The best presentations are conversations.
That idea should shape how we show up in front of an audience. Conversations are human and connective. But one common convention works against that: the podium.
Podiums create a barrier. In high-stakes situations, that distance can affect engagement, credibility, and, ultimately, the impact of your message. When you stand behind one, you separate yourself from your audience instead of connecting with them. If your goal is to engage and influence, distance is the last thing you want.
The Disconnect We Don’t Notice
Most people use podiums to hold notes. And once the notes are there, a very predictable and unfortunate thing happens: You start reading. Your eyes drop, and the connection breaks. What could have been an engaging conversation turns into lackluster recitation.
The real solution is not just removing the podium; it is how you prepare. When you rely on notes, you lose eye contact and the audience feels it immediately.
The better approach is to know your material. Not memorizing every word, but understanding your key messages so well that you can speak naturally. You know the flow. You know the points that matter. You can stay present with your audience instead of anchored to a page.
It is not easy, but it is essential. When you know your material, you free yourself to connect, adjust, and actually have a conversation.
Holding on for Dear Life
Nerves often make people unsure what to do with their hands, so they grip the podium tightly. It becomes a source of comfort, but at a massive cost.
Your hands are powerful communication tools. They help emphasize ideas, reinforce emotion, and bring energy to your message. In everyday conversation, we use gestures naturally. Behind a podium, much of that energy disappears, and your delivery can feel rigid and overly scripted, even when the content itself is strong.
Step away from the podium and your communication becomes more natural, expressive and engaging.
Opening Up
Body language communicates long before you speak.
Standing behind a podium creates a closed posture that can unintentionally signal distance and formality. An open posture, facing your audience, signals confidence, credibility and connection.
Open body language invites people into the conversation. Closed body language keeps them out.
The best speakers you have seen are rarely stuck behind a podium. They move, engage, and connect using an open posture. They create energy and presence, and signal transparency.
There are exceptions, but they are rare. Formal ceremonies and certain technical presentations may call for a podium. But for most executive presentations, stepping away creates a stronger connection.
Start a Conversation
Step out from behind the podium. Know your material. Maintain eye contact. Use your hands. Stay open. Do that, and the energy shifts. The audience leans in. And instead of giving a speech, you create something far more powerful: real connection.
Many executives spend significant time refining what they want to say but far less time refining how they deliver it. If you are thinking about how to strengthen your executive presence and impact as a communicator, Sharon Merrill Advisors works closely with executives to refine how they connect, present, and lead in high‑stakes moments. Whether it is preparing for investor interactions, internal leadership communication, or key presentations, we focus on building clarity, confidence, and authenticity. If that is something you are interested in, reach out, and let’s start a conversation.
