Lessons learnt from CASA Acapella Summit Part 1
Last month, I attended the Acapella Summit with a group of music lovers. And in one of the workshops, they taught singers about stage presence. And interestingly, I found these tips very applicable to speakers too. Here's what I have jot down. Let me share with you the first three.
1. Find the floor and ground yourself
How many times have you found yourself distracted by speakers that keep pacing around aimlessly? Instead of focusing on their speech, you wonder where the speaker will be heading next (literally!) And as an audience, this action is associated with nervous ness and lack of confidence. Hardly traits you want to be associated with, which explains the importance of finding a spot to ground yourself. Pyschologically, you will create a sense of stability to your audience. And from that spot, you can start exploring the stage. (Another topic altogether). So the next time you give your speech, watch how you flutter around the stage!
2. Three Seconds Rule
The speaker shared about how singers will stroll onto stage and get ready. For example, making small talks or doing mike test, drinking water etc. And she mentioned that singers should be INTIMATE IMMEDIATELY! No time to waste. How true! That's the reason why I would recommend speakers to go to their speaking venues an hour earlier. Get yourself prep up. Test the mike (if you use one). Try standing on the stage. Try walking around. Coz when you get on stage, there is NO time to be ready! You have 3 seconds to create an impression. And I presume you want to make a good one! So go on stage and jump right into your speech. Start with an attention grabber that will engage your audience immediately. You have only three seconds to prove yourself. Shine!
3. Don't close your eyes
OK I will explain. Know how some singers will get so self absorbed in themselves (or their song). They will close their eyes and sing, like what Witney Houston always does. Here's the thing. You aren't a super star so stop tempting fate by breaking contact with your audience.
This underscores the importance of engaging your audience ALL THE TIME. Eye contact is just one way to do so. But do remember that whatever that you do in your speech, you should always engage the audience. They are a jealous and insecure bunch of people. It starts with the message. Is your message applicable to them? Are they able to relate to your story? Then your body language. Are you distracting them or are you adding omph into your speech? Things like that. Never ever lose your audience. Read what Tom has to say about brainstoppers. See April 7 post. Definitely an excellent way to break the connection with your beloved audience. :)
1. Find the floor and ground yourself
How many times have you found yourself distracted by speakers that keep pacing around aimlessly? Instead of focusing on their speech, you wonder where the speaker will be heading next (literally!) And as an audience, this action is associated with nervous ness and lack of confidence. Hardly traits you want to be associated with, which explains the importance of finding a spot to ground yourself. Pyschologically, you will create a sense of stability to your audience. And from that spot, you can start exploring the stage. (Another topic altogether). So the next time you give your speech, watch how you flutter around the stage!
2. Three Seconds Rule
The speaker shared about how singers will stroll onto stage and get ready. For example, making small talks or doing mike test, drinking water etc. And she mentioned that singers should be INTIMATE IMMEDIATELY! No time to waste. How true! That's the reason why I would recommend speakers to go to their speaking venues an hour earlier. Get yourself prep up. Test the mike (if you use one). Try standing on the stage. Try walking around. Coz when you get on stage, there is NO time to be ready! You have 3 seconds to create an impression. And I presume you want to make a good one! So go on stage and jump right into your speech. Start with an attention grabber that will engage your audience immediately. You have only three seconds to prove yourself. Shine!
3. Don't close your eyes
OK I will explain. Know how some singers will get so self absorbed in themselves (or their song). They will close their eyes and sing, like what Witney Houston always does. Here's the thing. You aren't a super star so stop tempting fate by breaking contact with your audience.
This underscores the importance of engaging your audience ALL THE TIME. Eye contact is just one way to do so. But do remember that whatever that you do in your speech, you should always engage the audience. They are a jealous and insecure bunch of people. It starts with the message. Is your message applicable to them? Are they able to relate to your story? Then your body language. Are you distracting them or are you adding omph into your speech? Things like that. Never ever lose your audience. Read what Tom has to say about brainstoppers. See April 7 post. Definitely an excellent way to break the connection with your beloved audience. :)
posted by Tripp at 1:05 PM
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