Your Body is Talking - What’s it Saying?

Movement

What are the things you do when you’re nervous?

We all have those little physical habits—our own “tells”—whether it’s swaying, scratching, fiddling, or fidgeting; those movements unveil our discomfort.

When working with clients, I typically begin by filming them. We then review the footage together as it's a powerful way for them to gain insight into their own habits and presence.

Many of them are surprised at what they see.

This is because when we are under pressure we go into our heads, thinking about what we’re saying, rather than about what our body is doing.

However, any tension we feel tends to surface unconsciously through something known as emotional leakage.

Maybe we’re rocking back and forth, absentmindedly stroking an arm, or even closing our eyes as we speak—these are all subtle signs that we’re not feeling entirely confident in the moment.

This really matters, because whether we realise it or not, our audience is always picking up on the little things.

Our brains are wired for it—we have these mirror neurons in our brain that light up when we watch someone else move, almost like we’re experiencing it ourselves. So when we fidget out of nervousness or shift around from built-up tension, our audience doesn’t just see it—they feel it.

That discomfort we’re experiencing? It spreads. People watching us feel it, even if they don’t know exactly why.

Embrace the Power of Stillness

Everything we do communicates something - and because we are visual creatures, movement often speaks louder than our words.

That’s why it’s so important to move with intention.

Start from a rooted, still position - this alone can communicate confidence and competence. If you choose to move during your presentation, make it relaxed and deliberate.

For example, you might step forward to emphasise a key point, or move to a new spot as you transition from one part of your message to another with a word like “but” or “so”.

And don’t underestimate the power of stillness. Sometimes, the most impactful thing you can do is pause and let an idea resonate.

I know it’s not always easy. Presenting can bring up nerves and tension—but with solid preparation, both mental and physical, you can calm your fears and embody the confident presence to ensure your message lands