Let’s Get Physical! The Art of Using the Stage in a Public Speaking Scenario

We know that public speaking (or generally, speaking before a large audience) can be a nerve-wracking experience. While the first step on stage is a challenge, another challenge soon appears once that initial hurdle is crossed. So, what is this challenge? In our public speaking classes, we often see our students struggle with the physicality element of public speaking – using our movements or body language to best complement our speech content.

One key element that we want to focus on today for stage physicality is a communicator’s stage positioning. The guiding question is: how should one move around or use the stage? The theory may be straightforward, but the implementation may take longer to take root. Flowing from this, stage positioning is a key skill for a speaker to include in their toolkit, especially when done effortlessly. To help you plan out your stage map, here are three quick elements you can keep in mind to boost your stage positioning on stage!

Element #1: ‘X’ Marks the Spot

One common misconception we hear in our class is the impression that stage positioning requires energetic (almost-frantic) movement all over the stage. You may imagine a speaker with boundless energy, pacing around breathlessly.

*** Stage Positioning is NOT equal to Stage Pacing or worse…Running ***

Rather, we believe that stage positioning should be measured and structured. More importantly, it should be purposeful! While this may sound a tad rigid at the start, a stage positioning map may help create the early confidence you need to try out this technique.

Here are three suggestions on how you can add purpose to your movement. First, pick out your positions early on stage. Aim to spot 3 – 5 general areas on stage as a guide on how you should move on stage. Imagine a magnet at each location, attracting you to the identified location and holding your position there. Second, pick out the path you want to take to your stage positions picked out. Avoid wasting your energy with grand movements when a simple shift in body angle is sufficient. For example, if you are given a large stage to present in, your path may involve a longer ‘rest stop’ at the centre of the stage. Finally, use your stage positions as a signpost for your speech content. For example, allocating each part of the stage to a key part of your speech may act as a mental anchor for your audience to follow your speech!

Element #2: Take a Physical Pause

We are going to take an unconventional path here and suggest to you that an equally important element in stage positioning is not just about where you are moving – think about where you should be stopping. Powerful communicators work the stage with ease – transiting between energetic, purposeful movements and calm, rooted physical pauses. Use these pauses to anchor your point or re-focus the audience’s attention back to you.

We understand, though, that standing still may seem terrifying to you. Remember these three reassuring points as you experiment with physical pauses! First, use the pause with purpose – a good point would be a transition in your speech or a key message. Second, anchor your point with sustained eye contact to maintain the connection with your audience. Third, build these pauses into your script to reduce the uncertainty during your presentation itself.

*** Wrong way to pause – aimless & fleeting eye contact – what’s the purpose? ***

Element #3: Walk With Your Body

The next point may be entirely obvious and redundant. However, it is still worth repeating: when you move on stage, remember to use your entire body! When you start experimenting with stage positioning, the initial tendencies would include an awkward combination of other body language elements. Some of our students even commented on how they somehow ‘forget’ how to walk normally while on stage.

*** Well…like this (below) ***

As you dabble with stage positioning as a speaking tool – lookout for body language pairings that you can use to your advantage. These need not be complicated – a combination of two body language elements alone (including the stage positioning) can create a powerful impact. For example, circular hand gestures while moving from one stage position to another may create an impression of energy and continuity. In contrast, sustained eye contact with an anchored stage positioning may help you prioritise a point in your speech.

Maximise Your Stage Potential!

While most of our communication settings remain online, the return to the physical stage merits a re-exploration of body language elements while presenting. By exploring how you can move around your given stage, we know that you can expand your repertoire of communication skills to bring your presentation to the next level. We hope that the three tips above will help you take that next step!

By The Way…

If you’re keen to take your public speaking skills & presentation skills (either business/corporate presentation / training for presentation to clients / kids in-class presentation) to the next level so that you may communicate and deliver speeches with greater flair and charisma, feel free to check out our public speaking course for adults and public speaking course for kids below!

For more about our Public Speaking Courses for Adults :

https://publicspeakingacademy.com.sg/courses-and-programs/group-classes-for-adults/

If you’re also looking for Public Speaking Course for Kids / Children:

https://publicspeakingacademy.com.sg/group-classes-students-age-9-18/

If you are a human resources manager/ business owner in your company…

We want to help you bring out the best in your team, organization, and company. Public speaking and communication skills for the workplace, such as persuasion, remain a priority for most corporate training out there. We believe in staying ahead of the curve in sharing the contemporary communication skills to help you and your team remain relevant, competitive and nimble. Through our customized corporate training programmes, your team will benefit from an in-depth, hands-on, and potential-maximising public speaking training programme!

Feel free to reach out to us to curate your own public speaking corporate training programme for your team, company, or organization! Let us help you develop them into highly effective public speakers at work, empowered with effective presentation skills & storytelling skills – them giving speeches with charisma, influence and impact is something you can look forward to!

For effective presentation skills & public speaking skills training for corporates/ employees: https://publicspeakingacademy.com.sg/corporate-public-speaking-training-workshop/