Take Command of the Stage

There are some intangible aspects of performing that can help to make or break a career; stage presence is one of these factors. There are some people who are completely at home on a stage, who are comfortable under the lights and who are able to move easily and naturally. And then there are those that appear that the space has swallowed them up and look small and lost when the spotlight is on. The latter group is suffering from a lack of stage presence, and no matter how beautiful their voice may be, or how well they can read a scene, if they can’t overcome this problem, it is certain to hold them back.

There are people who naturally have stage presence, but it is a skill that can be learned to some extent. Generally a stage presence is heightened by confidence, and the best way to improve a performer’s confidence is to practice. A lot. The fact is, the more that you are on stage and in front of an audience, the more at home you will feel with the situation. As the process of performing becomes second nature to you, the stage itself will feel more like home. The audience will also sense that you are at ease, and thus your stage presence will be improved.

You can also work on your stage presence by being aware of the inner monologue you have in your head. If you are telling yourself how nervous you are, how you aren’t sure of the lyrics or the lines, that you aren’t sure if the show is a success, all these things will be transmitted in your body language, and your stage presence will be decreased. Be focused on your material, stay positive and confident and continue to put yourself in the spotlight, and your stage presence will grow.