CPPS Stage Presence & Body Language Flashcards

In public speaking, 'stage presence' is best defined as:

Answer: The commanding, engaging physical and energetic impact a speaker has on an audience

Stage presence is the totality of a speaker's physical energy, confidence, and connection that commands attention and engages the room.

Eye contact in public speaking should primarily be directed:

Answer: At various individuals across all sections of the audience, holding 3–5 seconds per person

Distributing eye contact across all audience sections, holding 3–5 seconds per person, creates individual connection and inclusion.

What does purposeful movement on stage — such as stepping toward the audience at a key point — communicate?

Answer: Increased emphasis, energy, and desire to connect at that moment

Moving toward the audience at key moments physically signals emphasis and strengthens the sense of direct, personal connection.

Which body language behavior is most likely to undermine a speaker's credibility?

Answer: Crossing arms tightly across the chest and avoiding eye contact

Crossed arms and averted eyes signal defensiveness and discomfort, which erodes audience trust and the speaker's perceived authority.

The 'power stance' or 'victory pose' is recommended before a high-stakes presentation because research suggests it:

Answer: Boosts confidence through postural feedback affecting hormones and mindset

Research by Amy Cuddy and others suggests expansive postures before speaking can increase felt confidence and reduce cortisol-related anxiety.

Gestures in public speaking are most effective when they are:

Answer: Natural, purposeful, and consistent with the verbal message

Effective gestures are natural extensions of speech that reinforce meaning, not scripted movements disconnected from content.