Your presence speaks before you do

You started speaking the moment you walked into the room.

Many years ago, I saw an unforgettable performance of Shockheaded Peter in San Francisco. This darkly comic, wildly imaginative musical, based on Heinrich Hoffmann’s cautionary tales, was adapted by Julian Crouch and Phelim McDermott.

The show opened with an actor performing a musical number—but there was no fancy choreography, no elaborate theatrics. Just one actor, completely still, bathed in a single spotlight. Before he even sang a note, his sheer, magnetic presence had already riveted the audience. As he began his monologue through song, his grounded, unwavering presence held us all captivated.

What the audience didn't see was the preparation backstage.

Actors warming up physically, aligning their posture, connecting deeply with their breath. They were tuning their emotional instruments, becoming fully present long before stepping into the spotlight. This intentional preparation is why, the moment they walked onstage, they could command attention without saying a word.

Back when I directed theater, moments like these fascinated me. Observing actors in those quiet backstage moments taught me so much about presence. No words needed; you could already feel their intention, their emotion, their story.

This same dynamic applies offstage, too.

Whether you walk into a meeting, a conference, or even a casual coffee chat, your body is already communicating before you've spoken a single word.

Here’s the question:

What’s it saying?

Are your shoulders whispering, "I'd rather hide"?

Are your hands holding onto nerves, fidgeting away?

Is your gaze darting around, searching for safety rather than connection?

Or are you grounded? Calm? Present?

You don't have to "perform" presence. But you can practice congruence.

When your body matches your message, people feel it deeply—and trust you more.

Here's a quick challenge for you:

Before your next meeting or important conversation, pause.

Plant your feet.

Breathe deeply.

Let your face soften.

Then, simply show up.

You don't have to say a word to make an impression.

Your body already knows exactly how to speak.