Landing: Taking a deliberate moment
- O'Patrick Wilson
- May 5
- 2 min read
“Brothers and sisters, good evening… It seems my brother cardinals went almost to the ends of the earth to find one.”
Those were the first words of the newly elected Pope Francis when he came out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to address his congregation for the first time on March 13, 2013.
He waited for what seemed an eternity – about 90 seconds – before uttering a single word. It was humbling and authentic; and it allowed the thousands in the square, and millions watching globally, to ‘see him’ and take in the magnitude of the occasion.
This is ‘landing’. That deliberate moment of silence before speaking. It may seem trivial or unimportant but actually it’s critical.
It establishes presence
Settles your breathing
Focuses the audience
Demonstrates confidence and control
Most inexperienced presenters neglect or skip it, frequently walking up to a lectern, starting to speak immediately, or worse playing with their computer, not even looking at the audience. The audience responds accordingly, they start looking at their phones or continue chatting to neighbors.
It’s a simple fix. Walk to the stage, look at the audience for 3 to 5 seconds. Breathe. Start. That’s it. No, not 90 seconds as Pope Francis did!
The contrast is dramatic. You haven’t said a word but you have truly started. Remember audiences are sceptical and judgemental and will reach conclusions before you are even underway.
Closing is no different. When you finish, take questions, and wait for applause. Look at the audience calmly and then purposefully step away. Don’t just slink off the stage.
These few seconds before and after a presentation can make all the difference.
