How to Improve Your Stage Presence
Simple performance tips to help you look better on stage
Developing your stage presence is something that is rarely taught, which I personally think is crazy because even though you spend years working on your voice and your singing skills, you will also need to know how to perform with them when you hit the stage.
Many singers are left to ‘wing it’ on stage and end up flapping their arms about, hiding behind the microphone stand and not knowing how to lead the band.
Stage craft is a whole other set of skills that every singer who wants to perform needs to learn, so today I’m going to kick things off with three simple ways that you can improve your stage presence quickly, and look more confident up there on stage.
If you would like me to do more about this topic, just let me know in the comments below.
Video Summary:
1. SMILE
Yep – so simple but so effective. Smiling endears you to the audience and makes you appear more likeable, approachable and a smile makes you instantly look more confident.
When it comes to stage presence, first impressions definitely count so make sure you put everything into that first smile.
2. USE YOUR MICROPHONE STAND PROPERLY
I’m not just talking about using it as a resting place for your mic – no, its a tool for you to use to while you are up there on stage. There are actually quite a few ways you can use your mic stand on stage but one main way to improve your stage presence is to put the mic stand BEHIND you when you start singing.
Just this one little movement can open you up to the audience. They immediately feel like you are more accessible which increases your stage presence straight away AND secondly you have removed the obstacle from your space and you now have an area where you can move freely.
3. USE YOUR ARMS EXPRESSIVELY
If you stand like a stiff board you will look weird. No one stands like that. Just make sure your arm gestures go with what you are saying i.e an angry note: clenched fist, a power note, an open palm, being cute, saying something about yourself – a hand on the heart.
And… don’t be afraid to extend your arm out wide.
So have a go with those three simple steps to looking a whole lot better on stage. And if confidence is an issue for you, just pick ONE to try next time you’re on stage.
Did you find this video helpful? If you did let me know in the comments below.
Great tips Nicola! Thanks a lot!
Love your tips! So very helpful. Thanks Nicola.
Hey, I’m new to this website and I have been getting singing lessons since May of 2014… And I haven’t sang infront of anyone but my singing teacher, I have recorded myself singing happy birthday to my dad and showed both my mum and dad but I get really nervous and don’t want to sing in front of anyone but my singing teacher… Even though when my parents say the happy birthday video they told me that I have a really good voice… Is there anything I can do to get more comfortable with singing infront of family and friends? If so please please help,,, thanks
Hi Tylah,
Singing in front of your parents can be hard. If you’re finding this is a problem for you, find a friend or two you can sing in front of instead. I find singing in small settings more daunting that singing in large impersonal ones. Its different for everyone. Maybe your teacher can help set up a performance opportunity for you? Just have a go – it doesn’t matter if you stuff up. People WANT you to do well, and the more you do it, the better you will get xx
HI . MY MAME IS . MAC MORISON,
I’VE BEEN A . SEMI PROFESSIONAL VOCALIST FOR MANY ,MANY YEARS, :BIG BAND ERA, STANDARDS AND SUCH.
I JUST LOVE YOUR SIGHT, I WISH I’D HAVE HAD IT WHEN I WAS ACTIVE,NOW JUST ONE SHOW A YEAR( RETIRED )BUT YOUR ADVISE IS RIGHT ON, AND MUCH APPRECIATED EVEN THIS LATE IN THE GAME.
JUST WANTED TO SAY THANKS
MAC
Thanks Mac! 🙂
Thank you, Nicola. You are such a good teacher and a wonderful person!
Sam
Hi Nicola, you are so right about the areas of concentration focused solely on the singing. These basic tips opened my eyes to a few simple things to do, particularly the mic stand behind me…wow…I love your input and look forward to following you. Thank you.
Thanks Marcia! 🙂