Most public speakers are excellent communicators. The difference between a perfect public speaker is stage presence. They win the audience's heart with their words and command the stage with charisma. A mistake most people make when training for public speaking is focusing on verbal communication. Content is the king, and your story matters.

However, how you deliver your speech and conduct yourself also makes a difference. Your body language reflects your confidence, knowledge, and experience. Whether on stage or working in a room full of people, your command decides if the listeners wish to hear you and their response. Following are tips to create a strong stage presence before your following speech:

Make an entry

Your entry decides the audience's perception of you. Hence, ensure it is the correct perception. Reach the venue early and know where to enter the stage from. It could be front, backstage, or sideways. 

Pick your spot

Once you have entered the stage, decide from where you will deliver the speech. Check with the organizers if they have chosen a spot. For instance, TED talk speakers have a red carpet as their spot. The center spot is ideal for speech delivery. However, you can stand sideways if you have a presentation or a video to show during public speaking. Generally, a speech structure starts with an introduction, middle content, and conclusion.

The middle space holds maximum weightage. Standing in front of the audience is ideal. This way, the audience gets a better view and feels your emotions well. Avoid standing at the far end of the stage.

Keep walking

Even though you have picked a spot, you should not stand there throughout the speech. Always try to have a move around. Lack of movement or gesture can be monotonous, and the audience may lose interest. Use the stage space to your benefit. Keep walking to keep the audience's attention alive and engage with them. But remember not to indulge in excessive movement as it can be distracting.

Flow with the content

When making a movement or any gesture, remember that it should flow with your speech. The gestures should be natural and not out of place. Ensure your content does not speak one thing while your actions convey the opposite. Be mindful of your conduct on stage. A communication skills training program lets you master the art of public speaking and have a strong command on stage. By enrolling for the training program, you can learn from specialized experts and have hands-on practical training.