Sit or stand?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified)
in
Career Management

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.

Submitted by Rich Ruh on Wednesday June 9th, 2010 11:58 am

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.

Submitted by Alan Feirer on Monday September 13th, 2010 11:50 am

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