Communication begins the moment you enter a room and
before you open your mouth. How you walk into a room or on to the stage sets the tone for your
presentation. Do you convey confidence? Or do you look down at the floor with stooped posture?
Do you grimace or roll your eyes when you walk off?
Practice this activity, called "walk-on/walk-off," with a small group:
- Get up from your seat and approach the front of the room.
- Breathe.
- Look out at the audience. Connect with two or three people through the eyes. Hold the connection for a moment or two.
- Say, "Good morning." Pause and wait for people to respond. "My name is …"
- The group will then clap. Stay there and receive the applause.
- Walk confidently to your seat. (If you roll your eyes, you must start all over again.)
That's how you create presence on the platform.
For more information, read chapter 2, Sizzle
or Steak, Knockout
Presentations.
