Minisode: Lessons in Great Stagecraft from (We)Con 2025

mgraziano45
22 hours ago
3 min read

We’re back with another Adventures in Business mini-episode – fresh off the heels of (We)Con 2025, the weekend Education Conference for NPI Southern California. As we walked away from the event, one thing stood out to us loud and clear: great stagecraft makes all the difference.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what we observed, what worked, and what speakers can do to step up their stage presence.

Stagecraft 101: What It Is and Why It Matters

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s define the term. Stagecraft is the art of using the stage strategically to amplify your message. That includes how you move, where you stand, how you interact with visuals (like slides), and how you connect with the audience physically and emotionally.

As Amani put it, it’s all about “how a speaker uses the stage to further communicate their message, make impact on the audience, and prove their points.”

It’s not just about talking. It’s about showing up with intention.

Ditching the Podium and Embracing Movement

One of the biggest takeaways from the weekend? Get away from the podium.

We noticed a clear difference in engagement between speakers who stood behind a podium and those who moved around the stage. When a speaker stays planted behind a podium, it can feel like they’re hiding. On the other hand, movement – especially when paired with eye contact and energy – grabs attention and keeps people engaged.

Amani even made a point to avoid the podium during his own intro announcements, opting for a handheld mic and free movement instead.

Pro tip: Movement keeps people on their toes. If they think you might call on them or interact, they’re way more likely to stay present.

Enter Like You Mean It

Stagecraft starts before your first word. The moment your name is announced, the audience is watching. Are you striding confidently? Smiling? Raising your arms in excitement? That first impression sets the tone.

Mandi shared how speakers who burst onto the stage with energy immediately won her attention. No fluff. No stalling. Just instant connection.

Energy, Emotion, and Entertainment

One speaker who absolutely nailed all three? Robin Banks.

From the second he hit the stage (literally running), Robin had the audience in the palm of his hand. He cleverly incorporated local San Diego references, made us laugh, got personal, and showed off his self-deprecating humor – all while delivering a powerful message about energy and mindset.

His breakout session afterward? Standing room only. We even had to pull tables out and add extra chairs because the demand was so high.

That kind of response doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful stagecraft and magnetic stage presence.

Innovative Programming and Audience Buy-In

One thing we loved about (We)Con’s format was the “TED Talk tryouts.” Three speakers, 15 minutes each. Afterward, attendees chose which speaker’s breakout to attend.

It was brilliant and it brought an extra level of excitement. The audience was invested. They weren’t just sitting back and consuming. They were choosing who to go deeper with.

Stagecraft: Content Matters, But Delivery Seals the Deal

Content format matters, of course. Instead of traditional “state of the industry” keynotes, this conference leaned into personal stories, specific how-tos, and emotional impact.

From LinkedIn strategy to resilience to performance-style talks, the content was fresh – and it stood out because the delivery matched the message.

So whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just stepping into the spotlight, here’s our biggest takeaway: Stagecraft isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s what transforms a talk into an experience.