There are two principle causes of non-verbal awkwardness from the stage: under-awareness, and hyper-awareness. The results, though, are similar: a cringing audience that hurries to the door as soon as the words, “Thank you” or “That’s all” are stuttered, or just uninterrupted sobbing.

People can’t separate quality content from awkward non-verbal gestures. It’s illogical–after all, the greatest thinkers in history got by just fine with pens and paper–but if physical presence is paired with thought, we cannot separate them. I promise.

That doesn’t mean a nerd can’t be a great public speaker. But the speaker is responsible for demonstrating a certain level of confidence and peace in a form the audience recognizes. Most often, this comes across in the form of fluid hand gestures and natural movements on stage. If you’re naturally jerky and uncoordinated, then congratulations! You’ve found your little public speaking shtick.

For everyone, the basic message is: be yourself. But it’s hard to be yourself on stage–especially when you’re not on stage often. By tricking your body and mind with lots and lots of practice, complete with periodic hand checks to see what, exactly, your body is doing, you’ll be able to convince yourself that the stage is just another place where you are you. And that is as natural as you can be.