It’s hard for an audience to look away from Mick Jagger when he’s onstage performing with the Rolling Stones. Even in a football stadium, with thousands of spectators, Jagger’s stage presence captivates the crowd.
How does he do it? Aside from natural charisma, Jagger and other rock stars use exaggerated body language and movement to hold the audience’s attention. Check out a Rolling Stones concert video on YouTube, and take a close look at Jagger’s moves. He runs back and forth across the stage, he throws his arms up and down as he dances, and his face is always expressive.
Like Mick Jagger with his audience, you can command your students’ attention by using demonstrative body movements. You don’t need to be over the top with rock-star physicality. Just try these simple techniques when you address your class:
- Be active. Don’t stand in one place too long. Watching you move helps students who are standing farther away connect with you.
- Speak slowly. Give your students time to digest the information. Slower speech builds suspense and interest in what you’re saying.
- Raise your voice. It’s harder for your students to hear you outdoors. Speak louder than you would in the classroom.
- Use your hands. Gesture frequently as you speak to your students. This movement adds visual interest to what you’re saying.
If you can master these techniques, not only will you hold your students’ attention more effectively, you will also notice a drop in class-management issues since your students will be more engaged.