In this episode of People Play Story, host Martin Kloss delves into the intriguing concept of how physical space influences communication. Drawing from his book, "People Play Story," Martin explores the often-overlooked impact of our surroundings on the delivery and reception of our messages. He discusses the importance of direct communication and the subconscious cues we pick up in face-to-face interactions, emphasizing the need for intentionality in both physical and virtual settings. Martin introduces the idea of "physical high status" and how our presence on any stage, whether a boardroom or a Zoom call, can affect our confidence and effectiveness as communicators.
Listeners are guided through practical strategies for owning their space, including the three-part and nine-part stage setups, which help enhance communication by adding intentional movement and presence. Martin also touches on adapting these principles to virtual environments, highlighting the significance of eye contact and background setup in video calls. This episode is a deep dive into becoming more mindful of how we present ourselves and our messages, encouraging listeners to embrace their space and elevate their communication skills.
[00:00:08]
Martin Kloss:
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Ever walk out of a meeting, give a presentation, or even send an important email and think, man, I really missed the mark on how I delivered that. Yeah. Like, you prepped the content, but the delivery itself just fell flat. Today's deep dive is all about cracking the code of impactful communication, and we're tackling a fascinating angle, the often overlooked aspect of place. Place. Yeah. Place. Yeah. We're diving into people, place, story by Martin Claus. Really interesting guide. It argues that where you are physically
[00:01:25] Unknown:
has a huge effect on how your message is received. Interesting. So, like, just thinking about the physical space we're in, how does that, I guess, change things? That's exactly what we're exploring. Okay. So it's like think about that feeling when you enter a crowded room. All of a sudden, your senses are heightened. Right? Yeah. You're more aware of your surroundings, your posture, even your tone of voice changes a bit. Claw says this isn't just in our heads. The physical space we're in actually subconsciously influences how we communicate and, in turn, how people receive what we're saying. Okay. I like where this is going. Let's unpack this idea of place a bit. Klaus starts by talking about direct versus indirect communication. Mhmm. Basically, face to face versus, say, an email, a voice mail, that sort of thing. And he really seems to favor direct communication, doesn't he? No. Absolutely. Huge proponent. And it makes sense. Right? Think about it in a face to face conversation. We're constantly reading each other's reactions. We're picking up on body language, tone, all those subtle cues.
[00:02:21] Unknown:
Right. We're getting that instant feedback.
[00:02:22] Unknown:
Exactly. Instant feedback loop. And that lets us make adjustments on the fly. We can see if our message is landing as intended and course correct if it's not. Indirect communication,
[00:02:34] Unknown:
not so much. Which is probably why that seemingly harmless email I sent my boss ended up requiring a thirty minute follow-up meeting to clarify. Ouch. Been there. But we can't always be face to face. Right? I mean, sometimes an email or a text is the only option. You're absolutely right, and Klaus acknowledges that. It's not about ditching indirect communication altogether.
[00:02:54] Unknown:
His point is more about being mindful of those limitations. When we are communicating indirectly, it's even more crucial to really think through our words, our tone, how that message might land
[00:03:05] Unknown:
without that instant feedback loop. So it's like we have to be extra intentional, extra careful with our words when we don't have those in person cues to rely on. Exactly.
[00:03:14] Unknown:
Okay. But let's say we are face to face. Could be a company wide presentation, could be a small team meeting, you know, any speaking situation really. Kloss argues that regardless of the scale, it all becomes a stage.
[00:03:27] Unknown:
Interesting. So even in a small meeting room, we're still stepping onto a stage in a sense. Precisely. And just like actors on a stage, we experience the shift in presence,
[00:03:37] Unknown:
you know, a a heightened sense of visibility. Kloss calls this physical high status.
[00:03:42] Unknown:
Physical high status. Yeah. It's that subtle but powerful elevation that comes from standing in front of a group, even if it's just a small team, and commanding their attention for a while. You know, I think we instinctively understand this even if we haven't put words to it before. It's why a lot of people get nervous self conscious when they have to present something, even in a casual setting.
[00:04:01] Unknown:
Exactly. Because this physical high status, as empowering as it can be, also makes us feel more exposed. Right? Absolutely. Yeah. Suddenly, you're aware of every eye on you. Every little fidget, every word choice feels amplified. And that is where the dreaded spotlight effect comes in.
