Stance – Moving with meaning
Robert Green DTM

Date : 13-06-2005

Body language is not simply about how you use your hands. You whole body can be used to drive you message home, once you are aware of how to move and you have the confidence to do so.

As newer members we probably feared to leave the lectern, so moving around the speaking area was not an option, but when we start presenting without notes we can take charge of our speaking area and make it our own. All presenters should look at how the venue is set up to determine the speaking area. For many clubs this will be the same at each meeting, but sometimes the banner is in a different place, or your audience will have over-flowed from the normal area of where they sit, these are all things as a presenter we need to consider when determining our speaking area.

It is important that our movements add to our message, loping around a stage like a gazelle is not going to add value to your presentation. Moving forward during your presentation conveys an impression to your audience of earnestness and sincerity, that you are sharing a confidence with them and engaging them in your presentation.

Moving back from your audience conveys the opposite, an authority in your presentation, and can be used effectively for parts of a presentation where you are either using statistics or quoting someone.

Moving from one side to the other can visually re-enforce a separation in your presentation, for example you may start at the middle of the speaking area explaining an issue of concern, move to the right of the speaking area to explain the views of those in favour and then move to the left of the speaking area to explain the views of those opposed. This movement adds impact and allows the audience to clearly understand the different sides of an argument in a visual sense.

Through understanding stage movement, you can add power to your presentations and involve your audience. Like all skills and techniques it requires practice but the great advantage of our organization is that it provides a opportunity to try new things in a safe and supportive environment, so stand tall and put your best foot forward.

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