Good stage presence helps music artists have long memorable careers. Here are some live performance tips for those who fear speaking in public or who just want to improve their live shows. Most of you know I began emceeing back in the early 80's. I have been blessed to stand on many stages in my lifetime even before I knew what Hiphop was. I have always loved the art of emceeing whether it is written for a live performance or freestyle.
When it comes to live shows, the art and skill of emceeing helps people connect with you. Live shows put your face with the music. When they really like you, they call you back for more. This article is about what it takes to get them to call you back.
I call it Stage Presence.
Here are 5 tips to help you improve your stage presence:
- You must rehearse
- You must connect
- You must engage
- You must make a memorable entrance
- You must make a memorable exit
Let us look at each one separately:
1. You must rehearse
When people come to see you perform live, they want to be entertained. The best live performers rehearse to give the audience the best show possible. Rehearsing helps you get all the kinks out of your performance. It helps make your set tight. If you are on stage and you do not have any order, the crowd will know. Rehearsal helps you ultimately with having as flawless a set as possible and giving the crowd the "Ooo weeee! I would definitely like to see you perform again!" experience.
2. You must connect
From the moment you hit the stage, you make a connection with your audience. The crowd has all eyes on you. That connection should hopefully be a good one. You have to be convinced yourself that you are going to give them a great show before anybody else will. Do not be afraid to look directly into the eyes of the people in the crowd when you get onstage. They will respect you more.
3. You must engage
A dope emcee interacts with the audience. It may be through a call and response song or chant. Or it could be shaking hands with people in the audience. A true emcee has the power to engage with the crowd and let them help control the flow of the show. This means they give you feedback as you give them a show.
4. You must make a memorable entrance.
This actually piggybacks on number 2 from above. People will be looking and listening to every thing you do and say. This is also one of the crucial two moments of your show. This is the moment you have to make the first impression and it sets the tone of your show.
5. You must make a memorable exit
The second crucial moment of your show is the exit or ending of your show. This is the last thing people usually remember about you and your show. It is good to have peaks and valleys in your show. This also helps you connect and engage the crowd. To really make a mark you have to leave them feeling totally entertained. A memorable exit will hopefully make them want to see you perform again if they liked you.
6. BONUS Technique!!! - Leave the fans with some type of souvenir
This is a killer bonus step because you can use this technique to work with any of the techniques above. By giving something of value to the audience, some thing physical like a CD, key chain, mug, t-shirt, etc., you connect and engage with your audience. If you give it to them at the beginning of the show it helps you make a memorable entrance. If used at the end, it helps to make a memorable exit. The fans will always remember you for giving them something.
Try these techniques out for yourself to help build your stage presence. If you know all of these tips, then fine. Even one tip may have inspired you to reach for more. If so then my job was accomplished.
So what are you waiting on? Go and get started now and leave your brand of stage presence on the world.
