• Be the first to say hello.
    Don't be afraid to say "I don't know."
    Commit yourself to constant improvement.
    Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
    Have a firm handshake.
    Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
    Make new friends but cherish the old ones.
    Compliment even small improvements.
    Count your blessings.
    Avoid negative people.
    be there when people need you.
    Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.
    Plant flowers every spring.
    Remember other people's birthdays.
    Wave at kids on school buses.
    Always accept an outstretched hand.
    Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.
    Have a dog.
    Don't be afraid to say "I made a mistake."
    Sing in a choir.
    Over tip breakfast waitresses.
    Call your mother.
    Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
    Plant a tree on your birthday.
    Leave everything a little better than you found it.
    Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.
    Compliment three people everyday.
    Keep secrets.
    Send lots of Valentines Day cards and sign them "Someone who thinks you're terrific."
    Dance like no-one is watching. Sing like no-one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt.
    Keep it simple.
    Keep your promises (no matter what).
    Never underestimate the power of love.
    Say "thank-you" a lot.
    Floss your teeth.
    Don't expect life to be fair.
    Carry jumper cables in your trunk.
    Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
    Strive for excellence, not for perfection.
    Marry only for love.
    Return all things you borrow.
    Learn three clean jokes.
    Use the good silver.
    Look people in the eye.
    Leave the toilet seat in the down position.
    Rekindle old friendships.
    Be forgiving of yourself and others.
    Ask for a raise when you feel you've earned it.
    Say "please" a lot.
    Wear polished shoes.
    Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.
    Sing in the shower.
    Stop blaming others.
    Drink champagne for no reason at all.
    Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank filled.
    Take responsibility for every area of your life.
    Never refuse homemade brownies.

Engage your audience

This is why people come to see you – to be entertained. To entertain means, obviously, to be entertaining.

Nothing is more engaging than eye contact – it’s a fundamental thing about people. It establishes sincerity, interest and trust. So next time you perform, pick someone in the audience and sing your song to them. Some examples:

  • Ask them, personally and sincerely, “Shall we Dance”? Make it feel like an actual invitation.
  • Look them in the eye and try to make them believe that no matter how badly you slipped up, “You Were Always on My Mind”.
  • In “Yesterday” you open your heart and your hurt and your longing – make them believe that you chose just them to share that with.
  • If it’s a happy song, put that smile on your face and that twinkle in your eye as you romp through “Mairi’s Wedding”.
  • Pick someone else for the next verse or the next song.

People are also attracted to movement. In the context of a choir, this takes some coordination. Individuals bopping about can be more distracting than enjoyable, so this is where it’s essential to follow your director’s instructions. All sway together, all clap together, all march together – whatever the song calls for.

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