Connecting with your audience

Do you every have an audience? Of course you do, every time you speak with others. Maybe also you present to larger audiences. So you've got great material, but how close do you get to the people who are listening to you?

I was just watching a Robbie Williams video. I'm not his greatest musical fan, though there's not doubt he's a good pop singer and has some very catchy tunes. What I really admire him for, though is how he really stirs up the crowd, creating a strong bond with them. I'm not surprised he has had (and probably still does have) such a strong following.

Here's just some of the things he did to connect with his audience.

Showed boundless energy, using the whole stage and bouncing around in clear pleasure at being there (and not being afraid or bored).

Stopped now and again to gaze in wonder at the crowd, then telling them how wonderful they were, the best crowd ever ('I'm only as good as you') and thanking them.

Pulled a woman out from the crowd and danced closely with her (every woman in the audience put themselves in her place).

Went down into the crowd along a catwalk to sing 'amongst' them and holding out the microphone to them.

A woman in the audience was weeping and he threw her his jacket (which she put on with absolute adoration in her face).

Brought his mum, who he clearly loves, on stage to say hello to everyone.

Interacted with the band and dancers, again showing himself as a 'people person'.

Asked the crowd to 'grow old with me', thus bonding them to him well into the future.

I once saw him live in a mixed concert at Wembley and again he was an extremely impressive. Contrasting this with musicians who just stand there and play, he is memorable and it's easy to love him, not just his music.

Now translate this to your performances. whether it is teaching, talking to a group of friends or doing big-stage work. How do you connect? What can you learn from our Robbie?

Your Comments

To appreciate the genuine currents of connectivity that exist uniquely between some people and an audience.

Each of us have an instrument within our realm to breathe into so that our lives may find more purpose.

Though we must strive to discover, learn, and courageously trust that whatever it is that brings out in others an appreciation for our contribution to the whole human family, is as much apart of the composition as a microphone or disposable costume.

PsychMusing~

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