CPPS Stage Presence & Body Language Flashcards

What technique should a speaker use during the opening 30 seconds to immediately establish connection and confidence?

Answer: Walk to center stage, pause, make eye contact, then speak with strong vocal energy

Walking to center, pausing to survey the room, and opening with strong eye contact and voice immediately establishes presence and authority.

The 'fig leaf' posture — clasping hands in front of the lower abdomen — is generally discouraged because it:

Answer: Makes gesturing impossible and signals a closed, protective stance

The fig leaf position blocks natural gestures and reads as a defensive, closed posture that reduces the speaker's openness and authority.

In CPPS training, 'grounding' refers to:

Answer: A physical technique of maintaining stable, intentional foot placement to project confidence

Physical grounding means placing feet firmly and deliberately, creating a stable, confident base that radiates authority and calm.

Why is a genuine smile considered one of the most powerful nonverbal tools a speaker possesses?

Answer: It triggers mirror neurons in the audience, creating warmth and rapport instantly

A genuine smile activates mirror neurons in observers, creating an unconscious sense of warmth, safety, and rapport between speaker and audience.

A speaker who 'hides' behind a podium for an entire presentation is most likely to be perceived as:

Answer: Less engaging, less confident, and creating a physical barrier with the audience

The podium creates a physical barrier that reduces energy, limits body language, and signals the speaker is using it as a security shield.

During audience Q&A, which body language practice best demonstrates active listening and respect for the questioner?

Answer: Turning to face the questioner, nodding, and maintaining eye contact while they speak

Turning fully toward the questioner with open body language and eye contact signals genuine respect and models the attentiveness you want from the audience.