I was recently at a training event, and I got to sit in on a masterclass with a Master Teacher of IVA – Spencer Welch, who can be found at www.spencerwelch.com. He spent time with a handful of performers getting them to hone their performance and practice performance techniques to further engage them with the audience. In short-hand, here are the highlights:
1) Direct complete ideas to particular sections of the audience – By dividing up the audience – however large or small – into sections, it becomes easier to address particular sections of the audience. Many people know this technique. However, many people often think that they need to frantically look from place to place… instead, try addressing lines of the song that reflect a complete individual idea to one section, then for the next idea pick another section to address that idea to. This makes people feel like you are actually talking to them, telling them something, inviting them in to a conversation with you.
2) Change hands that you use to hold the microphone – Many times, people stand still with their hands by their side, unable to move or feel relaxed, and are rigid for the whole performance. There are also other performers who strut about stage frantically throughout the performance. Both become tiresome, because there is no variety. Actually, the slightest bit of change can introduce needed variety. As simple as changing hands that you use to hold the microphone can make a huge difference. Just remember to do this between complete ideas in the song, otherwise it can feel rehearsed rather than natural.
3) Don’t leave your microphone stand centre stage – Center-stage is the power position for the whole performance. Don’t leave your microphone hogging that power position. You can move it out of the way, drag it round with you, but YOU are the performer – you are who people are there to see, not your mic stand.
4) Don’t always stand right up to the microphone – If you see someone standing with their lips touching a microphone, your natural expectation is that they are about to start singing any second now. Even a few seconds delay between being right up against the microphone and starting to sing can leave an audience feeling confused about what is meant to be happening. If you are not going to be singing for a period of time, try backing away from the microphone until you are ready to sing again – this makes it abundantly clear to the audience what is going on and helps them to feel comfortable during your performance.
5) Practice songs with these moves – Spencer pointed out that performances are over 50% visual – how you look, how you move, how you appear can make or break a performance. The way you move about stage, how natural or UN-natural you look can win over or alienate an audience. We spend so much time honing our ability on voice, guitar, piano, other instruments, etc, but how often do we practice stage-craft? How often do we work through a song and think ‘how should this LOOK to the audience?’ The best bit of advice Spencer gave on top of all these tips, is to practice them in front a mirror and get used to them until they feel and look natural.
I’ll confess and say this post is a little over 500 words, but it’s such helpful advice to practice and get better at. It really does alleviate nerves and improve your performance. Can’t recommend these tips enough!
Learn More: Related Articles
If you want to learn more about performing and improving your own performances you may enjoy these related articles:
Performance Anxiety: What is it, where does it come from, what can we do about it
Performance Workshop with Rhonda Carlson: Part 1
Performance Workshop with Rhonda Carlson: Part 2
Performance Workshop with Rhonda Carlson: Part 3
Ease, Strain, Time to think: Improve your performances easily
Pacing yourself: Micro- and macro- rests in songs and sets