[00:04:20] Unknown:
The spotlight effect. That feeling that every little mistake is magnified a thousand times over. A thousand times over at least. Like, I swear, I once knocked over a glass of water during a presentation Yep. And it felt like the entire room was silently judging me for a solid five minutes. Well, I'm sure it felt way longer than five minutes in the moment. It really did, but it probably wasn't actually that big of a deal to anyone else. Right? You're probably right. And Kloss actually talks about this. He points out that what we perceive as a catastrophic blunder often goes totally unnoticed by the audience. Really?
[00:04:52] Unknown:
You're kidding. They're so focused on the message, on what you're saying, that those little slip ups, they just don't register. So you're telling me my epic water spill
[00:05:02] Unknown:
probably didn't even make a blip on their radar. That's both reassuring and slightly embarrassing at the same time. It's more common than you think. We are our own harshest critics always. That's for sure. But, hey, at least now I know I'm not the only one who overthinks these things. It's actually kind of liberating to know that our perceived flaws
[00:05:22] Unknown:
are rarely as glaring as we imagine. It is. And think about it this way. Understanding that can free us up to focus on the message, on really connecting with the audience instead of getting bogged down by that self critique. Okay. I can get on board with that. It's definitely a good takeaway.
[00:05:36] Unknown:
So we've acknowledged the stage even if it's an informal setting. Now what about our physical presence on this stage? Kloss gets into what he calls stage setups, which I have to admit sounds a little theatrical for, say, a boardroom meeting, don't you think? It might sound that way, but I promise it's not as dramatic as it sounds. Kloss breaks it down into two primary setups,
[00:05:57] Unknown:
the classic three part layout and the more dynamic nine part setup. Think of them less about elaborate sets and more like frameworks for movement and positioning on your stage. Okay. So
[00:06:08] Unknown:
less about costume changes, more about how we utilize the space to enhance our communication. I like it. So let's start with the basics, this three part layout. What's the deal with that? Okay. So this three part layout, kinda like a simplified stage. Right? Help me wrap my head around this. What's it look like, and how does it actually help us, you know, own own our space? Okay. So picture this. Your stage, whatever that space may be, divided into three equal sections. We'll call them left, center, and right, just to keep it simple. This layout, the three part, it's all about controlled presence. So you're primarily gonna occupy that center section. You're anchoring yourself as the focal point. Right? Got it. But you have the option to make these subtle shifts to the left or right, maybe to emphasize a key point, transition between different topics, that kind of thing. So it's not about pacing back and forth like a caged tiger.
It's more about those deliberate, purposeful movements
[00:07:01] Unknown:
within a defined space. Nailed it. Klas is really big on this idea. Every movement you make on stage, even a small step to the side, should have a reason, a motivation behind it. I see. So it's almost like adding a layer of intentionality to your movements. Exactly. And that deliberate use of space, it helps maintain the sense of authority, the sense of control, which can be especially helpful if you're newer to public speaking,
[00:07:25] Unknown:
presenting to larger groups helps calm those nerves a bit. It's like projecting this air of quiet confidence even if you're feeling butterflies in your stomach. Yeah. Okay. I like the three part layout for, like, a more formal presentation. But what about when you wanna be a bit more dynamic,
[00:07:40] Unknown:
you know, more engaging with the audience? Is that where the nine part layout comes in? Ding, ding, ding. You got it. Nine part setup is like you're expanding your stage presence. Right? Okay. So picture this. A tic tac toe board. Okay. Got it. Superimpose that onto your stage. This is essentially what we're working with here. And this layout, it encourages more movement. You can cover more ground, engage with the audience from different points within that space. I gotta be honest. That sounds a bit more my speed. I like the idea of having a bit more freedom to move around.
[00:08:11] Unknown:
But how do you actually utilize all those different sections effectively? How do you make sure you're not just, like, randomly wandering around up there? It's all about connecting your movement to your message.
[00:08:22] Unknown:
So Close talks about this. You can assign specific sections to different themes, different arguments you're making, even different emotional tones within your presentation. Like, let's say you start in that center section for your introduction. Right? Then, boom, you move to the front right section when you're presenting a really compelling statistic, a piece of evidence, something you wanna emphasize.
