Communicate Trust When You Present

The aim of any presenter is to be trusted. Yet, time after time, audiences are not sold.

Many audiences even comment, "You know, there is something about that presenter that I just can't trust."

What you say when you present and how you say it are critical to establishing trust. Albert Mehrabian, of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) identified that tone of voice and body language conveys presenters ‘real’ attitudes above the words used.

If there is any incongruence between a presenters personal delivery and their message, then audiences will automatically trust visual observations 55% of the time + tone of voice 38% of the time. The actual words presenter chooses to use make up only 7% of what any audience is gauging.

It is very important for you to be aware of what you might be doing to erode trust and avoid dangerous pitfalls.


Your Verbal Message

With regards to your actual words when you present, always assess whether your message is logical. Does Point ‘A’ lead to Point ‘B’, etc? Have you buried your ideas in too much verbiage? Do you over-talk an issue or get lost in too much detail? Would listeners feel you have supported your argument with suitable evidence? Does the action you are requesting seem appropriate based on what you have said?

A presenter who wants to be trusted must have a strong message and offer solid advice. The more complex a message, the more danger of straying off the path.

A confused audience never gives an approval.


Your Vocal Message

A voice marred with non-words, ums and ahs, is not the mark of a credible presenter. Neither is a monotone presenter.

Listeners need to hear your enthusiasm and sincerity. Your voice must have vocal variety. If it doesn't, you will erode your impact. People will wonder why they should believe in and trust you.


Your Visual Message


Many presenters believe the only thing they need to consider is their verbal message yet, body language, including eye contact, gestures, facial expressions and posture definitely affect trust levels amongst audiences.

Audiences immediately notice whether you are looking them in the eye during your presentation. If your eyes are scanning the room rather than the audience, if you are overly reading from your notes or the screen, then the subliminal message to your audience will be that you are unsure, maybe not convinced. People believe that if you are truly convinced by what you are presenting, you would look them in the eye.

An audience pays much attention to your body language including hand movements, fidgeting, position of arms, stationary or free to move etc. Therefore, to trust you, audiences need to observe you have nothing to hide, that you are open and receptive to their thinking or viewpoints when you present before them.

All audiences rely on your face to provide clues on how they should react to your verbal message. A face lacking appropriate expression is deadly - so is a face that shows fear or annoyance. A meeting, whether with the boss, an internal team or a client is not the time for a poker face. Your face should reflect the enthusiasm or concern you feel for your topic. If your facial expression does not match your words, you risk not being seen as trustworthy and credible.


Lastly, your posture plays into whether you will or won’t be trusted. Parents always say to children stand up straight or sit up straight. Parents want to instill correct posture because this concludes confidence. If there is anything about your posture that says you are not sure, you must be diligent about avoiding incorrect posture. This includes rocking or swaying.


Trust can be highly encouraged if your verbal, vocal and visual message is congruent. It is up to you to ensure that your body and voice back up your words.



Question: When you plan for and deliver a presentation, what is most challenging for you? What worries you the most?

EffectiveCommunication.com.au is interested in your response. Contact us to respond or ask any communication questions.