Usually this isn’t even a question for most presenters, because the organisers have already set up the room when you arrive. Our speaking spot has been designated for us. But have we been designated a spot by experts in public speaking or by the venue crew who usually just haul chairs, lug tables around and set up the stage? Sadly the coalescence between expertise in public speaking and membership of the logistics team is rare.
So where should we stand? This will depend on the venue size, the illumination of the room, the size of the audience, the layout of the stage, where the screens are located and what you want to achieve.
If we are using a screen, then is it hoisted high above us, are there two giant screens on the left and right or is it at our height in the center of the stage? In smaller venues, the screen is normally at our height and usually set up such that the podium is on the audience right of the stage. No particular thought has gone into this location and the choice is purely random, often linked more closely to power outlets and cabling considerations, than the speaker’s effectiveness.
Stand on the audience left of the screen, so that the audience can read your facial expression and body language and then move their eyes right to read text or images on the screen. We read left to right, so this is a natural progression. We always want the screen to be subordinate to us. So set the proceedings up such that they have to look at you first, rather than at the slides on the screen. Our face is a trillion times more powerful as a communication tool, than anything that is on that screen.
If there are giant screens above, then the chances are the venue is pretty large and the stage will be quite wide. Rather than being stuck in one place, work the stage area. I don’t mean nervous, fidgety, random pacing across the stage as I have seen done by many amateur presenters. I mean move right to the very apron of the stage and to the extremes of left and right to engage with all of your audience.
Start in the middle of a large stage, as close as you can get to your audience. Remember, that to those seated at the back or up on the first, second or third tiers of seating, you are the size of a peanut. Yes, they have the giant screens but try to bring your physical presence as close to your audience as you can, to create a closer connection.
Move slowly to the extreme left and then stop. Now we can engage everyone on this side of the room. After a few minutes move slowly back to the center and stop. Now move slowly across to the extreme right and stop. Then slowly back to the center, by which time it will be getting very close to your peroration.
To be an effective speaker, we need to include consideration of the best logistics needed to support our efforts. Don’t rely on the clueless to prepare the venue properly, instead have a clue ourselves and always be in command of our environment.
