What Public Speakers Should Know About Facial Expressions

Your Body Language Shapes Your Impact

Your body language plays a pivotal role in shaping your impact as a speaker. Words alone aren’t enough—you need to be just as mindful of what your body is communicating. Let’s explore how you can master your facial expressions to enhance your message and leave a lasting impression.

Your impact as a speaker depends heavily on your body language. While you probably have control over the words you say, are you sure you have the same control over what your body communicates?

Overview

What Public Speakers Should Know About Facial Expressions

When discussing body language in presentation skills training, the common question is often: “Where should I put my hands while speaking?” However, facial expressions—often referred to simply as mimicry—are rarely discussed beyond the advice to keep a smile on your face. This is unfortunate because facial expressions can significantly enhance your message. When facial expressions do not align with what is being said, they can be damaging. Inauthentic expressions can come off as unintentionally humorous, undermine credibility, and distract the audience.

This article focuses on what public speakers should pay attention to when it comes to facial expressions.

Body Language, Facial Expressions, and Public Speaking

In addition to the content of a speech, which is the verbal component, the method of delivery and non-verbal cues are also crucial. These include gestures, eye contact, direction of gaze, body posture, body tension, and elements like volume, intonation, and the often-underestimated use of pauses. Strategic pauses can create tension before a key point and allow a message to resonate afterward.

While facial expressions may seem to have taken on a lesser role in modern public speaking compared to the past, using them effectively still contributes greatly to a successful presentation. Overly exaggerated facial expressions can appear theatrical and forced, but well-balanced expressions can add much-needed depth to the delivery.

Are Facial Expressions No Longer Important?

Facial expressions are indeed important for speakers who aim to come across as authentic and convincing. This authenticity includes lively and dynamic facial expressions that naturally complement the content of the speech. Rather than adopting exaggerated expressions reminiscent of Asian theater masks or pantomimes, public speakers benefit more from approaches like Method Acting—where you fully experience the emotions behind your words. If you mean what you say and engage your senses, your face will naturally provide the appropriate expressions, as long as you haven’t numbed them with cosmetic interventions.

Avoid the deadpan expressions best suited to poker players or certain politicians. A skilled presenter knows that appropriate facial expressions are a key aspect of effective communication. Facial expressions often determine the true meaning behind a spoken message. During a presentation, the audience will focus on your face, and your facial cues will often communicate more about your attitudes, feelings, and emotions than your words alone ever could.

17 Tips for Facial Expressions in Speeches and Presentations

Your impact as a speaker depends heavily on your body language. While you probably have control over the words you say, are you sure you have the same control over what your body communicates?

1. Authenticity Above All

Effective body language supports your message and conveys a strong image of the speaker. Anything that doesn’t fit your personality, role, or message can come off as unintentionally funny, damage your credibility, and distract from your content. If you mean what you say, your facial expressions will naturally follow. Professional analysis can help reveal how your expressions truly affect your audience.

2. Smiling Is Contagious

Many people lose their lively facial expressions under the pressure of public speaking. Their faces can become stiff, like a mask. Start by freeing your face, especially when welcoming the audience—smile! A real smile, known as a Duchenne smile, engages the muscles around the mouth and eyes, creating an authentic warmth that helps build a bridge with your audience.

3. Convey Emotions

The connection between you and your words can bring them to life for the audience. Fully experience the emotions you want to convey, and your facial expressions will reflect them naturally. Remember, less is more—avoid over-exaggerating or grimacing.

4. Lead with Your Gaze

The audience will notice where you’re looking, and you can use this to guide their attention. Look at what you want your audience to focus on. Avoid repeatedly looking at exits or doors, as it may seem like you want to escape.

5. Make Eye Contact

Eye contact is crucial for connection. Good speakers engage one person at a time, holding their gaze long enough to complete a thought. This makes the interaction more personal. Smile and respond to visual cues, such as a frown, by rephrasing or elaborating to ensure understanding.

6. Avoid Asymmetrical Mouth Movements

Facial expressions like pulling up one side of your mouth can be interpreted as superiority or cynicism, making you seem arrogant. For instance, a slight smirk can easily be misread as condescension, even if it was unintended. Be mindful of these unintended signals and consider how they might be perceived by others.

7. The Pitfalls of a Permanent Smile

A constant smile can seem artificial or complacent, reminiscent of insincere salespeople. It’s important to vary your expression to match your message. For example, when discussing a serious or sensitive topic, an unwavering smile can make you appear out of touch or untrustworthy, as if you are not truly empathizing with your audience. Instead, adopt expressions that reflect the gravity of the topic—such as a thoughtful or sincere demeanor—which will help build trust and show that you genuinely understand the importance of what you are saying.

8. Relax Your Jaw

A tense jaw can make you appear angry, aggressive, or anxious. For example, clenching your teeth or grinding your jaw can signal frustration or nervousness, even if unintended. Relax your facial muscles, including your jaw, to project calmness and confidence. You can achieve this by consciously releasing tension, taking deep breaths, or even practicing relaxation techniques before speaking.

