The last five years working in communications have battle-tested my appreciation for a clear, impactful message. Whether crafting presentations or steering debates, every minute on stage counts.
Last June, I found myself under the bright lights of a large political gathering, presenting to an audience of 900 energised party members. There I was, trying not to crack under the pressure, but facing such a crowd of thousands can intimidate even the most seasoned speakers.
Tips to own the stage
As communication experts, we transform nervous speakers into captivating storytellers. Here are field-tested strategies to captivate any audience.
Speak your audience’s language
Your message is only effective if it resonates with your audience. Research your audience demographics and interests. Are they industry peers, potential clients, voters, or a general public audience? Speak directly to their needs and concerns. Use clear, concise language and avoid using jargon. Instead, tell relatable stories that illustrate your points. Always imagine that you are having a conversation, not delivering a lecture.
Master the art of the elevator pitch
Picture this: you’re stuck in an elevator with an important person and have only 30 seconds to make your case. Can you express your message clearly and concisely? The key is to distil your main points into a powerful elevator pitch. It may not seem relevant initially, but this skill will be extremely useful for introductions and Q&A sessions that tend to be the more stressful moments opening and closing your time on stage.
Structure your message: less is more
Create a comprehensive structure that includes a captivating introduction to engage your audience, a powerful body to develop your key ideas, and a memorable conclusion that leaves an impact. Use seamless transitions to guide your audience and prevent them from getting lost in the details. Remember that less is more. Avoid the temptation to include everything within the time limit you have been given. Focus on a few main ideas and provide compelling details to support them. Trust your audience to remember the main points rather than a long list of specifics. Remind yourself: inspire people to enjoy your time on stage rather than passively receiving a lecture.
Use visuals correctly
If you are not a naturally high-energy type A personality and you are not comfortable bouncing around the stage, don’t worry. There are many ways to enhance your stage presence, and one of them is by using engaging visuals. Given that over 65 percent of the population are visual learners, visual content can evoke emotions in your audience, keep them engaged, and strengthen your key points. Slides are meant to be used as visual aids to complement your speech, not to replace it. Remember, your presentation should focus on you and your delivery, not on giving a PowerPoint masterclass. If you are not slide savvy, I recommend outsourcing the task to someone who is, as slides remain forever imprinted in the pictures.
Command the stage with confidence
Just like planning your speech, there is actual science in how you plan your stage setting. Utilise all the space you have to engage the audience. Don’t stay in one place and read from a prompter. It makes your presentation dull and unenthusiastic. Move around and use the stage as a transition point to remind yourself what’s next in your speech or presentation.
Using all the stage space and taking up space on the stage will increase your energy level and alleviate any tense nerves. Think of it as a choreography where each step follows the next, giving you enough breathing time and confidence in knowing what to anticipate. This way, you will look confident and purposeful and offer the best angles to potential photographers or videographers present. Bonus points if you can get the stage plan ahead and map out your steps and movements. Remember to ask about your camera positionings if your speech is recorded or transmitted live.
Honing your stage presence takes practice and refinement. It is a learned skill that needs rehearsing. Try to record yourself and watch it back. This might be humbling, but it’s an invaluable tool for identifying areas for improvement in pacing, body language, and overall presentation style. The more you rehearse and get up on stage, the easier it will become.
When I was standing in front of my biggest audience, I could feel my hands trembling with nervousness. I then remembered the trick I learned to coordinate my pacing across the stage. To break the ice, I joked about the elephant in the room, which was my anxiety. Everyone chuckled, and I felt more at ease.
Practice makes perfect
Mastering stage presence is a skill sharpened by practice. Audiences crave authenticity, but to be so requires being comfortable and in charge. This only happens when you’ve practised over and over each aspect of a public speaking event.
As you practise more, you’ll be less afraid to be yourself, speak from the heart, and let your passion for your topic shine through. Your genuine enthusiasm will resonate far more powerfully than a robotic recitation of facts.
By following these tips and collaborating with a communication professional, you can transform from a nervous presenter into a captivating storyteller who commands the stage and leaves a lasting impression.