Loretta Young makes television history when she appears at the
head of her immense staircase and surveys the set. Then she
swoops down to start the show.
The Pope steps out onto his balcony overlooking St. Peter's
Square in Rome and surveys the crowd. Then he begins the
benediction.
Bette Davis stops in the doorway and looks around. Then she
mutters, "What a dump!"
And every late-night TV comic since "Heeeere's Johnny!"
steps center stage and scrutinizes the applauding audience. Then
he reveals the reason for the smirk on his face.
What do all these great entrances have in common? Each
pauses momentarily and looks around before swooping into decisive action.
Movie directors love shots of THE DOORWAY where the
camera pans, the music swells, and all eyes gravitate to the honcho or honchoette standing under the frame. Does the star skulk
into the room like a frightened little kitten in a new owner's home?
Or, like many of us do at a party, frantically gravitate to the first
familiar face so people won't think he or she's unconnected? No,
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the star stops. Then, framed by the doorway, his or her notable
presence is felt by all.
People who have mastered this trick have what envious theatrical wanna-bes call "stage presence." Stage groupies think some
lucky stars are born with it. Think again, thespians. It's cultivated.
Politicians don't just slink unnoticed into a roomful of people.
Politicians make The Entrance.
With one simple technique, you too can make great entrances.
I call it "Rubberneck the Room." Before entering, stop dramatically
in the doorway and survey the scene s-l-o-w-l-y with your eyes. It
is significant that, while you're standing in the doorway, you're not
thinking, "Look at me." The reason you're Rubbernecking the
Room is not to show off. It is so you can diagnose the situation
you're walking into. Take note of the lighting, the bar, and most
important, the faces. Listen to the music, the buzz of the crowd, the
clinking of glasses. See who is talking to whom. While rubbernecking, you'll also be using "Be the Chooser, Not the Choosee,"
the next technique, which helps you select your first, second, and
maybe third target. Now, like the big cat who rules the jungle, leap
in to make your first move toward wiping up the room.
In tandem with Rubberneck the Room, try using the following technique.
How to Make an Unforgettable Entrance 273
Technique #72
Rubberneck the Room
When you arrive at the gathering, stop dramatically in
the doorway. Then s-l-o-w-l-y survey the situation. Let
your eyes travel back and forth like a SWAT team
ready in a heartbeat to wipe out anything that moves.