Constant Pacing is a Distraction for the Audience.
Pacing is a Distraction for the Audience. In this video we see Tony Robbins, a successful Speaker, Pacing energetically. While speaking at this TED event He illustrates 2 behaviors Speakers should train to avoid. You may also energetically Pace and not be fully aware of the effect it can have on your Audience. Let’s look into this further…
At about 6 minutes into his Presentation he quickly…
begins pacing back-n-forth across the stage. And he continues pacing until the very end of his Presentation. Now, Stage Movement can be a very positive part of your Performance. It serves you by keeping Audience Attention on you and your Message. That’s the result you want. On the other hand, constant Pacing is a Distraction. It can become a bit tiresome to watch. It can actually disengage some in the audience from your Message. Obviously that’s not the result you’re looking for. So, maybe as an established, dynamic Global Speaker like Tony Robbins, his Pacing doesn’t matter. And in fact it seems to be part of his Stage Persona. But then again, if You know that you’re constantly Pacing ask yourself: if Pacing is a Distraction for the Audience, Why am I doing it? Is it the result of stress or lack of Confidence? Or is it in fact a part of my on-stage persona by design? Answer that then Let’s move on…
Well, later in the video, at about 14 minutes into his Presentation, he begins touching or stroking his Nose. Actually, “nose touching” is quite common among Speakers. Were you aware of that? If not, You will notice it now. Nose touching or Stroking is typically a Habit that goes unnoticed by the Speaker. I see it as a physical manifestation of “umm” & “ahhh”. It’s a temporary filler for Silence or Thinking time. Unfortunately, some of the audience will see it as an unhealthy Habit. In fact touching your Nose is frowned on in some cultures. If you do this, simply be aware of it and make the conscious decision not to continue… and it’s a good decision.
Stage Movement is good. It adds variety to your Performance. It keeps the Audience focused on you & your Message. Unless you’re delivering your Speech from a lectern and can’t move around, move around…it’s OK! Stage Movement by design is a learnable Speakers Skill, just as Nose Touching is an avoidable Habit. So to wrap this up…
Walk, don’t Pace rapidly back & forth across the Stage
&
Don’t touch your Nose when Speaking
note: this analysis is a Teaching point,
not a negative comment on Tony Robbins,
an impressive Speaker whose Presentations
positively influence many people Worldwide.
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