when you start. You can't fake it, but you can build it.
Building Presence
| Element | How To Develop |
|---|
| Groundedness | Physical stability, breathing |
| Awareness | Fully present, not in your head |
| Authenticity | Being yourself, not performing |
| Energy | Appropriate enthusiasm for content |
| Stillness | Comfort with silence and space |
| Focus | Complete attention on audience |
Presence Killers
| Killer | How It Manifests | Solution |
|---|
| Self-consciousness | Fidgeting, apologies | Focus on message |
| Rushing | Speaking too fast, skipping | Breathe, pause |
| Script dependency | Reading, not connecting | Know content cold |
| Low energy | Flat delivery, monotone | Warm up, commit |
| Over-performance | Fake, trying too hard | Be authentic |
Energy Levels
| Audience Size | Energy Level | Notes |
|---|
| 1-5 people | Slightly elevated | Conversational plus |
| 6-20 people | Noticeably elevated | Presentation mode |
| 20-100 people | High | Performance energy |
| 100+ people | Very high | Stage presence |
| Virtual | Medium-high | Compensate for screen barrier |
Adapting Delivery to Context
Different rooms need different settings. A boardroom is not a keynote. Adjust voice, gesture size, and energy to match.
Room Size Adjustments
| Element | Small Room | Large Room |
|---|
| Volume | Conversational | Project |
| Gestures | Contained | Expanded |
| Movement | Minimal | Use the space |
| Eye contact | Each person | Sections |
| Energy | Friendly | Commanding |
Virtual Presentation Delivery
| Element | Adjustment |
|---|
| Eye contact | Look at camera, not screen |
| Gestures | Keep within frame |
| Energy | 20% higher than feels natural |
| Pace | Slightly slower, more pauses |
| Expression | More animated |
| Background | Clean, professional |
| Lighting | Front-lit, no shadows |
Practice Methods for Delivery
Watching yourself on video is uncomfortable. It also teaches more than ten coaches could.
Recording Yourself
| Step | What to Look For |
|---|
| 1. Record video | Overall impression |
| 2. Watch without sound | Body language issues |
| 3. Listen without video | Voice issues |
| 4. Watch with sound | Alignment of all channels |
| 5. Note patterns | Recurring problems |
| 6. Practice fixes | One issue at a time |
Mirror Practice
| Focus | What to Check |
|---|
| Opening | First impression |
| Gestures | Natural and purposeful |
| Facial expressions | Match content |
| Posture | Strong and open |
| Movement | Deliberate |
Key Takeaways
Volume projects authority - Speak loud enough for the back row, and vary volume for emphasis
Pace controls comprehension - Slow down for important points and pause after key statements
Pauses are powerful - Silence after a key point lets it land; embrace the pause, don't fill it
Eye contact creates connection - 3-5 seconds per person makes everyone feel included
Gestures should be purposeful - Make them larger than conversation and return to neutral
Movement must have meaning - Every step should serve a purpose; avoid random pacing
Match energy to audience size - The larger the room, the more energy you need
Record yourself regularly - Video reveals habits you cannot see or hear while presenting
Next Steps
Continue to 05-slides.md to see how slides should support what you say, not replace it.