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Illusion of the First Time: Keys to Giving a Truly "Live" Performance
by Bill Lampton, Ph.D.
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Bill
Lampton, Ph.D. |
When I teach presentation skills to professional people--either in a seminar
or through my personal coaching--I explain the long-standing theatre phrase,
"Illusion of the First Time." Here's the meaning: When an actor performs in a
play for the 10th, 100th or 1,000th time, he or she must create the illusion
that this is the first time the actor has said these words, used these gestures
and facial expressions or thought these thoughts. Superlative actors create this
response, no matter how many times they repeat what they have done previously.
Recently, I watched piano genius Marty Henne perform his one-hour show,
featuring marvelous music and his informative commentary about George and Ira
Gershwin, Cole Porter and other musical giants. Check his Web site:
www.martyhenne.com
Marty and I were traveling together aboard the Regatta, a luxury ship on the
Oceania Cruise Line. Marty was the featured entertainer, and I was the Special
Enrichment Lecturer.
Now, back to Marty's show. I had attended the same show when Marty performed
on the Radisson Diamond Cruise Ship, where I was also speaking, fifteen months
previously. Although Marty's act on the Regatta was practically identical
word-for-word as what I heard more than a year ago on the Diamond, the Regatta
audience felt that his words, nonverbal communication and songs were
spontaneous.
At breakfast the next morning, Marty and I agreed that speakers must
establish the same "it's happening now for the first time" liveliness. Keep this
in mind next time you face an audience, especially when you are delivering a
message you have given previously. The message may be old to you, yet remember
that it is totally new for these listeners--and must appear new. They will quit
listening if they sense a rerun, yet will remain highly attentive when you speak
energetically, with the same zest you would use in sharing good news with a
close friend.
How do you achieve this aura of freshness? Consider these four steps:
- Select a topic that captivates you, one you will continue to be excited
about after hours of preparation.
- Do not memorize your speech. You will sound like a reciter, rather than an
individual who wants to share his thoughts convincingly.
- Focus on remembering and sharing key words and major points. The exact
wording is not all that important. Your listeners will want to get the
impression you are speaking "off the cuff," although you have prepared
thoroughly.
- Picture yourself having a conversation with an individual, and speak like
that to your audience--which is nothing more than a collection of individuals.
Marty Henne made this statement during our breakfast conversation, and I
agree.
By following these guidelines, you will give your audiences the "illusion of
the first time" that they expect, deserve and will applaud.
Bill Lampton, Ph.D., "Helps You Finish in First Place,"
through championship communication and maximum motivation. He wrote a popular
book, The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life!
Check his Web site:
http://www.ChampionshipCommunication.com
Call Dr. Bill Lampton: 770-534-3425. E-mail him:
drbill@ChampionshipCommunication.com
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