If you are doing your first gigs, performing at parties & events or singing at open mic nights, but… you can’t seem to make a real connection with your audience…
Emotions
How does the song you’re singing make you feel? Name all the emotions…and this can change per line, so really take the time to identify all of the emotions. Is the first line bittersweet, or just sad? Is the second half of the chorus overjoyed, or pretending to be fine when you’re hurting? Make sure you understand the emotional roller coaster that this song reflects for you. When you connect to a genuine emotion, you can project that emotion onto your audience. When you’re faking it… they can tell.
Storytelling
Let’s zoom in on what the song you’re singing is actually about. Say the first line, and see if you can mean all the words. Even when you didn’t write the song or don’t 100% connect to the lyrics, you can most likely find meaning in there that you can connect to your own life & emotional world. Say the lyrics out loud, as if you’re telling a story in a conversation with a friend. Do you notice the natural dynamic way your voice moves when you talk? Copy that in your singing! See it as talking on a melody.
Primal sounds
This exercise (also known as the Neanderthal exercise) usually *feeeels* embarrassing beforehand, but once you get over it… it always works miracles. When you say the first line of your song, and think of the emotion it holds… what is a sound that expresses that emotion? Is it a sad sigh? Or squeel of joy? An unabashed ‘YEAH!’? The options are endless, and personal for everyone. No wrong answers here! Trust your instinct on this one 🙂
Facial expressions & body movement
It’s possible to genuinely feel something, and not show it on the outside. If you tell someone: ‘I love you so much’ with a completely straight face, do you believe them? You’d probably be a little sceptical… When you understand the emotions of your song, express them with your face & body. Point, smile, walk, squat, roll on the floor if that’s what you genuinely feel. Authentic movement gives your performance a LOT more depth. No one wants to see a scarecrow with a poker face on stage!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Singing on stage is more than *just* singing on stage. It’s about creating an experience. These steps will help you get to the core of a song, and translate that into an AMAZING performance for your audience.
Your mind, body & voice work in their own unique way. Want to find out how YOU can become a star performer? Check out our online Vocal Psychology® course or book a private online Strategy Session with Maru
Disclaimer: Vocal Psychology® coaching is in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling or any other type of therapy or medical advice. I will at all times exercise my best professional efforts, skills and care. However, I cannot guarantee the outcome of coaching efforts and/or recommendations on my website/blog/email series and my comments about the outcome are expressions of opinion only. I cannot make any guarantees other than to deliver the coaching services purchased as described.