Sit or stand?
Submitted by SMcM on Wed, 06/09/2010 - 08:24.
Hi All,
BLUF - Should I stand or sit at this presentation?
I have to do a presentation to the Senior management team in my company. I was discussing this with my boss - one of the SMT - and he said that I should sit while doing it. I have very limited experience of presenting and he has loads. However, I feel I should stand while doing any presentation. It just seems right to me.
Obviously if he tells me I have to sit then I'll sit.
What do you think?
Thanks in advancew for your help.
Cheers,
Stuart.
Stand!
Standing definitely imparts more energy into your presentation.
I don't know your boss, but you might consider a conversation with your boss that goes like this:
"Boss, I know you suggested I sit, but I feel it would help me impart more energy into the presentation. I'd feel more comfortable, and that will help me give a successful presentation. Are you OK if I try this?"
Depending on the boss, this conversation may not be necessary, and you can just go ahead and do it.
I like Rich's thoughts. How
I like Rich's thoughts.
How many people will be in room, and what will the layout be?
If you're sitting around a round table with 6 people, standing might be too much.
If there are multiple tables, or it's a classroom-like setting, standing is probably essential.
You could do both. You could sit during more narrative parts of the presentation, and stand for data presentation. OR - vice versa. Such switching might improve engagement.
Alan Feirer
Group Dynamic
Site: www.groupdynamic.us
Blog: www.alanfeirer.com