Sit or Stand? Body Language Elements for Sit-Down Presentations

What do you think of when you hear the words “public speaking”? We cannot blame you if your immediate thought is a traditional speaking or communication setting – standing tall in front of a large audience, delivering a charismatic speech. But, what happens if your communication scenario is a sit-down setting? Should we change the way we present just because we are seated? We believe that the communication skills you gain should be versatile enough to apply to different communication settings.

A sit-down speaking scenario may occur more often than you think! Picture your conversation, meeting, or discussion scenario. You may be seated in a high-stress communication environment or engaged in a casual setting – both require a unique approach in replicating a confident/persuasive/inspiring effect of a typical speech/presentation.

3 Urban Myths

Before we dive into the techniques, let us start with some urban myths/misconceptions you may have encountered for a sit-down setting.

Myth #1: “This feels unnatural”

This is a common refrain we hear whenever we switch from a traditional stand-up presentation setting to a sit-down, small-scale scenario. We realise that this “unnatural” feeling you may experience stems more from having to apply your mind to techniques that may not feature in a sit-down scenario. In short, the setting is not unnatural, it is simply uncomfortable because we are expanding our comfort zone to apply the relevant communication techniques to sit-down, small scale settings! Instead, try to think about expanding your comfort zone so that the setting no longer feels ‘unnatural’!

Myth #2: “You must be more dramatic”

On the other extreme, some may take the view that a seated presentation requires you to compensate for the loss in stage presence through dramatised body language. Instead, the golden rule for body language elements in a communication setting is to implement body language with a purpose. Your body language element, no matter the communication setting is more than just a gimmick; instead, it is a powerful tool to engage, enthral, or excite your audience – remember to wield it wisely!

Myth #3: “Sit-down scenarios are easier”

This is related to the first myth – that stand-up scenarios are more ‘natural’. While we may intuitively link a speaking experience to a stand-up scenario, a sit-down scenario would require the same (if not, more) thought in the techniques to engage your audience. A casual approach to a sit-down scenario may mean that you may not give the communication scenario as much attention to detail it deserves. Aim to heighten your sit-down communication experience with stronger scrutiny on the communication techniques to apply!

How then can we give sit-down communication scenarios the attention it deserves? In the next part below, we will cover two key body language techniques you can implement to impress your audience, even in a sit-down scenario.

Vocal Clarity & Strength

The first body language technique you can implement would be a focus on your vocal quality or strength in a sit-down scenario. In a sit-down scenario, it is inevitable that you would lose out on key body language elements such as stage positioning or standing posture. This does not mean that all your body language lessons are thrown out of the window. Rather, a sit-down communication scenario is an opportunity for you to enhance other body language elements to better engage your sit-down audience.

One aspect of such body language potential is vocal clarity or quality. With a more intimate set-up such as a sit-down scenario, mumbling or poor articulation may become more pronounced. To impress your audience, dedicate more attention to delivery with a higher volume profile, with ample pauses for emphasis. Instead of an energetic, fast delivery, focus on a clear, guided, and measured delivery. You can achieve this with a higher energy/power profile for your volume and a lower speed profile in terms of delivery. In a sit-down scenario, your voice may be the key tool in drawing your audience members in and persuading them!

Building Hands & Eyes

Beyond vocal quality, a sit-down scenario calls for more emphasis on guiding hand gestures and sustained eye contact. With a more intimate setting, the potential for connecting or engaging body language is huge! More importantly, the closer setting (whether in physical proximity or on the virtual stage) is also a chance for your audience to scrutinise your eye contact features closely. A glancing or avoiding eye contact may be more obvious and give the impression that you are not keen to communicate with the other party.

Instead of hiding your hand gestures under the table, let your hands move freely and naturally. For example, use your hand gestures for clear signposting as you build your speech/presentation. No worries, you don’t need to adopt a dramatic or over-energetic range of hand gestures while seated. The key is to keep those gestures purposeful, measured, and effective!

WATCH our video on “Content or Delivery – Which is More Important?”

Final thought:

Step Up or Sit Down?

While some of the public speaking techniques you may have learned may not be directly applicable to a sit-down scenario, there is no need to re-invent yourself as a speaker. Instead, aim to adapt your existing skillset to ensure that your delivery remains appropriate for the specific context. With the tips above, we hope you can become that versatile communicator – even in a sit-down setting!

By The Way…

If you’re keen to take your public speaking skills & presentation skills (either business/corporate presentation / training for presentation to clients / kids in-class presentation) to the next level so that you may communicate and deliver speeches with greater flair and charisma, feel free to check out our offerings below!

For more about our Public Speaking Course for Adults :

https://publicspeakingacademy.com.sg/courses-and-programs/group-classes-for-adults/

If you’re also looking for Public Speaking Course for Kids / Children:

https://publicspeakingacademy.com.sg/group-classes-students-age-9-18/