When you step up to give a presentation, your body language speaks just as loudly as your words. And one of the biggest questions we hear from clients is:
“Should I move around when I’m presenting – or should I stand still?”
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Movement can add impact, energy, and connection – but only when used with purpose. Here’s how to use movement effectively when presenting in person – and online.
Movement When Presenting In Person
When you’re in the same room as your audience, movement is part of how they experience you. Done well, it can make you appear confident and engaging. Done poorly, it can distract from your message.
Why Movement Matters
Purposeful movement can:
- Draw attention to a key point.
- Help you engage different sections of the room.
- Make you appear confident, dynamic, and approachable.
But random pacing, shuffling, or rocking on the spot can send the opposite message – nervousness or lack of focus.
When to Move
Think of movement as a tool to support your message:
- Transitioning between points: Take a few steps to a new position when moving to a new idea.
- Engaging the room: Move occasionally so all sections of the audience feel included.
- Emphasising a story: A small step forward can make a strong statement even stronger.
When to Stay Still
Stillness can be just as powerful:
- Delivering key messages: Plant your feet and let your words do the work.
- Answering questions: Staying still shows confidence and control.
- Calling for attention: Pausing movement signals importance.
Practical Tips We Share With Clients
- Plant, then move. Stand still while making a point, then move deliberately when it’s time to shift.
- Use anchor spots. Pick a few positions you can move between, rather than wandering aimlessly.
- Spot nervous habits. Rocking or swaying weakens your authority. Recording yourself helps you catch these.
- Match movement to meaning. Stepping forward shows conviction; pausing mid-stage adds weight.
Movement When Presenting Virtually
Virtual presentations limit how much of your body your audience can see – but movement still matters. The key is to adapt it for the camera.
Why Movement Matters Online
On screen, even small movements can have a big impact. Purposeful shifts in posture, position, or facial expression keep you looking animated and engaged.
How to Use Movement Online
- Stay centred in the frame. Avoid leaning so far you go out of view. Keep movements subtle and within shot.
- Use posture shifts. Leaning in slightly shows enthusiasm and emphasis. Sitting back signals you’re listening or pausing.
- Gesture within the frame. If you use your hands, make sure they’re visible on screen rather than drifting off-camera.
- Stand if you can. Standing to present online naturally adds more freedom for small, natural movements.
What to Avoid
- Constant fidgeting. Swaying in your chair or shifting too much can be magnified on screen.
- Over-the-top movement. A tiny lean forward looks natural; a sudden lunge toward the camera looks jarring.
Whether you’re on stage or on screen, movement is most effective when it’s intentional. Too little, and you risk looking stiff. Too much, and you risk distracting your audience.
So use purposeful, well-timed movements that support your message – balanced with moments of stillness that let your words truly land.
Next time you present, don’t think of movement as a yes-or-no question. Instead ask: “When will movement add impact – and when will stillness speak louder?”