[00:08:43] Unknown:
So it's like visual storytelling in a way. Your movements are
[00:08:48] Unknown:
choreographed almost to amplify the impact of what you're saying. Exactly. And it makes a whole presentation more dynamic, more engaging for the audience. And the cool thing is both the three part and nine part layouts, they're not just for massive stages. You can adapt them to any speaking situation. It It could be a formal keynote, could be a casual team meeting. It's about figuring out what feels natural to you, authentic to your own personal presentation style. I never thought about it that way. It's kinda mind blowing when you think about it, you know, how something as simple as where we stand, how we move in the space can make such a difference in how our message is received.
[00:09:24] Unknown:
It makes you wonder, though, about all these principles we've been talking about, these physical stages and setups. Do they translate at all to the virtual world? I mean, think about it. Video calls, webinars, online presentations,
[00:09:36] Unknown:
that's become our primary mode of communication these days. Right? That's a fantastic question, and it's something that Kloss actually does touch upon in People Play Store. Story. Now granted his primary focus is on those physical stages, but he definitely acknowledges the increasing relevance of virtual spaces, especially in our digital age. And what's interesting is that a lot of the principles we've been discussing so far, this idea of owning your space, understanding that physical high status, using movement effectively, they can absolutely be adapted for these online environments as well. It makes sense actually. When you're on a video call, even if it's just you in your home office,
[00:10:13] Unknown:
you're still presenting yourself within a frame, a defined space, even if it's just a small rectangle on a screen. Right. Your little box on Zoom. Exactly. And how we position ourselves in that frame, our background, the lighting at all,
[00:10:26] Unknown:
contributes to the overall impact of our communication, doesn't it? It absolutely does. And, you know, in a way, it becomes even more crucial to be mindful of these elements in a virtual setting because you have to work a little harder to convey that presence, that engagement through a
[00:10:41] Unknown:
screen. It's like in instead of a classic stage, we're now talking about this digital stage, our own little Zine box. Exactly. But the same principles still apply. So what are some key things to keep in mind when it comes to owning your space in that virtual setting? What does Kloss recommend? So it's almost like we've all become set designers in this age of Zoom. Right. Yeah. But instead of physical props, we're using lighting, camera angles, all those little details
[00:11:06] Unknown:
to create that sense of presence, that authority. And just like on a physical stage, having a well lit, uncluttered background can make a world of difference in those virtual settings. It helps draw the focus to you, the speaker, and minimizes distractions for the audience. Right. Because no one wants to be presenting
[00:11:25] Unknown:
while there's a pile of laundry in the background. Not exactly the professional image you wanna project. Probably not Kloss approved.
[00:11:32] Unknown:
But on a more serious note, one thing he emphasizes, even in those virtual settings, is eye contact. Eye contact through a screen. How do you even It sounds tricky, but it makes a big difference. So instead of looking at yourself on the screen or getting distracted by what's happening in the background, try to train yourself see what you mean. It simulates that direct eye contact you'd have in a face to face conversation,
[00:11:56] Unknown:
creates a much stronger connection with the person on the other side of the screen. That's a really good point. And to be honest, something I'm so guilty of not doing consistently. It's easy to forget. It is. But if just changing where you're looking on the screen can make you come across as more present, more engaged, that's a pretty easy fix. Exactly. Small adjustment, big impact. I love those. You know, when you think about it, so much of this, whether we're talking about a physical stage or that virtual stage, comes down to intentionality, doesn't it? 100%.
It's not just about showing up. It's about showing up deliberately,
[00:12:32] Unknown:
making conscious choices about how we're presenting ourselves and our message. And that's the beauty of this whole approach that Kloss lays out. Right? It's not about forcing ourselves into this rigid set of rules, but rather about understanding those subtle ways our physical presence, even in a digital space, influences how we communicate.
[00:12:51] Unknown:
So it's like becoming more aware of those things, our movements, our positioning, even just our environment, and learning how to use those things to our advantage. Exactly. Make it work for you. I like it. So the next time any of us are prepping for a big presentation, even just leading a team meeting, sending an important email, take a moment, think about the stage, whether it's a physical stage or that virtual one on Zoom. How can you really own that space in a way that makes your message hit home? And remember, even in those moments where you feel that pressure, those nerves start to kick in. You've got this. That's right. Own that space. Own that message. And who who knows? Maybe you'll even turn those Zoom calls into your own personal impactful performances. That's our deep dive for today on owning your space for impactful communication.
