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Submitted by SMcM on
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Hi All,

BLUF - Should I stand or sit at this presentation?

I have to do a presentation to the Senior management team in my company. I was discussing this with my boss - one of the SMT - and he said that I should sit while doing it. I have very limited experience of presenting and he has loads. However, I feel I should stand while doing any presentation. It just seems right to me.

Obviously if he tells me I have to sit then I'll sit.

 

What do you think?

Thanks in advancew for your help.

Cheers,

 

Stuart.

RichRuh's picture
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Standing definitely imparts more energy into your presentation.

I don't know your boss, but you might consider a conversation with your boss that goes like this:

"Boss, I know you suggested I sit, but I feel it would help me impart more energy into the presentation.  I'd feel more comfortable, and that will help me give a successful presentation.  Are you OK if I try this?"

Depending on the boss, this conversation may not be necessary, and you can just go ahead and do it.

groupdynamic's picture

I like Rich's thoughts.

How many people will be in room, and what will the layout be?

If you're sitting around a round table with 6 people, standing might be too much.

If there are multiple tables, or it's a classroom-like setting, standing is probably essential.

You could do both.  You could sit during more narrative parts of the presentation, and stand for data presentation.  OR - vice versa.  Such switching might improve engagement.

Alan Feirer

Group Dynamic

Site:  www.groupdynamic.us

Blog:  www.alanfeirer.com