Setting Your Seminar Stage

What is your presentation style? Knowing how you move and act when you speak will help you determine your stage requirements.

If you walk or pace when you speak and want to interact closely with your audience during a question and answer period, you will need a lavaliere microphone, plenty of room on the stage or presentation area to move around. If you have a PowerPoint presentation, you will also need a small table for your computer. Make sure the entire stage area is lit so you will always be seen when you walk and talk. Be aware of the edges of the stage if you are on a raised platform so you do not trip or fall.

If you or your audience would be the most comfortable with a traditional business presentation stage setting, you will need a stationary microphone and a podium. Make sure any paperwork and computer equipment you need will fit neatly on the podium, you don’t want to be scrambling for your notes during your presentation.

Anytime you plan to show video or PowerPoint slides, make sure you can dim the lights and set up a screen. You might also want to set up an easel to take notes during audience interaction.