People make quick decisions about your credibility based on how you look and sound. If you tend to fidget, lock your hands behind your back, lean or pace the room, chances are your audience will be distracted. Following a few guidelines will put you on the course for a successful presentation.

1. Eye Contact. Eye contact is the number one skill to help you look and sound dynamic. To really connect with your audience, look at one person for a complete thought. Avoid looking to the ceiling or to the floor. Instead, look at an individual for three to five seconds. Once you have connected with one person, slowly move your eyes to another person and repeat the process. Take your time moving your eyes from one person to the next. Slow, decisive eye contact communicates confidence, helps you think clearly, slows your speaking pace and allows your body to gesture naturally.

2. Square Up & Stand Tall.  As you’re looking at someone, completely physically address that person. This means that your toes, hips and shoulders should all be facing the person you are addressing. You want your body to be in total alignment with the person you are addressing. When you first attempt to square up, it may feel a little robotic and stiff, but as you practice this new skill it will become more natural and will enhance your overall physical presence. This stance sends the message that you are confident, strong and in control. When you are squared up to the person you’re looking at, it also makes it easier to gesture naturally.

You’ll want to stand tall with your weight even on both feet. Shifting your weight from leg to leg or slouching sends the message that you are unsure of yourself. When you shift from side to side, you’ll probably notice that your hands will lock in a folded position. Standing tall tells the audience that you believe in what you are saying. It also helps your upper body stay relaxed and open, which promotes gestures.

3. Pause & Breathe. Slow deep diaphragmatic breathing is the best way to control your heart rate and minimize excess adrenaline. Remember to pause and breathe after every important sentence or when looking back at your slides to remember what to say. Pausing will help you remember your next thought. It indicates that you are considering the needs of the audience and not racing through your material. It will relax you and conserve your energy.

Demonstrating strong body language indicates confidence for your content. Practice these guidelines and watch your audience’s perception of you improve dramatically. Once people see that your body language is confident, your message will have greater impact and move your listeners to action more quickly than ever before.