Stage Time: On Purpose...

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Stage Time . . . On Purpose!

by Darren LaCroix
2001 World Champion of Public Speaking

What is stage time? For those readers new to my newsletter let's take a moment to explain what stage time means to me. My comedy mentors put it this way: How can you be funny in front of an audience unless you are comfortable in front of an audience? Yes—it's that simple. Stage time is the essential element for bettering your performance. And it's the same in the presentation world: how can you be EFFECTIVE, unless you are comfortable in front of an audience?

We've all heard how painful giving a presentation can be. So most people avoid it, until their boss forces them to do it! But the truth is it won't stay that way with stage time. Because every time you go up on stage you will grow. Say no to stage time and you say no to growth and confidence.

Another important point is that it is not how you do on stage today, it's if you go on stage today. Seems logical enough, right? So why don't more people do that? Simply put: FEAR.

When I worked at Bose Corporation a newsletter came across my desk about this group called Toastmasters. I was intrigued so I went and checked it out. Immediately I noticed a difference between the Toastmaster's audience and the comedy clubs. The people at Toastmasters were warm, encouraging, and sober! Plus, comedy clubs are only opened at night. I immediately joined four clubs. I wanted to quadruple my failure rate! Now I could go on stage twice in one day and get better faster.

Some people compare my mantra "stage time, stage time, stage time" to "practice, practice, practice." Well, it is close, but not exact. Do you think you present differently when people are watching you? I do. Stage time means being in front of an audience, even if it is only one person. If you are alone or in front of the mirror, you are only memorizing, practicing. Not a bad thing, but still not stage time. I know my presentation got better when I practiced in front of my speaking coach. I had eyes to connect to. Your eyes in the mirror don't count.

What about the corporate presenter? Account executives I coach greatly improve their presentation by giving it to one of their peers. This is tough to do, but it is most helpful because they know what you are up against. Just the act of going through a live presentation (as opposed to doing it at your desk) helps you find many mistakes you would not have otherwise. Now their sales manager requires it.

Practicing in front of colleagues or with a coach is what I mean by stage time on purpose.

Do you want to be good or great? Do you want to give a presentation or WOW the audience? Ever listen to a speaker who has some fancy letters after his name, yet who bored you to tears? Ever wonder if they could sit through a recording of their own presentation?

Here is the problem. Many are doing the presentation for a "check mark" in the book, rather than to actually impact the audience and improve their skill. They think they are good enough, (and they have the letters after their name to prove it!).

I was that person once. It wasn't until I saw how my mentors continually work to improve that I realized the true pros are never done learning.

Your stage time should be "on purpose" in order to be better and learn how to impact the audience even more next time. It is how you discover what works, and what does not.

For those who give corporate presentations I highly recommend a debriefing. After your presentation get together with your peers and get an honest evaluation. Focus on what was great (that you do not change) and what needs to be enhanced. This will be time well spent.

So remember, don't go for the check mark, or just be glad that presentation is over. Improve yourself, and your audience. Go for stage time... on purpose.

Stage time, Stage time, Stage time,

Darren LaCroix

Darren LaCroix
2001 World Champion of Public Speaking

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