When I ask artists what they need the most help with or what their weak spots are in a live show, the most common answer I get is “talking to the audience.” I can relate.
Many times when I was playing live I would want to say something to the crowd; but when I started speaking, it would come out a disjointed, rambling mess.
It aggravated me so much I started rehearsing exactly what I wanted to say for a song set-up. Then I would put the first few words right on the set list to get me going in the right direction! It worked. Once I got started on the right foot, the rest would come out fine because I’d worked on it.
Next to last paragraph is key. Once I got comfortable talking to audience, making sure I didn’t talk too much and too fast (I’m also a licensed auctioneer & radio DJ) was something I had to watch carefully.
Ha! I know your struggle must be great being a ‘fast talker’…my Dad was an auctioneer 🙂 It will take some discipline but your audience will notice and appreciate the things you DO say, much more.
Thank you..
Very welcome!
Thanks, this is good advice, especially the part about writing cues down. Relating to an audience off the top of your head rarely seems to work for me. Your article was insigjtful.
Glad it helped you Malcolm!
At first I used to find it intriguing that talking will be part of live show, concert or performance, because given the option many singers like myself would have opted out.
However, following Tom Jackson’s method, I turn to now appreciate it more and also see how essential it is to not only learn how to communicate your thoughts but also create the opportunity to connect with your audience.
Having understood the where, when and why of talking to your audience, your article creatively filled the gap for the what part of it.
Hey Amy, what’s your take on mixing up what you say with some type comedy or poetry to spice things up?
Thanks for putting up this great article, it’s been a good read.
Yes, mix it up! If you’re naturally funny, I love the idea of things that make people laugh, and crowds always enjoy a fun moment(s) in your set. Knowing where/when to use this is important. I know an artist who is naturally very funny and self-depricating, but she sometimes kills an amazing bone-chilling song too soon with humor. Pick your times wisely. I like the idea of poetry too…think about underscoring (‘dinking’ in Tom’s Jaxicon lingo) with your intrument as you recite. Thanks JC!