Over the years I’ve read and heard from many sources about just how important that initial first impression is. As an entertainer, I’ve certainly experienced that the first impression is super important. It’s also important from a business standpoint. We make snap judgments all the time. We certainly do it when we meet people. We decide whether we are going to like or dislike someone almost immediately. We make super fast judgments as to whether we want to do deal or do business with someone, talk to them on the phone, or even spend a few moments talking to them. From an entertainer’s perspective, the audience meets us the moment we walk onstage. Managing that initial first impression is incredibly important. I was recently working on a cruise ship and experienced something that made me realize just how important the first impression really is.
So, I was standing just offstage as the show began. I was scheduled to go on after the opening singer. The singer had just gotten onboard the cruise ship earlier that day and this was her very first time on this ship. The cruise director was standing next to me. He made a comment that was obvious to me that he didn’t love her choice of costume. He then started the show and introduced the singer to the audience. She walked out onstage and belted out the first few lyrics to her opening song. I promise you she hadn’t been on that stage for more than two seconds when he turned to me and said, “Man, it’s a good thing she can sing!” And it’s true; she could blow the place up with her powerful voice. I thought that was really interesting.
Now the truth was that her outfit wasn’t inappropriate. It just wasn’t the cruise director favorite’s costume choice. I found it interesting that all was immediately forgiven the moment that she stepped onstage and had a great, powerful voice. And I know that the audience loved her. She is a great singer and very likable performer as well. Think about how this applies to all that we do. Whether you are an entertainer, a business person, or whatever, that initial impression that we make on others is huge!
Showing posts with label corporate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label corporate. Show all posts
Monday, August 29, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Making that Connection
Are you a speaker, presenter, or entertainer who wants to connect with your audience? I’m not talking about having your audience enjoy what you do, I’m talking about having the audience totally engaged in what you are saying or doing while you are onstage.
I’ve been watching performers and audiences for years in the hopes that I will learn from them and become a better entertainer, speaker and presenter by doing so. One of the things I’ve been paying particular attention to lately is that audiences respond (and I mean really respond!) when you can make your performance or presentation about them.
Now, you may be thinking, ‘Well, duh!” as this may sound very basic to you, but let’s explore this a little bit through an example or two.
I’ve been working quite frequently on a cruise ship over the last year. I’ve seen numerous singers, comedians, and variety acts perform for the audiences onboard. When the act that is onstage finds a way to engage the audience and make it about them the laughs are louder and the applause they receive is longer.
One of the main comics onboard the ship makes sure that part of his act speaks directly to the shared experience that everyone onboard has had. He talks about the shock of having to adjust to the confined area of the ship, he talks about how small the bathrooms are in the cabins, he talks about the things that every person onboard has already thought to themselves. He finds a way to express through humor and comedy the shared experience of ship life and the crowd gives him huge laughs because he is connecting with them.
When I speak to groups with one of my keynote presentations, I always try to incorporate some of my interactive magic into the presentation. By incorporating something fun, like magic or humor, the speech stays fun and interesting. Furthermore, because the magic that I share is interactive and gets people from the audience directly involved, it grabs everyone’s attention. In a fun way, it forces them to be engaged and paying attention. It becomes about them.
When you are up in front of a group with a common denominator, such as co-workers or people on a trip together, etc. you should look for every opportunity to use their commonality to personalize your performance or presentation. It will yield a more focused audience as well as much stronger reactions from them.
So, my advice to anyone who gets up in front of a group of people is to find a way to involve and engage them. Make the presentation or performance relevant to them. Make it about them. Speak directly to their hopes and dreams and you will have an attentive, appreciative audience. Until next time…
I’ve been watching performers and audiences for years in the hopes that I will learn from them and become a better entertainer, speaker and presenter by doing so. One of the things I’ve been paying particular attention to lately is that audiences respond (and I mean really respond!) when you can make your performance or presentation about them.
Now, you may be thinking, ‘Well, duh!” as this may sound very basic to you, but let’s explore this a little bit through an example or two.
I’ve been working quite frequently on a cruise ship over the last year. I’ve seen numerous singers, comedians, and variety acts perform for the audiences onboard. When the act that is onstage finds a way to engage the audience and make it about them the laughs are louder and the applause they receive is longer.
One of the main comics onboard the ship makes sure that part of his act speaks directly to the shared experience that everyone onboard has had. He talks about the shock of having to adjust to the confined area of the ship, he talks about how small the bathrooms are in the cabins, he talks about the things that every person onboard has already thought to themselves. He finds a way to express through humor and comedy the shared experience of ship life and the crowd gives him huge laughs because he is connecting with them.
