Summer is here (regardless of whether the weather agrees!), and for those of us who live in Edinburgh, summer means a plethora of festivals are on their way! Some of the events we have to look forward to include Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick.
But in addition to offering a smorgasbord of entertainment, these performances offer a wealth of suggestions for anyone who has to face an audience of any sort.
Inspired by some of the shows I've seen over many years, here are 3 Simple Rules of the Stage for Presenters:
❤️ It’s all about the audience
This might seem obvious but sometimes performers and speakers appear to forget that the whole reason they are in front of an audience, whether large or small, is because people are there to watch and listen to them.
Therefore, it is important that you keep the audience in the forefront of your mind at all times to ensure that they can hear and see you properly, and that you are serving them in the best possible way.
❤️ You are in command
When you are on stage, you are in control so make sure to take control and own the stage (without being diva-ish!)
Arrive early, familiarise yourself with the environment and the equipment, know the stage, check the sight lines, do a sound check and make sure everything is as you require before you begin. Oh, and always make friends with the tech crew.
❤️ Find your light
Professional stage performers will be very familiar with the term ‘find your light.’ When you are on a stage there will be certain areas that are well lit and other areas that may cast shadows across your face. To ensure your audience can see you, especially your facial expressions which are a crucial part of your communication, it is important to stand where you can feel the light on your face and in your eyes.
If you have an opportunity to watch speakers on the stage before you, take note of where they are standing when they are in the best light and areas to avoid.
In future posts I'll share more 'rules'; if you can't wait, I'll pop a link in the comments below to a blogpost I wrote with all 7 'rules' and a story about a jazz show I saw that inspired the post.
Our mouths are watering just thinking about these! Sounds SO refreshing and perfect for summer nights 😋