We all have appealing qualities when we speak that make us engaging communicators. Yet, very few of us are aware of what those natural qualities are and which ones we have …let alone how to leverage them when we communicate.

What qualities am I talking about?

Here are a few: approachability, humility, humor, command, confidence, charisma, sincerity, authenticity, energetic, enthusiastic, organized, knowledgeable, or passionate.

Which ones do you think you manifest?

How do these relate to presentations?

Given the audience and subject matter, you will want certain assets to emerge.

For instance, you may want to exhibit excitement during your open or introduction. You may want to shift to passion as you are talking about a new idea. Then, you may want to conclude with confidence as you state the action step.

Or, if you or your organization has made a mistake or not delivered on a promise, humility would be appropriate.

Consider your topic and audience. What strengths will you want to project?

The next step is to identify the body language skill that will help these strengths emerge. Barack Obama uses the pause to enhance his command and charisma. This was evident in his 2008 speech. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnvUUauFJ98.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a “60 Minutes” interview, displayed passion and sincerity with his tone of voice and facial expressions. Here’s a sample of that interview. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-60-minutes-ceo-tim-cook/.

Tony Robbins uses movement to energize and engage his audience in his TED talk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x1jJvp1ERs.

No matter what the presentation or the circumstances, it is important for you to know that your assets are your foundation. They are always present and will help support you in every instance.