Big thanks to Martin Kloss and his book, People Play Story, for those great insights. We've learned that where we are physically has a huge impact on how our message is received, and that's true whether we're in a crowded conference room or, you know, just on a Zoom meeting with colleagues across the world. The principles are the same. And by understanding those principles of physical high status, stage setup, even those little deliberate movements, we can all become more confident, more effective communicators. Absolutely. So until next time, remember, own your space and watch your communication skills soar.
[00:14:19] Martin Kloss:
Hi everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging, and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on MartinKloss.com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Ever walk out of a meeting, give a presentation, or even send an important email and think, man, I really missed the mark on how I delivered that. Yeah. Like, you prepped the content, but the delivery itself just fell flat. Today's deep dive is all about cracking the code of impactful communication, and we're tackling a fascinating angle, the often overlooked aspect of place. Place. Yeah. Place. Yeah. We're diving into people, place, story by Martin Claus. Really interesting guide. It argues that where you are physically
[00:01:25] Unknown:
has a huge effect on how your message is received. Interesting. So, like, just thinking about the physical space we're in, how does that, I guess, change things? That's exactly what we're exploring. Okay. So it's like think about that feeling when you enter a crowded room. All of a sudden, your senses are heightened. Right? Yeah. You're more aware of your surroundings, your posture, even your tone of voice changes a bit. Claw says this isn't just in our heads. The physical space we're in actually subconsciously influences how we communicate and, in turn, how people receive what we're saying. Okay. I like where this is going. Let's unpack this idea of place a bit. Klaus starts by talking about direct versus indirect communication. Mhmm. Basically, face to face versus, say, an email, a voice mail, that sort of thing. And he really seems to favor direct communication, doesn't he? No. Absolutely. Huge proponent. And it makes sense. Right? Think about it in a face to face conversation. We're constantly reading each other's reactions. We're picking up on body language, tone, all those subtle cues.
[00:02:21] Unknown:
Right. We're getting that instant feedback.
[00:02:22] Unknown:
Exactly. Instant feedback loop. And that lets us make adjustments on the fly. We can see if our message is landing as intended and course correct if it's not. Indirect communication,
[00:02:34] Unknown:
not so much. Which is probably why that seemingly harmless email I sent my boss ended up requiring a thirty minute follow-up meeting to clarify. Ouch. Been there. But we can't always be face to face. Right? I mean, sometimes an email or a text is the only option. You're absolutely right, and Klaus acknowledges that. It's not about ditching indirect communication altogether.
[00:02:54] Unknown:
His point is more about being mindful of those limitations. When we are communicating indirectly, it's even more crucial to really think through our words, our tone, how that message might land
[00:03:05] Unknown:
without that instant feedback loop. So it's like we have to be extra intentional, extra careful with our words when we don't have those in person cues to rely on. Exactly.
[00:03:14] Unknown:
Okay. But let's say we are face to face. Could be a company wide presentation, could be a small team meeting, you know, any speaking situation really. Kloss argues that regardless of the scale, it all becomes a stage.
[00:03:27] Unknown:
Interesting. So even in a small meeting room, we're still stepping onto a stage in a sense. Precisely. And just like actors on a stage, we experience the shift in presence,
[00:03:37] Unknown:
you know, a a heightened sense of visibility. Kloss calls this physical high status.
[00:03:42] Unknown:
Physical high status. Yeah. It's that subtle but powerful elevation that comes from standing in front of a group, even if it's just a small team, and commanding their attention for a while. You know, I think we instinctively understand this even if we haven't put words to it before. It's why a lot of people get nervous self conscious when they have to present something, even in a casual setting.
[00:04:01] Unknown:
Exactly. Because this physical high status, as empowering as it can be, also makes us feel more exposed. Right? Absolutely. Yeah. Suddenly, you're aware of every eye on you. Every little fidget, every word choice feels amplified. And that is where the dreaded spotlight effect comes in.
[00:04:20] Unknown:
The spotlight effect. That feeling that every little mistake is magnified a thousand times over. A thousand times over at least. Like, I swear, I once knocked over a glass of water during a presentation Yep. And it felt like the entire room was silently judging me for a solid five minutes. Well, I'm sure it felt way longer than five minutes in the moment. It really did, but it probably wasn't actually that big of a deal to anyone else. Right? You're probably right. And Kloss actually talks about this. He points out that what we perceive as a catastrophic blunder often goes totally unnoticed by the audience. Really?
