This One Mistake Will Sabotage Your Talk

Moving Done Right

Pacing is a crucial aspect of presenting that can either enhance or detract from the overall effectiveness of your talk. In the following video from Michael Mogill, we see an example of a speaker who was pacing too much on stage, strolling from left to right, and constantly moving around.

(original source: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMFpXJXVK/)

While the speech itself is not necessarily bad, with a good speed, use of impersonations, and changes in rhythm, the constant pacing weakens the impact of the talk.

On video, this pacing is even more distracting as the camera has to pan to follow the speaker, causing the background to fly behind them and giving the impression of restlessness.

Additionally, when the speaker has their hand in their pocket and is looking at the stage rather than the audience, they are not making a connection with their listeners and soon we may lose interest in what they have to say.

When & How to cross the stage

It's important to remember that movement on stage can be a powerful tool when used intentionally. For example, transitioning from one side of the stage to the other can emphasize a change in your discourse or signal a transition in your presentation.

You can use movement on stage to switch from your 1st to 2nd argument or from the analysis part of your presentation to the recommendation part, for instance. Or before introducing the main takeaway.

However, it's crucial to be mindful of how much movement you are using and not let it become a crutch or distraction.

Overall, everything you do on stage should be intentional and deliberately linked to the points you want to make. Don't let nervousness or lack of clarity lead to excessive pacing or other distracting behaviors. Use movement on stage as a weapon, but do so with purpose and intention.