Tool No 32: Stations
HOW? Before you start speaking, set up stations around the room. Move between them and address your audience from different spots in the room. This will help bring your talk to life. It is a good idea to have host, expert and facilitator stations.
Many people have the habit of walking around while talking. Sometimes it’s a good way to shake off nerves and physical discomfort. But your body generates an incredible amount of “noise” if you walk and talk.
It is much more convincing to stand still when speaking. Use walking more strategically by setting up stations from which to speak. When chairing a meeting, it’s a good idea to create a host station on the centre axis – from here, you welcome people, give a general introduction, and so on.
On the diagonal axis, create an expert station – this is where you present, analyse, put forward arguments and provide insights. The diagonal axis enables you to refer to slides or flip charts in the centre of the room without turning your whole body.
Last but not least, set up a facilitator station along the side of the table – from here, you can mirror the participants’ line of sight and invite others to provide input.
