Audiences like their presenters to "be in charge". They prefer it if the presenter is authoritative, without being too "head teacher" in style. The reason for this is it makes the audience more comfortable. Audience members feel anxious if the presenter is unsure of themselves.

So how can you come across with authority, without sounding like a school teacher? Firstly it's about where you stand. People who are in authority tend to stand in the middle of the group they are addressing so they are relatively equidistant from each member of the audience. They also stand still when they are making important points. So, when you have something important to say stand right at the front of your "stage" area, in the middle and still.

People in authority also make plenty of eye contact with their audiences and use "iconic" gestures - hand movements which provide images for the audience.

The stance you take is also important - head up, looking forwards, no stooping. Shoulders straight, chest "puffed out" are all signals of authority and you need to be standing upright if you are to be seen as authoritative by your audience.

There is one "trick" you can play, though. When you reveal some personal vulnerability it appears that the audience will accept your authoritative position even more. Including some personal references in your presentation, admitting to errors or mistakes on your own behalf for instance, can increase your authority position within the audience. The body language cues you provide help, but the audience only accepts authority if you also come across as "human".

Labels: performance

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