I responded, defensively, "Oh, that's just a habit of mine. I don't even know I'm doing it." My protestations were not allowed.

"Your audience does," she said. "and they are influenced by such unconscious actions."

Since that day I have recognized that "I take my habits, the good and the bad, with me to the lectern." I can remove my name tag. I can take the pencils and other potentially distracting items from my pockets. But my habits will not let me termporaily leave them on the table as I prepare to go before an audience.

I've concluded that if I seriously want to improve my presence at the lectern, I must change these habits. First, those that gain attention, distract, or annoy. Second, those that undermine professionalism.

As I viewed a video of my most recent speech, it was apparent to me that I need to improve my posture. Stand erect, shoulders back. The only way I will ever be able to correct the poor posture image I saw on the TV screen will be to practice good posture habits everyday, everywhere I go, whatever I do. As much as I'd like, I'm just not going to be able to step to the lectern and all of a sudden display good posture for five to seven minutes.

What's needed? Replace the bad habits with good habits outside of Toastmasters. It will then be okay for the new habits to follow---even to the lectern.

Have you looked lately at what you habits may be doing at the lectern?