Last week I travelled to New York City to speak to NSA New York City. As I often do when my schedule permits, I added a few extra days to enjoy—and study—what New York has to offer.
For me, going to the theatre is not simply entertainment. It is continuing education.
I saw Billy Crystal’s 860, The Rocky Horror Show with Rosie O’Donnell, Gatsby, Maybe Happy Ending, and the new production of A Few Good Men.
Five very different theatrical experiences. Yet each reminded me of principles that every executive, professional speaker, and business presenter can learn from great theatre.
Your Stage Is Part of Your Message
A great performer does not simply stand on a stage and deliver words.
Every movement can reinforce the message. Where performers stand, when they move, when they step closer to the audience, and when they stay perfectly still all shape the experience.
Business presenters often move without purpose—or remain trapped behind a lectern.
Before your next presentation, ask yourself: How can I use the physical space to help communicate my message?
Emotion Makes the Message Memorable
Facts are important. Logic is essential. Yet audiences remember what they feel.
Theatre demonstrates this brilliantly.
Whether the moment creates laughter, tension, surprise, anticipation, or reflection, accomplished performers understand how to build an emotional connection before moving to the next moment.
Executives need the same skill.
When presenting a strategy, announcing change, launching an initiative, or asking a team to embrace a new direction, information alone rarely inspires action.
Your audience needs to understand: Why does this matter to me?
Steve Spangler is fired up over the ideas in Deliver Unforgettable Presentations
The Pause Is Part of the Performance
One of the most valuable lessons we can learn from accomplished performers is that silence is not empty.
A pause gives the audience time to absorb an idea. It can create anticipation. It can add emphasis without adding another word.
Too many business presenters are uncomfortable with silence. They rush from one idea to another.
Confidence is demonstrated not only by what you say, but by your willingness to give an important idea room to land.
Create an Experience, Not Just a Presentation
This may be the greatest lesson of all.
The audience did not come simply to hear the actors recite a script. They came for an experience and to feel a variety of emotions.
Your business audience deserves the same consideration.
They may forget some of your words. They may not remember every slide or statistic. They will remember whether you captured their attention, made your message relevant, and gave them a reason to care.
In Deliver Unforgettable Presentations, our goal isn’t simply to deliver information. It is to make our message memorable.
The actors have a script.
You have a message.
They have a stage.
So do you.
The question is: What experience are you creating for your audience?
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