Stage Presence

We've all been in a room full of people when someone we don't even know walks in and the eyes of everyone in the place suddenly turns toward him or her.

There's just something compelling about them that commands attention. You may not even be able to describe it, but you certainly know it when you see it.

Some people call it charisma.

I call it "stage presence." 

Here are some tips for building your charisma on stage, and commanding the attention of your audiences next time you're making a speech or doing any kind of public speaking presentation.

When possible, speak from center stage. It's the preferred "power position."

Move toward the audience, either downstage center, downstage left or downstage right, when you know you're going to say something funny, poignant or compelling.

Move with a purpose. Taking several steps in any direction signals the audience that you have something to say that's worth paying attention to. Taking just one step subconsciously minimizes the importance of your point in the mind of your listeners.

When you're asking for crowd interaction, get right down among them when possible. But never move past the first few row or two so that a lot of people have to look backward at you.

Habits to avoid

Pacing back and forth.

Pacing back and forth, arms folded, presenting a profile to the audience.

Putting your hands in your pockets, especially if you have some jingling coins in there.

Playing with hair, bracelets or jewelry.

Playing with objects: pens, markers, pointers, etc.

Constantly grasping a lectern or a table when speaking ("white knuckling").

Rocking back and forth.

Standing rigidly in one place.

Speaking with your head down or bowed.

Locking hands together or twiddling thumbs.

Tapping fingers or toes.

Constantly pushing up your glasses.

As Shakespeare said, "All the world's a stage." Once you learn these basics of "stage presence," you can also use them anywhere, anytime. You don't even have to be making a speech.

Download a 28 page PDF report about making a dazzling presentation, written by one of the most successful public speakers in America? Click on Get Applause Now.