When I speak to groups with one of my keynote presentations, I always try to incorporate some of my interactive magic into the presentation. By incorporating something fun, like magic or humor, the speech stays fun and interesting. Furthermore, because the magic that I share is interactive and gets people from the audience directly involved, it grabs everyone’s attention. In a fun way, it forces them to be engaged and paying attention. It becomes about them.
When you are up in front of a group with a common denominator, such as co-workers or people on a trip together, etc. you should look for every opportunity to use their commonality to personalize your performance or presentation. It will yield a more focused audience as well as much stronger reactions from them.
So, my advice to anyone who gets up in front of a group of people is to find a way to involve and engage them. Make the presentation or performance relevant to them. Make it about them. Speak directly to their hopes and dreams and you will have an attentive, appreciative audience. Until next time…
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Most Important Things You Must Know Before Booking Entertainment For Your Next Event – Part 6
Over the last several months, we’ve been exploring the most important things you need to know in order to successfully find and book the very best entertainment for your next special event. I created this guide from my experiences over the past ten years as a professional entertainer. I know that if you follow each of these steps you will have a massively successful event. Enjoy the last part, part #6!
9. Payment
Some entertainers and speakers request that you pay up front before the show begins. Others are comfortable accepting payment at the end. Refer to the contract for guidance on what you agreed to. If the entertainer doesn't specify which they prefer, then do whatever is comfortable for you. Some people and many corporations choose to pay in full up front before the actual show date. One of the advantages to paying before the show is that you won’t have to tear yourself away from your guests in order to deliver a check to your entertainer while he or she is trying to pack up or meet people after the program.
10. The Follow-Up
After a program and before they leave, most entertainers and speakers make a point of touching base with the person who booked the event in order to thank them. Also, don’t be surprised if you hear from them again several days after the program to thank you once more and get feedback. Take this opportunity to share your thoughts. You may also wish to discuss other possible entertainment or speaking opportunities you have in the future.
The best way to show your appreciation for an excellent program is to pass the entertainer’s name and contact information along to friends and fellow business associates. Offering to write a letter of recommendation about your experience with an entertainer is also a huge compliment. Letters of recommendation are very powerful tools that entertainers and speakers rely on for booking other events.
Wrap Up
So there you have it. In this blog series, I have compiled the most important tips and techniques I have learned over the past decade of speaking and entertaining at private and corporate events. I hope this information will help you in your quest for the perfect program for your special event. With these tips in mind, go out there with full confidence that you know what you’re doing, and book yourself an outstanding program! Best wishes and good luck!
To start at the beginning of this series, click here.
To contact me directly, click here or give me a call at 888-212-2863. Blessings!
9. Payment
Some entertainers and speakers request that you pay up front before the show begins. Others are comfortable accepting payment at the end. Refer to the contract for guidance on what you agreed to. If the entertainer doesn't specify which they prefer, then do whatever is comfortable for you. Some people and many corporations choose to pay in full up front before the actual show date. One of the advantages to paying before the show is that you won’t have to tear yourself away from your guests in order to deliver a check to your entertainer while he or she is trying to pack up or meet people after the program.
10. The Follow-Up
After a program and before they leave, most entertainers and speakers make a point of touching base with the person who booked the event in order to thank them. Also, don’t be surprised if you hear from them again several days after the program to thank you once more and get feedback. Take this opportunity to share your thoughts. You may also wish to discuss other possible entertainment or speaking opportunities you have in the future.
The best way to show your appreciation for an excellent program is to pass the entertainer’s name and contact information along to friends and fellow business associates. Offering to write a letter of recommendation about your experience with an entertainer is also a huge compliment. Letters of recommendation are very powerful tools that entertainers and speakers rely on for booking other events.
Wrap Up
So there you have it. In this blog series, I have compiled the most important tips and techniques I have learned over the past decade of speaking and entertaining at private and corporate events. I hope this information will help you in your quest for the perfect program for your special event. With these tips in mind, go out there with full confidence that you know what you’re doing, and book yourself an outstanding program! Best wishes and good luck!
To start at the beginning of this series, click here.
To contact me directly, click here or give me a call at 888-212-2863. Blessings!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
The Most Important Things You Must Know Before Booking Entertainment For Your Next Event – Part 5
Over the last several months, we’ve been exploring the most important things you need to know in order to successfully find and book the very best entertainment for your next special event. I created this guide from my experiences over the past ten years as a professional entertainer. I know that if you follow each of these steps you will have a massively successful event. Enjoy part five!
