EMPRESARIO VIRTUAL.COM - Illusion Of The First Time: Keys To Giving A Truly “Live” Performance

Singers and other musical performers display this freshness, too. Recently, I watched piano genius Marty Henne perform his one-hour show, featuring marvelous music and his informative commentary about George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter and other musical giants. Check his Web site:

http://www.martyhenne.com

Marty and I were traveling together aboard the Regatta, a luxury ship on the Oceania Cruise Line. Marty was the featured entertainer, and I was the Special Enrichment Lecturer.

Now, back to Marty's show. I had attended the same show when Marty performed on the Radisson Diamond Cruise Ship, where I was speaking also, fifteen months previously. Although Marty's act on the Regatta was practically the same word-for-word as what I had heard more than a year ago on the Diamond, the Regatta audience felt that his words, nonverbal communication and songs were spontaneous. Nothing about his performance appeared canned or choreographed. Unquestionably, he was “in the moment,” “live and in person.”

At breakfast the next morning, Marty and I agreed that speakers must establish the same "it's happening now for the first time" liveliness. Keep this in mind next time you face an audience, especially when you are delivering a message you have given previously. The message may be old to you, yet remember that it is totally new for these listeners--and must appear new. They will quit listening if they sense a rerun, yet will remain highly attentive when you speak energetically, with the same zest you would use in sharing good news with a close friend.

How do you achieve this aura of freshness? Consider these six steps:

Select a topic that captivates you, one you will continue to be excited about after hours of preparation.

Do not memorize your speech. Memorization will make you sound like a reciter, rather than an individual who wants to share his or her thoughts convincingly.

Focus on remembering and sharing key words and major points. The exact wording is not all that important. Your listeners will want to get the impression you are speaking "off the cuff," although you have prepared thoroughly.

Update and improve your material, especially with your most-repeated speech. Find fresh illustrations and stories, refine your signature story and quote something you read in the morning newspaper that relates to your theme. Refer to a conversation you had with a convention attendee at breakfast. Last-minute additions assure listeners that you and your topic are vibrant.

Take risks that challenge you to be more spontaneous and lively. For example: Walk into the audience like a game show emcee would, ask questions and respond to them. Use a hand-held microphone, so everyone in the room can hear what participants say.

Picture yourself having a conversation with an individual, and speak like that to your audience--which is nothing more than a collection of individuals. Marty Henne made this statement during our breakfast conversation, and I agree.

By following these guidelines, you will give your audiences the “illusion of the first time” that they expect, deserve and will applaud.