Simon Hall writes...
I’ve been part of a recruitment exercise, which offered an important lesson for public speaking with real authority.
We had four candidates to interview, as part of which each had to deliver a five minute presentation on a set topic.
There were no slides allowed, it was just a straight talk.
Three of the candidates delivered their talks sitting down.
And although they were absolutely fine, with good content, flow, and analysis…
Something was missing.
The final candidate asked if we would mind them standing up.
When we said no problem, they did…
And from the start, their presentation felt far more authoritative.
It seemed to have more energy, more substance, more power.
Looking back on my notes, I’m not sure the final candidate was streets ahead of the others.
But they certainly appeared to be the best by some distance, and duly got the job.
What was it about standing up to speak which made such a difference?
Firstly, the voice projection was better.
Standing gets more air into your lungs, deepens your voice, and allows you to cast it far and wide.
Secondly, from looking either down on, or straight at the other candidates…
Suddenly, we on the appointment panel were looking up at the presenter.
It may well be psychological, but it seemed to give them more gravitas.
The final point I can’t be sure about, but I have a strong sense it’s true.
The last candidate appeared to grow in their personal confidence from standing up.
It was as though they took control of the room, rather than being at our behest.
All of which went for a much more powerful and effective presentation.
I’ve noticed this phenomenon myself.
Even if I’m teaching online, from home, I'll rise from the soft comfort of my armchair…
In favour of standing up in order to present.
And last week, I was part of a group of Cambridge business people talking to a cleantech delegation from Canada.
We were all sitting down, listening to the opening remarks, when the chair asked we Cambridge folk to introduce ourselves.
Some stayed sitting, but I stood up.
And I felt much more confident and in command for it.
It’s only a small detail, but it can make a big difference.
Whenever you have to speak publicly in any way, stand up.
It’s a simple win to add authority and impact.
