3 Do's and Don'ts for impactful use of body language on stage:
My reflections MCing a corporate event of 150 work peers. (Part 1) 1) Standing straight and tall: Do's- Your physiology impacts profusely on the energy you transmit on stage. Standing tall and with your chin up is the easiest way to feel in control and active. Don't- However don't always stand too firm and rigid, having movement in your body brings variety to your overall stage presence. Variety keeps things interesting. Every now and then move around with your body with whatever feels comfortable to you to start off with. ------- 2) Use of microphone: Do: ask the production/event team if they have a lapel microphone so you can talk with both your hands freely, most efficient when you also have notes. Next best option is to get a handheld microphone (the talking stick), ideally hold it in just one hand and make sure you switch hands. Use the free hand to animate and gesture. Don'ts: don't move your handheld microphone 🎤 away from your mouth when talking, a mistake I used to make was to use gesture with the hand holding the mic and if I move my hand away, the voice will fade. So be mindful that your are audible at all times. --------- 3) Having enthusiasm: Do's: just hear me out, If you are not passionate and enthusiastic about your content, why will the audience be? It's critical to have a sense of sincerity, passion and enthusiasm about your words. People have taken out time to hear you, don't waste their time. We need to get excited and filled with energy to convey our message the best way authentically possible. Enthusiasm is contagious So, get excited about your mission, cause, pitch, speech, presentation and most importantly the impact you want to create. Don't- don't tell yourself you are nervous. You can reframe the stage fright to stage excitement by simply saying "I'm excited to have this opportunity" "I can't wait to go on the stage and talk about ____" Being on a stage is a gift and when we become grateful to receive a moment to have people listening to us, we better make sure to speak enthusiastically.