4 Ways to Improve Your Stage Presence and Crush your Presentation

Public speaking is a skill most people struggle with but can make significant improvements on with the right guidance. All the planning in the world cannot salvage your performance if it lacks authentic stage presence through control and confidence. Here are a few helpful tips and simple hacks that’ll help you better connect with your audience and give you strong stage presence to crush your next presentation.

Tip 1: Have a Strong Introduction

You know when they say first impression is everything? Well it’s true! Before a single syllable is uttered from your mouth, you are already being judged. So wear the right outfit, smile and wave to the audience, grab the microphone with affirmation, make your presence strong from the start. Some speakers then begin with a story that touches heart, some start with a statement. Others begin with a joke, or an experiment. You can try with one of the below:

“Did you know…”

“I remember when…”

“Did you read today’s news that…”

Watch how this Toastmaster winner began his winning speech:

Tip 2: Make Eye Contact at Across the Room

Making eye contact across the room and keeping hand gestures to a minimum will help you remain calm, feel reassured, and comfortable in your skin. This will also encourage engagement with your audience. Make eye contact with your audience, but not so much that they feel uncomfortable. Here’s how:

The trick is to find two spots to land your eyes on. We’ll use the clock as an example, and imagine what you see straight ahead is 12 – that’s your middle eye contact spot. Then turn to 10, that’s your second eye contact spot, and turn to 2pm, that’s your third eye contact spot. Turn and spend enough time looking at each spot for an average of 7 seconds. This way everyone will feel you are speaking to them!

Tip 3: Use Hand Gestures Sparingly

Hand gestures are one of the most important parts of public speaking and making presentations. Here's a quick guide that will help you make better hand gestures when presenting.

a) You will want to keep your hands open, with your palms facing up, as often as possible. This position is called "puppet hands." It makes you look submissive and honest.

b) Avoid keeping your hands behind your back or in your pockets, because this position can convey the opposite effect.

c) When you're using hand gestures for emphasis, try to use them at the end of phrases or sentences. When you're ready to make a point, you can emphasize it with an open palm gesture.

d) Avoid pointing at people or things — it's rude! If you need to refer to something on an overhead screen, use a laser pointer rather than pointing directly at it. If you need to refer to a different part of the room, use a sweeping hand gesture instead.

All that said — don't overuse your gestures! Gestures should amplify what you are saying, not distract from it.

Tip 4: Make sure you are aware of your body language for strong stage presence:

Use your hands:

Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your head held high. Avoid crossing your arms in front of your chest as this is seen as defensive. Gesture naturally with your hands and arms, but don't overdo it or it will look like you are compensating for a lack of confidence.

Shine with a smile:

Smile when you are speaking — smiling makes people feel comfortable and it helps to make a good impression.

Walk around the stage – at a good pace:

Try to use the space on stage effectively by walking around while you are talking — this will help to keep the attention of the audience.

Use the full power of your voice:

Speak clearly and project your voice well — no one wants to have to strain in order to hear what you are saying!

Ask questions – take charge:

Confidently take charge of Q&A sessions. Timing and stage presence are important in public speaking. Taking charge of the Q&A portion can make you and your presentation seem more believable as you have immediately shown how assured you are in taking questions. Making eye contact at every point in the room and keeping hand gestures to a minimum will help you remain calm, reassured, and comfortable. This will encourage engagement with your audience.

Takeaway: With so many factors beyond your control - weather, tech problems, etc. -- it is imperative you take control of what you can with a commanding stage presence to produce a stellar public presentation.