Conference season is in full swing, and I recently had the privilege of attending the Women in Retail Leadership Summit — a three-day event featuring over 600 powerhouse women hosted by Women Leading Travel & Hospitality’s sister association, Women in Retail Leadership Circle. I hosted a fireside chat with the incredible Laysha Ward, who spent more than three decades shaping corporate purpose and community engagement at Target.

As I observed keynotes, panels and interactive sessions throughout the Summit, I was reminded how vital it is for executive women to master the art of stage presence. Whether you’re delivering a keynote, participating in a panel or being interviewed, your ability to connect with the audience can make the difference between a forgettable appearance and one that leaves a lasting impression.

Having spent my career helping leaders show up confidently in front of a crowd, I want to share a fresh batch of dos and “don’ts” inspired by what I witnessed at this event.

1. Nail the interview — whether you’re host or guest.

When you’re the interviewer, your job is to spotlight your guest — not yourself. Keynote interviews are all about getting the best stories out of the interviewee. This means you have to do your homework: read their book, watch past interviews, listen to podcasts, and think about what the audience will find inspiring, useful or novel. Ask questions that bring out compelling stories. Studies have shown that people remember stories up to 22 times better than they remember facts.

If you’re the one being interviewed, follow the lead of someone like Laysha Ward. She connected with the audience in a truly authentic way by being vulnerable and passionate in her remarks. She spoke to the audience in a way that felt conversational, even asking rhetorical questions of the audience and connecting eye-to-eye with women in the room.

2. Shine in a panel without overshadowing others.

Panels can be tricky. You’re sharing space and attention, but that doesn’t mean fading into the background. Listen intently to your co-panelists so you can build on their points rather than repeat or contradict what’s been said. If you have something valuable to add, lean forward subtly — this signals to the moderator that you’d like to contribute.

And always remember that your presence matters just as much when you’re not speaking. Stay engaged, smile and react. The audience is watching your body language, even when you’re not speaking.

3. Respect the clock.

Running long is one of the biggest mistakes speakers make — and it’s an easy way to lose favor with both organizers and fellow presenters. Schedules at conferences are tightly choreographed. Going over your allotted time throws off the flow and steals time from others. Respect the agenda and the audience and stick to your time limit.

4. Lose the podium.

A podium can be a literal and figurative barrier between you and your audience. If possible, ditch it. However, don’t swap one distraction for another — like pacing continuously across the stage. Instead, move with purpose. Shift your position only at natural breaks, like at the end of a sentence or key thought. Stillness can also be powerful; if you need to make an important or serious point, pause your movement.

5. Master ‘pies for the eyes.’

Eye contact is your bridge to the audience. Divide the room into three “slices” — left, center, and right — and rotate your gaze from section to section with each new idea. This “pies for the eyes” technique ensures everyone feels seen and included. Then, zoom in making eye contact with individual audience members for short beats. Speaking to one person at a time makes even a large room feel personal.

6. Create intimacy in a crowd.

At the Women in Retail Leadership Summit, the best speakers made us feel like we were having coffee in their living rooms — even in a ballroom with 600 people. Treat your audience like guests in your home. Ask rhetorical questions. Mention someone in the crowd if it feels right (“You’re nodding — you know what I’m talking about, right?”). Those small moments of connection elevate your message.

7. Don’t mistake speed for savvy.

Too many presenters think rapid-fire delivery shows mastery. It doesn’t. It creates anxiety and confuses your audience. Slow down. Breathe. Pause for emphasis. Thoughtful pacing builds trust and ensures your message is received, not just heard.

8. Infuse the room with energy.

If you don’t seem excited about what you’re saying, why should your audience be? Passion is contagious. One of the most unforgettable moments of the Summit came when Dilan Gomih, a human performance expert and fellow Forbes contributor, took the stage. She was bold, interactive and joyful — and she had everyone on their feet, laughing and moving (how did she do it in those heels? Masterful!). Her energy reset the room and re-engaged the crowd. You don’t need to be a performer to do this — just bring your enthusiasm to the stage.

Presenting on stage isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about making your audience feel included and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or stepping into the spotlight for the first time, we all have the power to transform a room.

Jane Hanson is a communications coach and the founder and CEO of HHH Productions. This article was originally published by Forbes and has been republished with permission from the author.