Displaying items by tag: public speaker tips

Your body is part of your message. Whether you’re standing on a stage or presenting in a meeting room, how you move and hold yourself has a huge impact on how your audience sees you.

A strong physical presence starts with having a central place. This is your home position. It’s where you deliver your core points and where you naturally return to between moments. Standing grounded in one place communicates clarity and confidence. You don’t need to pace. You don’t need to fill the space. Stillness can be powerful.

That said, movement can help if it’s intentional. You might walk to one side of the stage to make a new point or to involve a different part of the audience. You might move to the other side for contrast or to tell a story. Keep it to two or three main locations. Movement should add energy, not create distraction.

If there’s a podium, don’t feel trapped behind it. Consider standing just beside it instead. This small shift can help break down barriers and add warmth to your delivery. The podium can sometimes act as a shield. Stepping out from behind it makes you feel more present and more human.

What you want to avoid is drifting. That means wandering around without purpose or fidgeting on the spot. It breaks focus and dilutes your message. Practice using your body to support what you’re saying, not take attention away from it.

For more ways to feel confident in your body and voice, explore our full public speaking course at https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training