Recently, a political commentator was heard to say that a certain candidate's likeability could be better assessed while observing him with the sound off. He then showed a tape of the candidate giving a speech while muting the sound. It was very illuminating, as it forced focus on non-verbal cues. Unfortunately for the candidate, it was not a positive outcome. He looked disappointed and even angry.

What non-verbal cues are we giving off when we present? Are we looking disappointed or angry? More likely, we might look uncertain, insecure or arrogant. The cues may be found in our gestures, eye contact, body movements, facial expressions, or lack thereof. Simple gestures, like crossing our arms, can make us appear insecure or defensive. The lack of direct eye contact can give others the impression that we are dishonest or insincere.

In an effort to improve as speakers and presenters, take an idea from the political commentator above. Videotape a rehearsal session, and try watching it back with no sound. Those of us who review our rehearsals know that it is easy to get hung up on critiquing our verbal presentation. We question our pace, volume and choice of words. We focus on eliminating non-words, and vow to stop repeating certain words over and over again. All this is good, but we often find ourselves glossing over the non-verbal, because it's just too painful to watch. Most of us simply don't like what we look like on videotape.

Instead, focus for a time on how you look, not how you sound. Look at your eye contact, how you hold your hands, the types of gestures you make, how much or little you move, how you use the presentation media. See what looks wrong, and ask someone else for their feedback. Then fix it. Your presentations will be more compelling, and your presence will be more inspiring.