Mastering the Art of Presence: How to Own the Stage and Command Attention
Overcoming the Mental Barriers to Owning the Stage
I’ve always been a strong speaker, but that didn’t mean I was immune to self-doubt before stepping on stage. There were times when insecurity crept in, and I found myself questioning my ability.
Would I serve my audience well?
Did I have enough expertise?
Could I truly help the people I was speaking to?
One moment that stands out was the first live workshop my husband and I hosted for our YouTube audience. Even though I knew the content inside and out, I still questioned myself. Who was I to be teaching this? The fear wasn’t about my skill—it was about my own perception of my expertise.
But the moment I stepped into the session, everything changed. As I spoke, engaged with the audience, and saw their responses, I realized that the fear I had felt before was completely invalid. I was already enough, and my presence, when fully embraced, had the power to serve and transform others. That realization was a game-changer.
Owning the stage isn’t just about confidence—it’s about trusting yourself, showing up fully, and embracing your presence as something valuable.
What Stage Presence Really Means (And Why It Matters)
People often assume that stage presence is about being the loudest person in the room—but that’s a misconception. True stage presence is a combination of verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to connect with an audience, and the skill of adapting to the energy of the room.
💡 The key to commanding attention isn’t just about how you speak—it’s about how you make people feel.
Speakers who fade into the background often lack emotional intelligence in their delivery. They aren’t tuned in to how their audience is responding, so they fail to adjust accordingly. Great speakers, on the other hand, read the room in real-time and know how to keep engagement levels high.
If you want to own the stage, you must:
✅ Be aware of your audience’s energy.
✅ Be intentional with how you show up.
✅ Be adaptive to the moment, rather than just reciting rehearsed words.
The 3 Key Elements of Stage Presence
What makes certain speakers magnetic while others struggle to hold attention? It all comes down to three key traits:
1️⃣ Storytelling Ability
Great speakers know how to tell powerful, memorable stories that connect emotionally with their audience.
How to Develop It: Study the art of storytelling, practice sharing personal moments, and focus on creating an emotional connection rather than listing events.
2️⃣ Authenticity
People are drawn to speakers who are real, relatable, and vulnerable.
How to Develop It: Lean into your unique voice and style. The more comfortable you become with yourself, the more trust you build with your audience.
3️⃣ Confidence
Confidence isn’t about never feeling nervous—it’s about trusting yourself despite the nerves.
How to Develop It: Confidence comes with consistent practice. The more you step into speaking opportunities, the more natural and powerful you’ll become.
Practical Techniques to Instantly Improve Stage Presence
If you want to command a room and own the stage, here are three techniques you can start using today:
1️⃣ Show Up with Energy & Charisma
Bring enthusiasm and passion to your speaking.
Find a delivery style that feels authentic to you—whether that’s high-energy, deep and thoughtful, or humor-driven.
2️⃣ Embody Your Content
Know your material inside and out so that your presence feels natural and effortless.
When you deeply believe in your message, your audience will too.
3️⃣ Use Nonverbal Communication Intentionally
Body language matters. If you look closed off, hesitant, or stiff, your audience will mirror that energy.
Engage with your audience—make eye contact, use open gestures, and take up space with confidence.
One Simple Trick to Make Your Speaking More Engaging
💡 Call Someone Out By Name or Ask the Audience a Question
If you’re in a virtual setting, encourage people to raise their hands or respond in the chat.
If people are wearing name tags, address someone directly by name—this instantly makes the talk feel personal and engaging.
How to Loosen Up if You Feel Stiff on Stage
If you feel awkward or stiff, the fastest way to loosen up is to move.
🔥 Before speaking: Walk around, stretch, or do deep breathing exercises to relax your body. 🔥 While speaking: Use natural movement—don’t stay locked in one spot, (but also avoid pacing nervously.)
Movement helps reset your energy and grounds you in the present moment.
Final Thoughts: Your Presence is Powerful
If you feel like you don’t have a strong presence, I want you to remember this:
💛 It’s okay to take up space. You belong in the room.
💛 Your presence is powerful. The way you show up matters.
💛 Your audience needs your message. They are waiting for what you have to say.
💡 A small action step to take today? 👉 Practice speaking in the mirror. Observe yourself, adjust your posture, and get comfortable with how you naturally show up.
💡 Want to develop an unshakable stage presence? Download my free guide, The Confidence Boost Formula, and start stepping into your full power as a speaker today!
🎤 You already have what it takes—now, own the stage.
