A Comparison Between Public Speaking & Singing
- Making a Connection
- Confidence in Speaking
- Developing Meaning
There are many similarities between public speaking and singing.
In both we have to be able to make a connection with our audience. We have to stand firm and be confident.
Another similarity is that we have to develop meaning in what we are performing or speaking about.
Understanding how these skills work with each other can not only help you improve your stage presence, but improve your comfortability on the stage.
Making A Connection
How do you make a connection with the audience? The first step is to be yourself.
Talk with the audience as though they are a long time friend.
The more you talk, the more comfortable you will become as you realize no one is going to hurt you for speaking on stage.
You have to be emotionally available. Empathy is a great way to display that you care about your viewers and hope they are having a good time.
Emoting on stage is what brings your character out of its shell.
Don’t be afraid to move your head around or your hands as they help convey that you are getting into your performance.
Authenticity is created from within, meaning you have to have confidence and understand that your performance has meaning.
Confidence In Speaking
Confidence is a concept that is achieved by your mindset. If your mindset is in the wrong place, you will have trouble with public speaking and singing.
Often at times when we sing, we may have to be an MC. This means you are guiding your show from one song to the next, making idle conversation with your audience.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you may want to look into doing karaoke regularly.
This will help you mend your thoughts as you get familiar with taking the stage.
To be confident, you have to have something to focus on that you’re confident in.
For example, to sing a sad song means that you have to know what being sad feels like.
You have to be able to draw from that emotion and use that in place of anxiety.
You want to use your mind to change how you feel; separating yourself from your normal feelings helps you do this.
Developing Meaning
You can find meaning in everything that you do. When you are publicly speaking, generally you have a point to get across.
When singing a song, what is the point you want to get across? This is the most important question, as this is what will define your music.
If you don’t have a meaning, you may find it hard to generate lyrics, or telling people why you wrote your song.
Most performers give a reason they wrote the song before singing it.
This not only helps your audience empathize with what you wrote, but also helps you give a show that comes from the heart.
