Episode #30: Where Should I Stand When I Am Presenting

What’s the real risk of “just standing wherever they put the podium”?

Most presenters assume the organizers have chosen the best speaking position. But in many venues, the “designated spot” is decided by stage crew focused on logistics—power outlets, cabling, and furniture—not by experts in presentation effectiveness. The result? Speakers end up stuck in places that weaken connection, visibility, and audience attention.

Mini-summary: Your speaking spot is often set for convenience, not impact—so you need to choose it strategically.

Your ideal position depends on several factors:

• Venue size and how far the audience sits from the stage

• Lighting/illumination (so your face is clearly visible)

• Audience size and layout (centered, wide, narrow, tiered)

• Stage design and flow (open stage vs. podium-fixed setup)

• Screen placement (height, angle, left/right/center positioning)

• Your goal (inform, persuade, energize, or disrupt routine for attention)

A great speaker treats positioning as part of the message. Even a small move can shift energy and authority in the room.

Mini-summary: Your stage position is a tool—choose it based on visibility, layout, and the outcome you want.

Can changing your speaking spot actually boost attention?

Yes. Audiences carry “stage expectations”—they assume the speaker will appear in the usual place. Breaking that pattern can instantly reset attention.

For example, one speaker began his talk from behind the audience, using a lapel microphone. Because the acoustics gave no directional clue, the audience felt a moment of surprise and curiosity, scanning for the voice. When he then walked calmly to the stage and continued, he had already won attention—without saying a word of substance yet.

Mini-summary: A deliberate shift from the “expected” spot can cut through distractions and command focus fast.

First, identify where the screen is:

• High above the stage

• Split into two large side screens

• Center stage at eye level (common in smaller venues)

In many rooms, the podium is randomly placed on audience right, simply because cables reach there. That position may be convenient, but not necessarily effective.

Best practice:

• Stand on the audience left of the screen.
  Why? The audience naturally reads left-to-right. If you stand on audience left, they can:

1. Look at you first—your face and body language

2. Then shift right to the slide content

This keeps the screen subordinate to you, not the other way around.

Mini-summary: Stand audience-left of the screen so people engage with you first, then your slides.

Why must the audience look at you before they look at the slides?

Because your face is the strongest communication channel in the room—far more powerful than any text or image. Slides help reinforce meaning, but they are never the main event. If the screen dominates attention, your influence drops.

To lead effectively, set the environment so the audience’s first instinct is:
speaker → meaning → slide support
not
slide → reading → speaker as background

Mini-summary: Slides are support; your presence drives trust, emotion, and persuasion.

• Don’t assume the “assigned spot” is the best spot—venue logistics usually decide it.

• Choose your standing position based on visibility, layout, lighting, and your objective.

• Strategic movement or unexpected positioning can instantly sharpen attention.

• When using slides, stand on audience-left so the audience sees you first.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and companies worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, has been empowering both Japanese and multinational corporate clients ever since.