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drpaladin

drpaladin 117,450
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Does one need Poise? It Depends.

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Bill W

Bill W 64,338
Pensive

Posted (edited)

The word poise comes from the Old French word pois ("to weigh on a scale" or "heaviness"), which traces back to the Latin word pensum ("a weighed portion" or "something withed") and the verb pendere ("hang", "cause to hang" or "weigh").  Over time, the meaning shifted from literal physical weight to a balanced state, and by the 1640s, to emotional and mental balance.  It was borrowed into Middle English as poisem / pois in the 14th and 15th centuries to mean physical weight, heaviness, or equilibrium.  In the 16th century the meaning evolved to describe a state of being equally weighted on both sides (equilibrium).  In the 1640s it shifted metaphorically to mean mental steadiness, calmness, and composure.  In the 1770s it expanded to describe physical carriage, or the way a person carries their body.  

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest recorded use of "poise" depends on the part of speech.  The verb appears first in 1389, while the primary  noun form (weight / balance dates back to 1421 in the Rolls of Parliament.   The secondary noun form (unit of viscosity) appears much  later in 1913.  

Edited by Bill W
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Bill W

Bill W 64,338
Pensive

Posted (edited)

Poise in storytelling is the calm control and balance a speaker shows. It builds trust, helps the audience focus on the message, and turns a nervous delivery into a smooth, powerful experience.  

Why Poise Matters:  
Builds Trust: A calm speaker makes listeners feel safe and sure.  
Controls the Pace: Slow, steady movements and pauses give heavy moments room to breathe.  
Reduces Noise: It stops nervous habits so the core message shines.  
Shows Confidence: Standing tall and steady proves you know your value and your story.  

How to Practice Poise:  
Breathe Deeply: Calm breaths keep your body steady and your voice clear.  
Use Clean Gestures: Make intentional movements that match your words, then rest your hands.  
Embrace Pauses: Do not rush through quiet or scary parts of the tale.  
Focus on the Listeners: Think about helping the audience rather than how you look.  
Edited by Bill W
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