Do you hate walking on stage when you’ve got to perform or present? You’re not alone. I’ve got a tip which I hope will be helpful to you.

Making an Entrance

When you’re backstage, you might already be doing some breath work to calm your nerves. But at the moment when they say “you’re on,” there’s a physical shift you need to make:

• Stance: If you’re not standing up already, stand up and roll your shoulders back and down.
• Movement: Walk in leading from the sternum—leading from your heart, if you like.
• Pace: Walk purposefully (and avoid perilous footwear!).

Power of the Smile

As you walk in and make first eye contact with the audience and others on stage, the most important thing you can do is smile. Here is why it works:

• It sends a message: A smile tells your audience that you are happy to be there, you are calm, you are in control, and you are confident — even if a part of you isn’t certain you actually are.
• It becomes your truth: As you start to live it, it becomes the truth. As you smile, your confidence will build.
• Welcoming the audience: Your smile is a way of welcoming your audience to your talk or presentation. It serves them too, putting them at ease, so they can settle and look forward to what they’re about to hear.
• The echo effect: You will get something back from the audience. As you smile at them, they will reciprocate that warmth.

That warmth will boost you up, lift your confidence, and help you to present at your best. 

Based in Leytonstone, London, UK, Julia Caddick is a dynamic voice and presentation coach with over 30 years of experience in music, theatre, and communication. She helps business leaders, teams, and individuals present themselves and their ideas with clarity, authenticity and impact — both in person and online.