How to Make an Unforgettable Entrance

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.

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