Many speakers pace back and forth on stage. Other speakers stand completely still.
The question I receive quite a bit is, “Why and when should we move on stage?”
Watch the following video and find two of the most important reasons to move on stage and when you should act on them.
Your Turn
In addition to the Action and the Timeline, what are some other reasons you move on stage?
Hello Craig,
I move when I’m on stage in order to keep the audience’s attention. Keep them looking around because I’m moving around.
Hi Nigel,
I’ve heard of that advice before. Keep this in mind. I look at it this way. It’s like highlighting passages in a book. If everything is highlighted, then nothing stands out anymore. It’s the same with movements. If you’re always moving, then your meaningful movements won’t stand out. The constant movement will distract from your message and tire out the audience.
Craig,
Your points about movement are good… let me suggest two more.
As a theater guy and speaker (I was in my first play at age 6 and went on to direct many productions over my years at Tufts, Wharton Grad, and The Players Club of Swarthmore… plus others around the country), I’ve had the advantage of performing, directing, and watching all the videos I’ve created over the years (for myself and many clients).
Here are my additional two thoughts:
1. Walk TO your idea. If you see your mother in the stage left area, walk TO her as you speak about her. That is similar to your first point, but not the same. AND… always LOOK to where you’re walking. Walking across to the left of the stage, keep your gaze to your left and don’t look back until you stop. So many people walk left but look right, confusing the audience.
2. NEVER pace because the audience won’t stay with you… especially those of us who get motion sickness in a car or plane – you’ll make us dizzy and we won’t pay attention. At least don’t talk if you have a good reason to pace so that peoples’ minds and eyes can focus clearly on you. If in doubt, stand still until there’s an important reason to move.
Also… remember that downstage center is the most important location on the stage and MOVING to downstage center is the most emphatic/powerful move. Walking back and forth across the stage to emphasize your story is fine but know where the important locations are.
Charlie Seymour Jr
CharlieTheMarketer.com
Great points Charlie! I get tired of watching people pace back and forth and sometimes I feel like I’m watching a tennis match. Thanks for adding value to the post.
Hi Craig,
I had a TedX Talk last year and practiced erryday! One note I got was that I should only move when I have a purpose instead of my walking around. Also it was confusing who was speaking at times, which character. I had dialog between child and adult and I would only say things as a child when I stood on the right and looked up, and I would only say things as an adult standing on the left looking down. It really helped me and the audience!
Hi Kemberly,
Congrats on the TedX talk. I definitely believe you should move with a purpose. This also helps your movements add to your message.