Dear Friend,
“Where is she?”
“I can’t see her!”
“This is uncomfortable.”
Hundreds of heads turn toward the empty stage, tired of cranking their necks looking for the speaker.
Some speakers think it’s a good idea, even “cool,” to remove themselves from the stage, and get “down with the audience?” Some legitimately believe it’s a technique that enhances the experience. It seldom does unless it’s carefully choreographed and also shared on big screens, although that still loses some of the connection. Most of the time, it feels as if they think they’re doing us a favor; as if they need to prove they’re one of us; as if this will help them connect with us. You aren’t doing us a favor, we already know you are one of us, not better than; and this behavior does the opposite of connecting us to you.
The earliest known permanent and recognizable theatrical stages were created, according to the Encyclopedia Brittanica (which I was thrilled to learn is still online!), around 2000 BC on the island of Crete. The ancient, rectangular, open air stone spaces were used for performances long before the well-known, large-scale stone amphitheaters that were constructed around 500 BC in Athens.
Why have they lasted so long? Because they help the audience achieve the intended result: to be able to fully witness the performance/presentation and connect with the speaker.
There are other benefits. Being on a stage helps:
Establish yourself as the leader
Stand in your power so you can deliver a calm, confident, compelling presentation
It also:
Establishes credibility
Allows for vulnerability which connects you deeply with others
Gives the audience a focus point
Allows you to move on purpose; to move strategically on the stage
When you go into the audience with your presentation it:
Is distracting
Doesn’t feel like you’re being transparent
Is hard to pay attention or fully listen
Becomes more about you than the audience.
There are exceptions. If you are the Emcee and need to work the crowd with the mic for audience questions or comments, or if you’re the auctioneer and need to get close and personal to negotiate bids, it’s expected and acceptable for you to leave the stage.
If you’re the one coordinating the event, make sure you ask the speakers to stay on the stage unless there is a specific exercise that brings them down into the crowd. It’s your responsibility to ensure the audience enjoys the best possible experience.
It’s an honor when you’re given the opportunity to speak, so stand in your power on stage, project your voice, let your energy flow from you to each audience member, look to all while you speak as if you’re speaking one-on-one, engage the group with your stories, and authentically share your wisdom on the subject. Don’t make the audience work to follow you; keep them transfixed!
As Julianne Moore reminds us, “The audience doesn’t come to see you; they come to see themselves through you.” They can only do that if they can see you so make sure it’s effortless for them to look in that magical mirror.
With gratitude,
Amy