Is your public speaking giving off lying vibes?

Public speaking can make us act like we’re lying.

Ivan Wanis Ruiz explains why and how to correct it.

By Ivan Wanis Ruiz

Smart Brief

11/10/24

Summary: Is Your Public Speaking Giving Off Lying Vibes?

Original Article by Ivan Wanis Ruiz: Is Your Public Speaking Giving Off Lying Vibes?

Public speaking can sometimes unintentionally mimic the behaviors associated with lying, as both situations often trigger fear and nervousness. Ivan Wanis Ruiz explores why this happens and offers practical strategies for improving confidence and authenticity in communication.

The Connection Between Nervousness and “Lying Vibes”

In public speaking, nervous behaviors can resemble those of someone being deceptive. These behaviors arise because both liars and nervous speakers aim to shield their vulnerability. Common “rules” of public speaking, such as “never cross your arms” or “don’t put your hands in your pockets,” are often misinterpreted. Ruiz highlights that these actions aren’t inherently problematic—issues arise when they become rigid habits rather than diverse, natural movements.

The “Belly Button Rule”

Janine Driver, a body language expert and author of You Can’t Lie to Me, identifies a key nervous behavior: covering vulnerable areas such as the belly button or groin. Nervous speakers, like liars, may instinctively engage in these protective postures, signaling discomfort. Recognizing and correcting these habits can help speakers project more confidence.

Tips for Practicing Physical Confidence

1. Keep Hands Apart
   Avoid touching your hands or your body while speaking. This minimizes fidgeting and reduces nervous energy.

2. Purposeful Movements
   Use intentional gestures, such as moving your hands to different sides of your body. Periodically let your hands rest at your sides before resuming gestures to convey control.

3. Open Posture
   Stand tall with an open stance, avoiding protective postures. This signals confidence and helps engage your audience.

The Secret to Confidence: Diversity in Movement

Ruiz emphasizes that confidence is a physical practice. Like any skill, it can be improved over time through deliberate adjustments. Confidence doesn’t mean following rigid rules but instead embracing natural, varied movements.

Breaking Myths About Communication Rules

Traditional advice like “make eye contact” or “speak with passion” is often impractical, especially in classroom or meeting settings. Ruiz argues for a more realistic approach that focuses on adapting physical behavior to the context, making communication feel authentic and engaging.

Conclusion

Public speaking doesn’t have to feel intimidating or robotic. By focusing on purposeful physical adjustments and breaking free from rigid “golden rules,” speakers can exude natural confidence. Practicing these techniques allows educators to improve their communication skills, creating more engaging and effective interactions with their audiences.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com