7. The Day of the Event
As far as the program goes, you should have had several discussions with your entertainer by now which would answer any and all questions that either of you may have had. It should be clear, because of the previously agreed upon details in the contract, what time your entertainer will arrive, when and where they will set up, and what time the program will begin. Be sure that you or the main contact person of the event is carrying a cell phone in case your entertainer runs into any last minute issues and needs to contact you.
Depending on your event, you may wish to build excitement about the program. Having appropriate signage -- such as a large poster on an easel, a photograph with a bio, or even a promotional video playing on a television for people to see as they arrive -- are excellent ways to build a buzz. Your guests should be looking forward to the exciting program you have planned.
8. Last Minute Details and Showtime!
You’ve done your research and selected the best program for your event. At this point, there should be nothing for you to worry about. One of the last things you may be asked to do is have someone introduce the entertainer or speaker. If that is the case, the entertainer or speaker should have a note card with a brief introduction for you to read. While you might want to review the information briefly beforehand, this shouldn’t be hard.
In addition, some entertainers will ask you prior to the show if there are any particular guests you might suggest who would be good for them to interact with. They are looking for people who will be comfortable if called upon in front of your other guests. Have several men and women in mind who have good senses of humor and who might enjoy being part of the audience participation aspect of the show.
You may also want to ask your entertainer about any good photo opportunities they might suggest. Some programs have funny moments or especially visual moments built in that lend themselves naturally to taking a photo. Making memories in this way by knowing the perfect spots to pause long enough to get a good shot is another way to maximize the fun and success of your entertainment.
At this point, you’ve done all the work and should kick back, relax and enjoy!
Wrap Up
Keep your eyes on this blog for next month's entry when we'll wrap up the most important tips and techniques you must know before booking entertainment for your next special event. To start at the beginning of this series, click here for the first entry. And to receive a free copy of my brand new book (where most of this information is coming from), visit my website, fill out the webform, and I'll rush you a copy today! Blessings!
7. The Day of the Event
As far as the program goes, you should have had several discussions with your entertainer by now which would answer any and all questions that either of you may have had. It should be clear, because of the previously agreed upon details in the contract, what time your entertainer will arrive, when and where they will set up, and what time the program will begin. Be sure that you or the main contact person of the event is carrying a cell phone in case your entertainer runs into any last minute issues and needs to contact you.
Depending on your event, you may wish to build excitement about the program. Having appropriate signage -- such as a large poster on an easel, a photograph with a bio, or even a promotional video playing on a television for people to see as they arrive -- are excellent ways to build a buzz. Your guests should be looking forward to the exciting program you have planned.
8. Last Minute Details and Showtime!
You’ve done your research and selected the best program for your event. At this point, there should be nothing for you to worry about. One of the last things you may be asked to do is have someone introduce the entertainer or speaker. If that is the case, the entertainer or speaker should have a note card with a brief introduction for you to read. While you might want to review the information briefly beforehand, this shouldn’t be hard.
In addition, some entertainers will ask you prior to the show if there are any particular guests you might suggest who would be good for them to interact with. They are looking for people who will be comfortable if called upon in front of your other guests. Have several men and women in mind who have good senses of humor and who might enjoy being part of the audience participation aspect of the show.
You may also want to ask your entertainer about any good photo opportunities they might suggest. Some programs have funny moments or especially visual moments built in that lend themselves naturally to taking a photo. Making memories in this way by knowing the perfect spots to pause long enough to get a good shot is another way to maximize the fun and success of your entertainment.
At this point, you’ve done all the work and should kick back, relax and enjoy!
Wrap Up
Keep your eyes on this blog for next month's entry when we'll wrap up the most important tips and techniques you must know before booking entertainment for your next special event. To start at the beginning of this series, click here for the first entry. And to receive a free copy of my brand new book (where most of this information is coming from), visit my website, fill out the webform, and I'll rush you a copy today! Blessings!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Controlling Your Environment
As a performer who received much of my initial training in a theatrical setting, I have always placed a high importance on creating a mood. It’s one of my goals to create a mood from the moment someone walks into a theatre to see one of my shows until they leave. I think that proper pre-show music as well as proper lighting can build anticipation and get your audience excited about what is to come.
Some of my favorite moments when I attend shows are when you file into the theatre and feel the ambience. I believe that getting an audience into the right mindset to enjoy the upcoming show is just tremendously important.
I recently performed for a very high end corporate function and was immediately reminded why it is so important to control all elements of a production, especially the environment.
