We all want our performances to be powerful. But just what does that mean? It better mean that you powerfully connect with -- and emotionally impact -- the heart of your audience.

Top mistakes which sabotage your performance power:

• Singing too loud 

Oh my, this is a big one. I've actually seen most of the audience get up and leave because someone is blasting them with volume... and the performer actually then sang louder under the mistaken impression that this would help him gain the audience back!

Even screaming rockers should never push 100% of air pressure when singing. Pull a scream instead... it will be more powerful! In fact, you actually sound bigger with more resonance from breath control that sends vocal sound through an open throat, not 100% air pressure pushing through your vocal cords.

Your vocal volume should draw audiences into your performance, not push them away.  Read the room... are people's ears bleeding? (and maybe your throat, too?) Back off the pressure (and add passion)!

• Singing too long

Forget fairness. If you have to cut your show short because the evening is going too long (which happens at many multi-performer events), do so! Make a great impression not only on your tired audience, but also the sound crew and the host that invited you. Not fair that you have to cut your time? Suck it up. Draw attention to yourself by leaving them wanting more... not less!

Caution: While you are on stage, don't apologize. Confidently occupy the stage for the time you're there... and then get off leaving them wandering what just wonderfully hit them.

• Talking too much

OK, people in the audience don't care about what you have to say unless it  entertains them. Accept that fact and you'll be a much better judge of what to say and how long to go on with your story. Yes, if time allows it is often good to give people a personal glimpse into you and your music by talking to them between songs. But if you bore... they may head for the door.

Again... read the room and the reaction to what you're saying. Tell them only what would draw them in-- not just what you want them to know.  

Caution: Do not talk too fast, do give pauses so the audience can absorb what you're saying... but spend your words like big money and keep it short!

• Using the wrong body language

If you are in a small venue, don't use pushy, showy body language. If you're in a large venue, occupy the space and open your body language up. It's like the difference between film and theater... gesture size needs to depend on venue size and characteristics.

And don't point at people! Talk about pushing... how do you like a finger in your face? Draw your audience in skillfully with body language and gestures appropriate to the venue, the occasion, and your genre of music.

• Being negative 

In general... consider the stage a no-whine zone! Reality check... Your audience doesn't care that your significant other dumped you last month or that the record industry dissed you or that you're having a hard life. Your job is to take care of THEM, not ask them to take care of YOU.

Yes, it can connect you to them by revealing a hard fact about your life, but always spin it positively. People are drawn towards the light, and music is at it's most powerful when it makes the world a better place.

Even if you speak to the ills of the world (some of the post powerful kinds of music teaches and warns) - make your performance cause the audience to think about what they can do about the problem instead of plunging them into hopelessness.

• Underarticulating

This is one of my personal pet peeves. It's like stealing a song from me when I can almost make out a few lyrics to an otherwise compelling musical performance. You can't draw a listener in nearly as well with nonsense syllables as you can with clarity of diction.

Genre needs to dictate diction, yes, but even the slurriest genres need to be understood. Don't over do it... just make your communication clear. If you're lyrics aren't strong enough to draw people in, choose another song:)

• Forgetting to be generous

When we perform, it should be an act of grace. If your audience perceives a spirit of generosity in the person to whom they are listening, they will be drawn in. If on the other hand there is a stinginess perceived it will push people away faster than anything I know.

Share the glory with others. Where time allows, thank people... side musicians, co-artists, hosts, support people and servers at your venue. When time does not allow, do something to communicate gratitude to your audience. Take a pause to acknowledge applause. Don't 'diss' their gift back to you by immediately turning your back to them after each song.

OK did I miss something? In your own role as audience, what did you experience that drew you in or pushed you away from a performance? Got links to performances that you consider particularly powerful? Your comments welcome!

Labels: Judy Rodman, performance mistakes, performance power