When we start a performance, far too often we just launch into it unprepared.
YES, you want to have warmed up, and of course prepared your piece, but what I am talking about is preparing the actual launch into the piece. You need to be aware and in control.
To help, here is a simple 4-step launch:
- Plant yourself
- Stick ’em up
- Breathe
- Visualize
And NOW tell your story.
Plant yourself: Place your feet squarely on the ground to give yourself strength and confidence.
Stick ‘em up: Bring your hands up. You want to use your whole body in your performance, and this gets you ready to go.
Breathe: Most of us forget to breathe, leaving us at a disadvantage in our performance. Take a nice deep breath and…
Visualize: Who you are talking to and how you feel about them.
Now launch into your story. You are confident, physically engaged, and emotionally prepared to deliver your message.
It takes a lot of the work out of it.
Practice and enjoy!
~xod