9. Smiling and Showing Teeth

In some cultures, such as in Germany, showing too many teeth can come off as insincere. Be aware of cultural differences and adjust your facial expressions accordingly.

10. Don’t Touch Your Face

Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or chin while speaking, as it suggests insecurity or dishonesty. This classic “Pinocchio gesture” can undermine your credibility. Additionally, such movements can distract your audience from your message and make you seem less confident. Instead, keep your hands relaxed by your sides or use them purposefully to emphasize key points.

11. Be Mindful of Subtle Expressions

Subtle expressions, such as a slight eyebrow raise or a fleeting frown, can significantly impact how your message is received. These micro-expressions often reveal genuine emotions that might contradict your words, leading to confusion or mistrust. For example, a quick look of irritation during a Q&A session can undermine an otherwise composed response. It’s crucial to be aware of these cues and practice maintaining expressions that are consistent with your intended message. Read my articles on body language to understand how subtle cues can either build or undermine trust in delicate situations.

12. Match Your Facial Expressions to Audience Size

As your audience size grows, your expressions need to become more pronounced. If those in the back can’t read your expression, they might assume you lack interest. Make sure your facial cues are visible to everyone.

13. Explore Different Facial Expressions

Facial expressions play an important role in convincing your audience. Your face is capable of over 10,000 different expressions, thanks to the many muscles at work. Practice the seven universally recognized emotions—anger, disgust, contempt, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise—and learn how to control and convey them appropriately.

14. Observe Your Audience

Your audience’s facial expressions provide valuable feedback on how your message is landing. If they look bored, they might be disengaged, indicating you may need to change your tone, add a compelling story, or ask an engaging question. If they’re smiling or leaning in, they’re interested, and this is a sign to continue with the approach you’re taking. Adjust your approach based on their reactions to keep them engaged. Observing subtle cues like furrowed brows or crossed arms can also provide insights into confusion or disagreement, giving you the opportunity to clarify or shift your delivery to address concerns.

15. Minimize Reliance on Notes

Whether your manuscript is on a lectern or in your hand, avoid constantly looking at your notes. Excessive reliance on notes can make you appear unprepared or disconnected from your audience. Maintaining eye contact keeps the audience’s focus on you and helps create a stronger connection. Instead, practice enough so that you only glance at your notes when absolutely necessary. This shows confidence and helps your delivery feel more natural and engaging.

16. Practice, Practice, Practice

Like all aspects of public speaking, effective facial expressions require practice. Rehearse in front of a mirror to ensure your expressions align with your message. If your face appears expressionless, stop and try again. Playfully exploring your expressions, ideally with professional guidance, will make your delivery more impactful.

17. Get Professional Support

As a professional speech coach, I won’t teach you to put on a mask, but rather help you understand potential misunderstandings and develop authentic expressions that convey your intended message.

Preparing Important Speeches and Presentations

The Art of Effective Communication

Those who do not speak are not heard, and even those who do speak are not always successful. True success in communication requires mastering a few additional, critical steps to ensure your message resonates.

Make Your Message Shine

Do you want your message to be convincing and your personality to shine? I can help you prepare your speeches and presentations to achieve exactly that. Whether you need comprehensive guidance or just a few tweaks, you decide the level of support that fits your needs. At a minimum, I recommend a test run with professional feedback to fine-tune both your delivery and your content. This helps you understand how you and your message are perceived, identify what works well, and determine areas for improvement.

Why Wait for Feedback?

Why wait until after your real performance to receive valuable feedback, when it's too late to adjust? Early preparation is key. As the saying goes: 'Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.' With thorough preparation, you will not only feel more confident but will also be well-equipped to make a lasting impact.

Tailored Support to Fit Your Goals

You can decide where the effort is most worthwhile, based on the expected benefits. I offer support covering all areas of effective communication, including psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical techniques, and the use of media like PowerPoint. My goal is to help you deliver a well-rounded, impactful presentation.

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Not in Berlin? No problem. We can meet via telephone or video call. Of course, visiting Berlin can also be an enriching experience, and I am happy to welcome you here.

Overcome Stage Fright

Many people struggle with intense stage fright, which can cause their performance to fall short of its true potential. With my guidance, you can overcome these challenges and deliver your best possible performance. Together, we'll turn anxiety into confidence, ensuring that your message and personality shine through.

Professional Feedback: The Key to Impactful Presentations​

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Since 1998, I have analyzed countless speeches and presentations. This extensive experience—including learning from my own mistakes—has given me a deep understanding of what works for different audiences.

Get the feedback you need to excel. With my help, you will receive actionable recommendations and insights that will allow you to connect with your audience and deliver your message effectively, regardless of the context.

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P.S.

What aspects of facial expressions do you focus on during conversations, speeches, and presentations to ensure effective communication and connection with your audience?

Articles

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 27, 2019
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: October 6, 2021
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German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/rhetorik-mimik-koerpersprache/
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