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

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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