Does Stage Presence Really Matter?

Things get weird when you start talking about stage presence. I mean, isn’t that a personal thing? Why are you watching how I move on stage? This isn’t a performance anyway! Does stage presence really matter? I thought that all that matters is that I’m worshipping….. right?

I’ve brought this topic up a few times with my team, and I usually get mixed responses. It can feel “showy” and just wrong to talk about what you look like to others; however, there is one scientifically proven fact that gives you permission as a Worship Leader to talk about your team’s stage presence.

MOST of the communication from one person to another person is through non-verbals. In other words, what you “look like” to someone else communicates a lot to them.

As Worship Leaders, we have a responsibility to lead just as much as we have a responsibly to worship.

You lead through communicating, and you communicate through your stage presence. Therefore, it matters. A lot. Your team’s demeanor is partially how they lead others, so you need to develop that as much as their musical ability.

There’s a wide range of what’s culturally appropriate at different churches, so I’m not out to determine what exactly fits in your church. However, there are some principles that are good for any team.

1. Look — Open up your eyes and create a connection with the congregation as you sing. It might feel weird to you, but it will feel natural to them and help them engage. You’re acknowledging that we’re all here together. “I see you” and “I want you to join in and worship.” The more you know your chords and lyrics, the more you can do this.

2. Move — Dead things don’t move. That’s how you know their dead. Living things move. When you’re on a stage and a good distance from the people you’re leading, all of your micro-expressions disappear. So, to look alive, you actually have to move more that you think. When you’re not singing, take a step back or to the side. You don’t have to be obnoxious, but you should use the space around you.

3. Smile — When you smile as you sing, people will relax. When you don’t, you’ll seem angry or nervous, and people will tense up. Try it as you sing. It will help those you lead!

4. Sing — I always encourage my band to sing whenever they can. There is something unbelievably engaging about a bass player who is singing. That communicates that we’re all really here to unite in worship, not just do our own thing. When you band sings, your congregation is much more likely to engage.

While these principles will get you started in encouraging your team, you can learn even more about how body language affects worship in the 30 Day Challenge. Learn more about WLA Member Benefits.

Stephen