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If you want to put on a great performance, practice is paramount. Not only will you improve technically, but you will gain the confidence necessary to deliver a captivating show.
A good way to learn what works and what doesn't work is to study the performances of your favorite artists. Look out for their onstage behavior and see what resonates most.
In addition to practicing at home, either for yourself or for friends and family members, try to play or perform in as many small venues as you can to gain experience.
If you can't make it to a gig in person, why not watch a gig recording on YouTube? Sure, the atmosphere won't be the same, but you will still learn a lot.
Even if you're a folk musician or a ballet dancer, for instance, search deep within and find your inner rock star. Make sure that your stage persona is passionate and energetic.
We human beings tend towards those things we know we're good at, but part of being a great performer is being able to excel at all elements of the performance.
Indeed, many of the greats are remembered for their iconic costumes. Think of Michael Jackson and his infamous red jacket, for example.
Just when you think you are too exaggerated, give a bit more and that will be the level the audience responds to best.
Talent and passion go a long way, but it's also important to look the part. The way you dress is all part of the act that the audience comes to see and enjoy.
Identify your weaknesses and throw yourself into improving on them. If you're a musician and find it difficult to get into the music physically, for example, take a dance class.
One of the biggest challenges performers are required to overcome is learning to maneuver a large stage. Whatever you do, be sure to make the most of the space.
Don't stay in one spot, as this will make your performance seem too rigid. Move around the stage and engage fully with all the space available.
If you find it tricky to film yourself, why not practice in front of a mirror? Once you have an idea of how your performance looks, be sure to work on those areas that really need it.
When it comes to performing, it is virtually impossible to do too much. Make sure that everything you do is exaggerated, from your movements to your vocals.
This one will come naturally to the dancers among us, but the musicians and actors may find it more tricky. Having complete physical control is paramount.
Train yourself not to fidget, as this will only let the audience know you are nervous. Breathe properly, use natural posture, and try to keep your body movements relaxed.
This one holds particularly true for actors, whose performance will be most believable if the body movements and speech are natural.
The same goes for actors, for whom the best way to engage with the audience is to make eye contact when possible and called for. Don't focus on a single person, but rather scan naturally.
It is important to include the crowd in everything you do. When it comes to concerts, people don't go along just to watch; they want to sing along, dance, and be involved.
Again, perhaps easier said than done, but try to make your performance as natural as possible. The audience will get the most out of it if you're relaxed and natural.
Use all your vocal registers and be sure to vary both pitch and volume. Don't be afraid to go to those places that make you a little uncomfortable, but be sure to practice first.
If you are a singer, try to build varied vocals into your repertoire. The audience will tire quickly of a set that includes monotone vocals with minimal range.
If you have some dramatic tricks up your sleeve, why not try them out? You will take your co-performers as well as the audience along with you.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of energy to your performance. Make sure you always give 110% and go the extra mile to give an energetic performance.
Silence between songs is one of the biggest mood killers at a concert. Nothing really takes the audience out of the moment more than that.
Plan your set meticulously to ensure that all gaps between songs are filled. Use cues in your front man or woman's banter to indicate when it's time to start the next song.
Sources: (WikiHow) (Musician Port)
See also: Glastonbury Festival's most iconic moments and performances
When it comes to performing, talent and technical prowess will only get you so far. Whether you're a musician, actor, or stand-up comedian, you also need presence.
Sure, there are those for whom stage presence comes more naturally. But if that's not you, fear not! There are things you can do to improve your stage presence and take your performance to the next level.
Check out this gallery for some tips on how to improve your stage presence.
It may sound easier said than done, but the best way to ensure you have great stage presence is to exude confidence. Your confidence will put the audience at ease and ensure they enjoy the show.
A great way to see what is working and what's not working in your own performance is to film yourself and watch it back. This will help you identify any problem areas.
How to improve your stage presence
Help take your performance from good to great
LIFESTYLE Performance
When it comes to performing, talent and technical prowess will only get you so far. Whether you're a musician, actor, or stand-up comedian, you also need presence.
Sure, there are those for whom stage presence comes more naturally. But if that's not you, fear not! There are things you can do to improve your stage presence and take your performance to the next level.
Check out this gallery for some tips on how to improve your stage presence.