To sit or stand during a presentation is the question. If you ever had any doubts about that, you should have been with me recently when I was coaching a tech pro on his skills. Sitting down he was a disaster. Standing up, he became an entirely different person! Here are 5 reasons why it is better to stand for a presentation than sit—even if you are presenting to only one or two people.
Client Connection Improves
When you sit and present from a computer, you tend to bury yourself in your computer. When you stand and present content from a large screen, you tend to look at your audience more, so that they feel you care about them.
If at some point you want to have a discussion with your listener(s), just sit down and the focus will shift from the screen to them. When the discussion winds down, stand and continue your presentation.
Energy Improves
As my client said, “Standing, I felt like I had more energy.” When you sit at your computer, whatever energy you have tends to direct itself inward and, frankly, settle in your butt. Your hands rarely move except to switch slides or to move a mouse around. So, what your listener gets is a disembodied voice coming from behind a screen. When you stand, you gesture naturally and your voice tends to become less monotone and more varied, all of which makes you a more interesting presenter.
Personal Credibility and Authority Improve
Because your eye contact is better, your physical delivery skills are better and your energy is higher, you tend to increase in “gravitas” as well. You look and sound more authoritative and more trustworthy as well.
Confidence Improves
It seems counter intuitive, but, because of the above, listeners pay attention and respond with positive body language- a sure signal that you are succeeding. Watch your confidence soar!
Business Gets Done More Quickly
Strong delivery skills alone will not seal your deal, but strong delivery skills and professional presence will strengthen your message and are a good formula for success.
So, when there is a choice: stand to present.
Anne Miller
Words Matter – Make What You Say Pay!
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