[00:04:52] Unknown:
You're kidding. They're so focused on the message, on what you're saying, that those little slip ups, they just don't register. So you're telling me my epic water spill
[00:05:02] Unknown:
probably didn't even make a blip on their radar. That's both reassuring and slightly embarrassing at the same time. It's more common than you think. We are our own harshest critics always. That's for sure. But, hey, at least now I know I'm not the only one who overthinks these things. It's actually kind of liberating to know that our perceived flaws
[00:05:22] Unknown:
are rarely as glaring as we imagine. It is. And think about it this way. Understanding that can free us up to focus on the message, on really connecting with the audience instead of getting bogged down by that self critique. Okay. I can get on board with that. It's definitely a good takeaway.
[00:05:36] Unknown:
So we've acknowledged the stage even if it's an informal setting. Now what about our physical presence on this stage? Kloss gets into what he calls stage setups, which I have to admit sounds a little theatrical for, say, a boardroom meeting, don't you think? It might sound that way, but I promise it's not as dramatic as it sounds. Kloss breaks it down into two primary setups,
[00:05:57] Unknown:
the classic three part layout and the more dynamic nine part setup. Think of them less about elaborate sets and more like frameworks for movement and positioning on your stage. Okay. So
[00:06:08] Unknown:
less about costume changes, more about how we utilize the space to enhance our communication. I like it. So let's start with the basics, this three part layout. What's the deal with that? Okay. So this three part layout, kinda like a simplified stage. Right? Help me wrap my head around this. What's it look like, and how does it actually help us, you know, own own our space? Okay. So picture this. Your stage, whatever that space may be, divided into three equal sections. We'll call them left, center, and right, just to keep it simple. This layout, the three part, it's all about controlled presence. So you're primarily gonna occupy that center section. You're anchoring yourself as the focal point. Right? Got it. But you have the option to make these subtle shifts to the left or right, maybe to emphasize a key point, transition between different topics, that kind of thing. So it's not about pacing back and forth like a caged tiger.
It's more about those deliberate, purposeful movements
[00:07:01] Unknown:
within a defined space. Nailed it. Klas is really big on this idea. Every movement you make on stage, even a small step to the side, should have a reason, a motivation behind it. I see. So it's almost like adding a layer of intentionality to your movements. Exactly. And that deliberate use of space, it helps maintain the sense of authority, the sense of control, which can be especially helpful if you're newer to public speaking,
[00:07:25] Unknown:
presenting to larger groups helps calm those nerves a bit. It's like projecting this air of quiet confidence even if you're feeling butterflies in your stomach. Yeah. Okay. I like the three part layout for, like, a more formal presentation. But what about when you wanna be a bit more dynamic,
[00:07:40] Unknown:
you know, more engaging with the audience? Is that where the nine part layout comes in? Ding, ding, ding. You got it. Nine part setup is like you're expanding your stage presence. Right? Okay. So picture this. A tic tac toe board. Okay. Got it. Superimpose that onto your stage. This is essentially what we're working with here. And this layout, it encourages more movement. You can cover more ground, engage with the audience from different points within that space. I gotta be honest. That sounds a bit more my speed. I like the idea of having a bit more freedom to move around.
[00:08:11] Unknown:
But how do you actually utilize all those different sections effectively? How do you make sure you're not just, like, randomly wandering around up there? It's all about connecting your movement to your message.
[00:08:22] Unknown:
So Close talks about this. You can assign specific sections to different themes, different arguments you're making, even different emotional tones within your presentation. Like, let's say you start in that center section for your introduction. Right? Then, boom, you move to the front right section when you're presenting a really compelling statistic, a piece of evidence, something you wanna emphasize.
[00:08:43] Unknown:
So it's like visual storytelling in a way. Your movements are
[00:08:48] Unknown:
choreographed almost to amplify the impact of what you're saying. Exactly. And it makes a whole presentation more dynamic, more engaging for the audience. And the cool thing is both the three part and nine part layouts, they're not just for massive stages. You can adapt them to any speaking situation. It It could be a formal keynote, could be a casual team meeting. It's about figuring out what feels natural to you, authentic to your own personal presentation style. I never thought about it that way. It's kinda mind blowing when you think about it, you know, how something as simple as where we stand, how we move in the space can make such a difference in how our message is received.
