No Lectern or Table on Stage? Maximize Space and Impact
Public speakers are often unsure of what to do with their hands, which should hang loosely at the sides between gestures that are calm and purposeful. But they can also be unsure about what to do with their feet. In fact, a speaker recently emailed me: “I’m participating in a part of a training program in front of around 100 people. No head table or lectern. Any advice for how I should plan to use the space? How much should I be walking around?” Just like the calm and purposeful gestures with the hands that are punctuated with stillness, presenters should move on stage with their feet calmly, purposefully, and occasionally too.
After Walking On Stage
After walking on stage, stand still for your entire introduction. Keep the feet planted and hip distance apart. Legs that are close together or crossed make the body appear smaller and the speaker less confident. Keep your feet firmly planted. Avoid swaying, tapping, crossing of your feet, or rocking up on your toes. Also, avoid popping a hip or shifting weight from one side to the other. Such movements can be distracting. Focus on adopting a wide, still stance and adding movement in the upper body with calm and purposeful hand gestures.
Transitioning to Main Points
When you transition from the introduction to the first main point in your presentation, walk into the speaking area to show movement from one key idea to the next. For example, you might stand in the center of the stage for the introduction of your speech, then move to the right-hand side of the speaking area to talk about your first main point. Keep your feet planted in this position throughout each section of the presentation.
Transitioning Between Points
When verbally transitioning from the first main point to the second, walk on the stage again. This time, move from the right-hand side of the stage to the center if you have three main points or to the left-hand side of the stage if you only have two points. You’ll repeat this purposeful and calm walk to the left-hand side of the stage if you have a third main point and to the center of the speaking area for the conclusion of your presentation.
This strategy of walking in the speaking area during a presentation harmonizes movement with the speech, and subtly cues listeners to the structure of and transitions in your presentation. Make sure that, like hand gestures, the movement with your feet is calm. No frantic racing across the stage, which can convey nervousness.
For Hybrid Speaking Situations
For hybrid speaking situations, where some listeners are online and others are in person, make sure you consistently stay in the camera view while walking so online listeners can always see you. Test this ahead of time and use painter’s tape on the floor to mark the speaking area in these situations.
Summary
The bottom line for both hand gestures and walking in the speaking area is that movement should enhance the presentation by supplementing the message you are delivering verbally. Avoid introducing behaviors that are frantic, repetitive, or that detract from the message or the perceived confidence of the speaker.
Speaking on a stage without a lectern or table may seem a little scary at first, as it was for the speaker who recently emailed me. But approached purposefully, this setup affords an opportunity to connect more directly and personally with your listeners and to them better understand and remember the key points in your presentation.