Do you remember the photographer saying that? It might have sounded corny - but it worked. Smile for the camera. Why? Because you always look better when you smile. In fact the best beauty secret is not a cream or lotion - it is a smile.
It looks better for a picture, and it looks better for your presentation.
When you smile you look more attractive - therefore the audience will enjoy looking at you. They will pay more attention to your presentation. When you smile you look more friendly; thus the audience will warm up to you, like you and trust you more. When you smile you look more confident; thus the audience will believe you. When you smile at the audience, some of your audience will smile back at you and that gives you energy. When you smile it sends endorphins to your brain and that makes you feel good.
You frown when you are annoyed, unsure or confused. Is that the message your want your audience to remember?
You scowl when you are angry, frightened or ill. Is that the message you want your audience to remember?
Your friend smiles at you - your enemy does not. How do you want to be considered?
How should you smile? Whatever feels natural for you. Not everyone can comfortably flash a smile full of teeth like Julia Roberts. The best and most sincere smiles include the lips and the eyes. It is really the eyes that say it best.
And if you believe that you should not smile during a presentation - don't be surprised at the cold unsmiling faces staring back at you.
As long as you are speaking to people - they will like you more, trust you better and listen more closely to your presentation when you smile.
Smile - say cheese!
George Torok:
Related: Presentation