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

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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