[00:09:24] Unknown:
It makes you wonder, though, about all these principles we've been talking about, these physical stages and setups. Do they translate at all to the virtual world? I mean, think about it. Video calls, webinars, online presentations,
[00:09:36] Unknown:
that's become our primary mode of communication these days. Right? That's a fantastic question, and it's something that Kloss actually does touch upon in People Play Store. Story. Now granted his primary focus is on those physical stages, but he definitely acknowledges the increasing relevance of virtual spaces, especially in our digital age. And what's interesting is that a lot of the principles we've been discussing so far, this idea of owning your space, understanding that physical high status, using movement effectively, they can absolutely be adapted for these online environments as well. It makes sense actually. When you're on a video call, even if it's just you in your home office,
[00:10:13] Unknown:
you're still presenting yourself within a frame, a defined space, even if it's just a small rectangle on a screen. Right. Your little box on Zoom. Exactly. And how we position ourselves in that frame, our background, the lighting at all,
[00:10:26] Unknown:
contributes to the overall impact of our communication, doesn't it? It absolutely does. And, you know, in a way, it becomes even more crucial to be mindful of these elements in a virtual setting because you have to work a little harder to convey that presence, that engagement through a
[00:10:41] Unknown:
screen. It's like in instead of a classic stage, we're now talking about this digital stage, our own little Zine box. Exactly. But the same principles still apply. So what are some key things to keep in mind when it comes to owning your space in that virtual setting? What does Kloss recommend? So it's almost like we've all become set designers in this age of Zoom. Right. Yeah. But instead of physical props, we're using lighting, camera angles, all those little details
[00:11:06] Unknown:
to create that sense of presence, that authority. And just like on a physical stage, having a well lit, uncluttered background can make a world of difference in those virtual settings. It helps draw the focus to you, the speaker, and minimizes distractions for the audience. Right. Because no one wants to be presenting
[00:11:25] Unknown:
while there's a pile of laundry in the background. Not exactly the professional image you wanna project. Probably not Kloss approved.
[00:11:32] Unknown:
But on a more serious note, one thing he emphasizes, even in those virtual settings, is eye contact. Eye contact through a screen. How do you even It sounds tricky, but it makes a big difference. So instead of looking at yourself on the screen or getting distracted by what's happening in the background, try to train yourself see what you mean. It simulates that direct eye contact you'd have in a face to face conversation,
[00:11:56] Unknown:
creates a much stronger connection with the person on the other side of the screen. That's a really good point. And to be honest, something I'm so guilty of not doing consistently. It's easy to forget. It is. But if just changing where you're looking on the screen can make you come across as more present, more engaged, that's a pretty easy fix. Exactly. Small adjustment, big impact. I love those. You know, when you think about it, so much of this, whether we're talking about a physical stage or that virtual stage, comes down to intentionality, doesn't it? 100%.
It's not just about showing up. It's about showing up deliberately,
[00:12:32] Unknown:
making conscious choices about how we're presenting ourselves and our message. And that's the beauty of this whole approach that Kloss lays out. Right? It's not about forcing ourselves into this rigid set of rules, but rather about understanding those subtle ways our physical presence, even in a digital space, influences how we communicate.
[00:12:51] Unknown:
So it's like becoming more aware of those things, our movements, our positioning, even just our environment, and learning how to use those things to our advantage. Exactly. Make it work for you. I like it. So the next time any of us are prepping for a big presentation, even just leading a team meeting, sending an important email, take a moment, think about the stage, whether it's a physical stage or that virtual one on Zoom. How can you really own that space in a way that makes your message hit home? And remember, even in those moments where you feel that pressure, those nerves start to kick in. You've got this. That's right. Own that space. Own that message. And who who knows? Maybe you'll even turn those Zoom calls into your own personal impactful performances. That's our deep dive for today on owning your space for impactful communication.
Big thanks to Martin Kloss and his book, People Play Story, for those great insights. We've learned that where we are physically has a huge impact on how our message is received, and that's true whether we're in a crowded conference room or, you know, just on a Zoom meeting with colleagues across the world. The principles are the same. And by understanding those principles of physical high status, stage setup, even those little deliberate movements, we can all become more confident, more effective communicators. Absolutely. So until next time, remember, own your space and watch your communication skills soar.
[00:14:19] Martin Kloss:
Hi everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging, and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on MartinKloss.com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
Introduction to People Play Story
The Impact of Place on Communication
Direct vs Indirect Communication
The Concept of Physical High Status
Stage Setups: Three-Part and Nine-Part Layouts
Adapting Communication Principles to Virtual Spaces
Conclusion: Owning Your Space
