I was told early on by my acting teachers that you need to "Own the Stage".   The same is true for speaking.  You want to feel that you belong, are comfortable and at home there, so you can make your audience feel comfortable too.  

My favourite way of doing that: going to the venue in advance, and making the room my friend. I walk around, recite poetry,  do a vocal warm-up, look over the room and find the powerpoints, location of the clock.  I sit in a seat and look at the speaking area from the perspective of an audience member. 

Yes, the acoustic will be different when filled with people.  I get to know the space, before I own the space.

Sometimes I do all this the day before (and have entirely changed my speech as a result).


Today on the Help for Speakers Q and A @ 1 we'll talk about stage-craft, increasing confidence, or any other speaking or marketing related area you'd like to discuss.  Join me by ringing 0800 449 288, and entering the guest code 54052101#.

For more speaker tips and ideas visit www.HelpforSpeakers.com. 

To talk to Rachel about coaching, speech-development or training ring +64 3 355 6269, e-mail rachel@HelpforSpeakers.com.

Join the Help for Speakers weekly Q and A session every Wednesday from 1.00-1.30pm NZT (that's 11.00-11.30 Australian EST).   Ring in if you have a question, need inspiration or ideas for an upcoming presentation, or want to talk about speaking as a way to get business.   Ring your local toll-free number, then enter Guest Access Code 54052101#

New Zealand, Wednesday 1pm NZT = 0800 449 288
Australia, Wednesday 11am EST, 9am WST = 1800 036 0901
USA/Canada Tuesday 6pm PDT, 9pm EDT = 1866 814 5210
Singapore Wednesday 9am SGT = 8006 163 130
UK Tuesday 2am GMT (if you can't sleep!) = 0808 2341675