Should you walk around the stage during your presentation?

There's much debate about whether moving around on stage while giving a presentation helps or hinders communicating your message. Could it be that the movement keeps interested and engaged with the talk? Or is too much movement a distraction from the content being shared?

In this blog we'll look at what public speaking experts think on the matter.

What do the pros think about pacing?

Renowned speakers like Tony Robbins are super energetic on stage. Robbins walks around the platform as he shares his motivational talks which seems to support his message. It's a physical representation of just how excited he is to help people change their lives. So in this case, we think moving around while presenting can only be a positive!

But what do the experts think? There doesn't appear to be a consensus.

Here's Kimberly Weisul writing for Inc.com, inspired by Stanford University's Matt Abrahams:

Walk during transitions. Now, when do you traverse that big stage? During transitions. There is no need to go hiking from stage left to stage right as you’re trying to make an important point. It's distracting for everyone. You can, and should, walk during transitions. Otherwise, stand in one place and make your point.

And, in agreement, this is VMware's Oliver Roll writing for Entrepreneur.com:

Tame your happy feet. Don't wander around on stage. The more you walk around, the more your audience will follow you around rather than listening to what you have to say. For each of your messages, it's best to stand still, slow down and project. Walk around in between key talking points and while describing less important details. Drop an anchor when you come to your next important message.

But here's Jim Nichols of Stern+Associates on Forbes.com:

Own the stage. Every venue is different, but if you have the opportunity to move freely, do so. Instead of hiding behind a podium or leaning against a table, walk around the stage; make eye contact with your audience, and use gestures to your advantage. Be animated and convey your passion for the topic.