The Proactive Speaker: chairs, posture, sitting on stage
Yesterday a client asked what kind of chairs the panelists would sit in—she was concerned that they would be the typical “club chairs” favored by many organizations: over-sized, deep-seated, bulky arm chairs. She was wise to ask. Club chairs are perfect for anyone six foot and over. The rest of us (the average height for men in the US is 5’9” and for women, is 5’4”) can find ourselves swallowed up, lost in the nether reaches, falling deeper and deeper into the chair and struggling to pull ourselves out. On stage, we want to be present, alert, poised, and full of confidence.
What to do?
First, be proactive and find out what kind of chair will be used. Go early, poke around, and sit in the chair, if possible.
Then, if the chair is massive, awkward, high, creaky, unstable, uncomfortable, be proactive and ask for something else.
If nothing else is available, as is often the case when the chairs are chosen more for the aesthetic than the comfort, here are a few tips:
If the chair is enormous we can bring either a lumbar pillow or a firm, pretty throw pillow. Most event coordinators are happy to accommodate and may even have something at-hand.
Another option is to perch on the front of the chair. We may need to push our chair back so that we are not blocking others in the semi-circle or line-up. Many people like this, but for others of us, this is uncomfortable for longer than a few minutes. People wearing skirts have to think about the length as the skirt can start riding up. Practice in our clothing on a chair at home. With the shoes we plan to wear—heels change everything.
If the chair is wobbly, creaky, or unstable and cannot be switched out, ask for help shoring it up. A round, felt, furniture pad is wonderful for the shorter leg.
The most important thing, as always, is to prepare and give ourselves the best chance of communicating with sway, knowing that this is what is best for the audience. All of the wonderful staff, tech crew, production crew, want the same thing.