56. How to Eliminate the Fig Leaf: A Presentation Lesson from the Military

When President Obama formally submitted his 2011 budget, he assembled his economic team to join him during his speech. In the official White House photograph, the president is flanked, left to right, by Christina Romer, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, Timothy Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury, Peter Orszag, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Larry Summers, National Economic Council Director.

Figure 56.1. “The Fig Leaf” position

Please note that all the advisors are standing with both their hands clasped below the waist in what is known in the presentation trade as “The Fig Leaf.” This position has a number of variations: both hands clasped above the waist, one hand clasped at the midsection, the other hand clasped at the midsection, and one or both hands in the trouser pockets.

All these positions share one common factor: the upper arms are pressed against the sides of the body, and the forearms and hands are held in front of the body. Whenever any presenter, whether a member of the president’s staff or you, gets into a stressful situation, such as standing exposed in public, the instinctive response is to protect the midsection where the vital organs are located. This reflex action, also known as “Body Wrap,” is an expression of the Fight-or-Flight syndrome and is common to all human beings. In fact, all human beings have been assuming this pose since before they were born: Body Wrap is essentially an extension of the fetal position and, therefore, a deeply ingrained habit.

Does this mean that you are forever doomed to strike a defensive pose whenever you appear in public? No. You can eliminate the Body Wrap in many ways, but let’s focus on just two. The first is to do what is done in the military: Stand at Parade Rest—the position in which the hands are clasped behind the back and the feet are planted at shoulder width. This brings your shoulders back and your head up, making you appear stable, poised, and confident. However, Parade Rest is applicable only when you are not speaking, such as when posing for an official company photograph or in a group presentation where one person speaks at a time.

The second and most effective alternative is to use your hands and arms to illustrate your words with expressive gestures. These gestures also release the tension of the stress, which caused the Body Wrap in the first place. However, do not attempt to script your gestures. Far too many presenters attempt to choreograph their gestures and wind up appearing robotic. Do what comes naturally.

Present with your arms in Body Wrap, and you will appear defensive. Stand at Parade Rest, and you will bring your audience to attention. Gesture and you will hold their attention.