Want Better Communication with the Audience? Try These Tips.
Every week, I try to spend time on a call with some of my relatives who live in another part of the world. English is not their chosen language and so I try my best to keep up speaking French with them. I don't claim to be particularly great a the French language, but I can keep up just enough to have a decent conversation. Live performance works in a very similar way.
While you may not enough information regarding your audience's needs, wants, or personality, you can still create a "conversation" by tuning in to how your audience is communicating with you. Like me speaking in French with my relatives, on stage, it helps to "speak in a language" that your audience understands. If you can tune into that, you can learn to command your crowd.
Here are 3 quick tips.
Understand the Situation
Before stepping onto the stage, take a moment to grasp the context of your performance. Why is your audience here? What are they expecting from your show? Whether it's entertainment at a wedding or a celebration at a corporate event, tailoring your performance to suit the occasion can significantly enhance your connection with the audience.
Assess your Audience "Maturity Level"
Another vital consideration is the maturity level of your audience. Whether you're addressing children, working adults, or retirees, adapting your language and presentation style accordingly is essential. Being attuned to the demographics of your audience ensures that your performance resonates with them on a deeper level.
Adjust to the Best Style of Communication
Once the performance begins, pay close attention to how the audience is responding. Are they eager to engage with you, or do they prefer to sit back and simply enjoy the music? Flexibility is both OK and encouraged in this case. Whether your audience craves interaction or prefers a more passive role, adjusting your communication style in real-time can make all the difference in commanding their attention and participation.
Final Thoughts
Commanding your crowd on stage is about more than just speaking or playing music—it's about mastering the art of communication. By understanding the situation, assessing the maturity levels of your audience, and reading their cues during your performance, you effectively learn how to best communicate with them. The next time you're on stage, try out these three tips and see how easy it becomes to command your crowd, leaving them eagerly anticipating your next performance.
Thanks for reading
Danny
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