Tune in to Your Audience
Communication is a two-way street. A live performance should be a dialogue between the artist and the audience; not a monologue.
Way back in one of my very first posts, I talked about communication. I shared the the communication break down from the audience’s perspective is:
10% - Verbal / Musical
(Song Lyrics, Words Spoken, The Music)
30% - Emotional
(Tone of Voice, Your Heart, Passion)
60% - Visual
(Body Language, Visual FX)
It is essential to communicate effectively to your audience, but also to tune in to your audience. Communication is a two-way street. A live performance should be a dialogue between the artist and the audience; not a monologue.
Similar to relationships, a lot of times a girl can be screaming signals to her guy, but just like most artists onstage, he’s oblivious to what’s actually being said.
How do you tune in to your audience? Listening to their applause is one way. In the duration of their applause, there comes a climatic high point. After the applause reaches its climax, you now can move forward with your show – start a new song, speak to the audience, etc.
Also, notice the audience’s body language and facial expressions. Are they with you? If they aren’t, wait. Attract their attention and get them involved before you start rolling again. You need to learn when they want you to stop and linger a bit, and when to keep it moving.
In addition to working with BNY and my drumming with Bread of Stone, I also share the wheel as one of our bus drivers whenever the band is out. On our bus, and on many other tour buses on the road, Rule #1 is: No Number Twos. Whenever I’m driving and we need to stop for that reason, I immediately look for a rest area coming up on the GPS. We typically utilize those facilities, to be quick in and out and back on the road. However, the GPS will also show me any nearby Walmart stores as well. There are times when we are running low on certain food items, so we’ll stop at Walmart for (pardon the pun) these two purposes – to drop and to shop.
These Walmart visits are more time-consuming, but are a necessary part of the trip.
During a live show where the audience isn’t with you and seem like they’d rather be anyplace else, it might serve well to keep the bus rolling, so to speak. Like a quick pit stop at a rest area, just put the pedal to the metal, drive through the night and get to the destination. Later, look back on what may have gone wrong and try to make the necessary adjustments and improvements to prevent a similar occurrence. In the better shows – when the audience is along for the ride with you – slow down, linger awhile, as if making a grocery trip out of it. Perhaps stop at a park you see along your route, try a local restaurant or go see a movie.
Don’t just play songs to a seemingly one-size-fits-all audience. Start providing an experience for them. A great place to start is by tuning in to what they are trying to say to you.
If you’ve ever:
- Doubted your ability to command the stage
- Struggled with stage fright
- Felt unsure about turning your music into more than just a passion
We’re here to help. From performance coaching and creating live arrangements to designing riders and stage plots, we cover every detail of your live show—giving you the confidence to hit the road with ease and captivate any audience.
If you’ve:
- Wondered why your performances don’t always leave a lasting impression
- Wanted to stand out in a crowded industry
- Felt stuck trying to turn your talent into a livelihood
We’re here to transform your onstage presence. Purpose Live ensures every aspect of your show—from storytelling to technical production—works together seamlessly, helping you stand out while staying true to who you are.
It’s about authenticity, impact, and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
No cookie-cutter solutions. Every artist is unique, and we tailor our approach to bring out your true essence on stage—no one-size-fits-all methods here.
No overwhelming production for production’s sake. We focus on YOU—your story, your message, and your audience. The production enhances your presence, but it never overshadows your essence.
If you’ve ever:
- Wondered how to stand out in a crowded music industry
- Questioned whether you have what it takes to make a living through your music
We’re here to show you how to create a performance that resonates, connect deeply with your audience, and turn your passion into a sustainable career.
Whether you need a one-time consultation or a full show overhaul, we’ll collaborate to create a package that fits your needs and resources. To learn more, schedule a FREE discovery call where we’ll discuss your goals and craft a personalized plan.
Performances that stand out go beyond talent. It’s about how you:
- Make your audience feel seen and connected
- Turn your songs into stories that resonate
- Create moments that stay with them long after the show ends
We help you elevate your performance, making sure your talent is packaged with dynamic stage presence, polished transitions, and memorable moments.
Songs made for streaming or radio are fast-paced, designed to grab attention quickly. But a live show is a different experience—it’s about connection, depth, and immersion.
We’ll create space for the audience to breathe, engage, and feel every moment. Picture intros, outros, and interludes that turn each song into a journey, where every note invites your audience into the story you’re telling.
Imagine the energy of a sudden, dramatic shift that takes the crowd’s breath away, or the quiet, intimate vibe of a stripped-down section that feels like it’s just for them—those are the moments that resonate long after the music fades.
Think of it as tailoring your performance. We adapt your songs to create a flow that keeps audiences engaged, ensuring your show feels like a cohesive experience rather than just a collection of tracks.
- Connect with your audience
- Leave them wanting more
- Deliver a show that inspires and stands out
At Purpose Live, we’re your one-stop shop for live performance needs. We guide you through:
- Crafting an unforgettable setlist
- Honing your stage presence
- Advancing your shows
- Creating clear and professional riders
- Designing stage plots for smooth setups
Whether you want to deepen audience connections, grow your fanbase, or create an immersive worship experience, we ensure every detail works together seamlessly.
- Schedule a FREE discovery call with us.
- Share your vision and challenges.
- Receive a personalized plan to confidently deliver an unforgettable experience.
Whether it’s overcoming stage fright, refining your show, or streamlining your technical setup with riders and stage plots, we’ll help you turn your passion into a livelihood while captivating your audience like never before.
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Are you interested in diving deeper into these areas for YOUR show? I’d love to get to know you and learn about your journey in music! Let’s schedule a FREE discovery call today!
Purpose Live
Equipping and empowering singers and musicians to genuinely connect with their audience.