Speaking from the stage… can be an exhilarating experience for the polished presenter. But for a novice speaker or for someone who is unprepared to step up and stand in front of an audience, it can be a daunting and stressful time. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a rookie presenter, here are three positions that should be avoided when speaking from the stage…
1. The Cozy-Ankle Cross – In most cases, ankle crossers are also leaners. To keep ankles crossed for any extended period of time, and remain standing, ankle crossers need to brace themselves against, tables, walls or lecterns … anything that provides support. What the audience sees is a speaker who is nervous, rooted to one spot and who has assumed a posture that demonstrates a lack of seriousness and conviction regarding the topic.
Solution: If you get nervous and experience buckling at the knees when speaking from the stage… whenever possible check out your speaking space in advance of your presentation. If that can’t be done, find a similar space and practice speaking while visualizing your audience. Not only will you become a stronger speaker, your body will automatically become more erect; you’ll stand tall and exude strength.
2. The Fashion Foot – This typical fashion model stance tends to be adopted more by women than men. While the speaker ‘might’ appear more graceful, it is an awkward position to hold since most of the body’s weight is falls onto the back leg and foot. This position is not conducive to using body language or demonstrating any type of enthusiasm. The main purpose of taking on the fashion foot pose is so that the speaker looks good.
Solution: While looking good to their audiences is important to all speakers, solid content and being able to deliver that content in an engaging and dynamic way is even better. As someone said, “Content is king.”
3. The Toe Flipper –When a speaker does the toe flipper, the heel is fixed to the floor and acts like a pivot. The rest of the foot points outward and upward, with the toe moving either side to side, or up and down. This foot position is not only distracting, it is a bad habit. I’ve seen people who looked and sounded confident when speaking from the stage… practicing the toe flipper – totally unaware of their habit.
Solution: Eliminating a distracting habit is not easy. Self-awareness, self-assessment, and willingness to make change is needed. If you know that you are a toe flipper, practice your speeches with feet flat to the floor and firmly planted for about three to five minutes. Then move to another spot and plant feet firm and flat once more. Video tape yourself or ask a trusted friend in the audience for feedback until you are toe flipping no more.
When speaking from the stage… the goal of speakers and presenters is to be the best they can be to their audience. That means no fancy foot moves unless you’re a dancer but solid positioning for the solid content you will be delivering; feet placed shoulder width apart, knees slightly relaxed and toes pointing toward the audience.