Who are you performing for?

Here's another interesting example from American Idol of a performer who has a completely different perception of himself than the audience (or at least different from the judges - but I have to assume that if all three judges agree, then many viewers must agree as well). That's not to say he's right or the judges are right, but I wonder if Robbie Carrico has watched himself perform.

He wants to be perceived as a rocker, yet the judges refuse to indulge him. In last night's performance, I think I saw part of what was missing.

Robbie performs to and for himself. His eyes are closed throughout much of his song. When his eyes are open, he's looking up to the ceiling. He doesn't interact with the audience - he doesn't even look at the tv camera.

He doesn't exude the kind of self-assuredness and showmanship that I expect from a rocker dude. He's not workin' the audience at all.



(If you can't see it, click here to go to the video on YouTube.)

Contrast that performance with the judges' "approved" rocker, David Cook. When at the mic, he performs directly to the camera. Twice he walks out and sings to the audience, encouraging them to join in.



(If you can't see it, click here to go to the video on YouTube.)

If you want to connect with your audience and make an impact, you must perform for them, not for yourself.

This, of course, doesn't just apply to rocker dudes. It applies to every performer, including speakers. Who are you performing for?

____________________________________________________
On The Everything Page you'll find everything you need to build visibility, credibility and influence through engaging presentations that move your participants into action: freebies, low-cost products and courses, and 1:1 coaching!