Whenever Possible, Always Try to Present or Speak Standing Up
Standing is a more powerful position than seated. It’s much easier and more certain to project a powerful, authoritative presence while standing. Beware…
Chairs present unexpected surprises!
You never know exactly how high your seat will place you in relation to the table or to other people in the room.
You cannot always be sure exactly how to balance your body successfully upright in order to speak or project yourself well.
Even in familiar rooms, it is easy to sit down and suddenly find yourself much lower or higher than you expected.
Standing Is Usually Far More Certain and Secure Because Standing Is Always the Same
You can practice standing and then be able to speak or present in the same posture as your practice.
Early in my career, I was ushered into a senior banker’s office for an interview. My host sat down on a high, elegant wing chair and gestured toward a couch where I was to sit. No one had warned me about his trick couch! It looked low and as I sat down I sunk even lower. My eyes were on the same level as his belt buckle! Not a powerful or a comfortable place to be.
I sprung up and said, “Excuse me, I think I’d rather speak with you standing!” Before he could answer I began my pitch about why I was THE BEST candidate for the job. My head was at a higher level than his. I will never know if it was my pitch or my decision to stand, but I was offered the job.
Stand whenever you can and begin your conversation. If it is definitely a seated meeting, sit on the front edge of your chair with both your feet flat on the floor even if your host slouches in their seat. Balance your body regally upright, Beam and Breathe™, smile, speak with confidence and authority.
If you are not comfortable, simply reposition yourself without comment.
Copyright 2007, Michele Moore. All Rights Reserved. Email us for reprint permission. See MagneticVoice.com for program information. Comment below.