This specific event was lavish. It was in a beautiful hall that had been exquisitely decorated with the finest linens, flowers, stage settings, etc. Everything had been thought of and prepared perfectly.
I had been engaged to create an original, themed five minute sequence of magic that would add to the atmosphere. It really wasn’t a situation where I had very much control. I was a guest in someone else’s home, so to speak. I was supposed to come in, do my act, and that was that. Unfortunately I didn’t get to call the shots.
So, I arrived, set everything up, and waited until I was on. When I got my cue to take the stage, I took my place and executed my act. Everything went flawlessly. Unfortunately, nobody cared. Only a tiny portion of the five hundred guests paid any attention to what I was doing. It was painful.
Please understand this; I’m a very dynamic performer who commands the stage. I also have worked numerous events. I have had great success entertaining groups exactly like this one. This was an anomaly. But it’s the type of thing that drives me crazy and I just have to figure out what happened so it doesn’t happen again.
I’ve thought a lot about what happened and I have a few ideas on why it went so poorly. There were two major issues here. The first one was that I took the stage at the exact same time that the food was served. That one is really my fault. I shouldn’t have agreed to start the show when there was such a massive distraction. Honestly, I know better. I’ve known not to do that forever. Why I let it happen this one time, I’ll never know. Well, actually I do know, but I’m not going to lay the blame on other people. I’ll take the blame here. Chalk one more up to experience and things that I won’t let happen again.
However, in my opinion, the main problem here was that the environment was not controlled. If the environment had been properly focused on what was going on, this performance could have been a major hit. I really believe that it was as simple as dimming the lights. That’s it. If the lights in the main hall had been dimmed down to about 25% and the lights on the stage had been brought up to full intensity it would have been obvious that the program was beginning and everyone would have quieted down and started watching the program while they ate. You know, this one simple thing would have helped me, but it also would have helped the program chairs who went on immediately after me and were somewhat ignored for the first few minutes of their speech as well.
I really believe that it is as simple as that. If you work in corporate settings, please take a lesson from this. If you want to focus people’s attention on a show or a speaker, you must control the environment and give your program or speaker every chance to succeed.
Some of my favorite moments when I attend shows are when you file into the theatre and feel the ambience. I believe that getting an audience into the right mindset to enjoy the upcoming show is just tremendously important.
I recently performed for a very high end corporate function and was immediately reminded why it is so important to control all elements of a production, especially the environment.
This specific event was lavish. It was in a beautiful hall that had been exquisitely decorated with the finest linens, flowers, stage settings, etc. Everything had been thought of and prepared perfectly.
I had been engaged to create an original, themed five minute sequence of magic that would add to the atmosphere. It really wasn’t a situation where I had very much control. I was a guest in someone else’s home, so to speak. I was supposed to come in, do my act, and that was that. Unfortunately I didn’t get to call the shots.
So, I arrived, set everything up, and waited until I was on. When I got my cue to take the stage, I took my place and executed my act. Everything went flawlessly. Unfortunately, nobody cared. Only a tiny portion of the five hundred guests paid any attention to what I was doing. It was painful.
Please understand this; I’m a very dynamic performer who commands the stage. I also have worked numerous events. I have had great success entertaining groups exactly like this one. This was an anomaly. But it’s the type of thing that drives me crazy and I just have to figure out what happened so it doesn’t happen again.
I’ve thought a lot about what happened and I have a few ideas on why it went so poorly. There were two major issues here. The first one was that I took the stage at the exact same time that the food was served. That one is really my fault. I shouldn’t have agreed to start the show when there was such a massive distraction. Honestly, I know better. I’ve known not to do that forever. Why I let it happen this one time, I’ll never know. Well, actually I do know, but I’m not going to lay the blame on other people. I’ll take the blame here. Chalk one more up to experience and things that I won’t let happen again.
However, in my opinion, the main problem here was that the environment was not controlled. If the environment had been properly focused on what was going on, this performance could have been a major hit. I really believe that it was as simple as dimming the lights. That’s it. If the lights in the main hall had been dimmed down to about 25% and the lights on the stage had been brought up to full intensity it would have been obvious that the program was beginning and everyone would have quieted down and started watching the program while they ate. You know, this one simple thing would have helped me, but it also would have helped the program chairs who went on immediately after me and were somewhat ignored for the first few minutes of their speech as well.
I really believe that it is as simple as that. If you work in corporate settings, please take a lesson from this. If you want to focus people’s attention on a show or a speaker, you must control the environment and give your program or speaker every chance to succeed.
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