How to Deliver an Engaging Talk Every Time
Today, we are discussing the concept of the “bag of tricks” and how to stop relying on it in your performances and speeches.
The Story of an Actress
I once worked with an actress performing a solo show. In one scene, she played a woman planning to leave her husband, confiding in her therapist about her decision. Every time she performed this scene, she cried. The tears flowed consistently, but the only variation was the order in which they appeared. Despite the tears, she wasn’t playing the scene honestly. Instead, she was using tears as a tool to create a false sense of emotion, manipulating the audience into believing she was sad. She was reaching into her bag of tricks and pulling out tears.
Understanding the Bag of Tricks
As performers and speakers, we all have a bag of tricks. These are the habits or shortcuts we use to avoid genuine emotions or to cover up our uncertainties. For example, you might crack a joke to ease an awkward silence or flirt when you feel self-conscious. These tricks are crutches that prevent us from being authentic and honest with our audience. They mask our true feelings and often become lazy habits.
The Pitfalls of the Bag of Tricks
Relying on these tricks can hinder your growth as a performer or speaker. When you consistently react the same way, you stop learning and adapting to new situations. You’re not truly present in the moment, and the audience can sense this lack of authenticity. They will tune out if they feel you are putting on a show rather than sharing something meaningful.
Embracing Authenticity
To break free from your bag of tricks, you must resist the urge to do what feels safe and comfortable. Instead, pause and make a different choice. This new choice might not be perfect at first, but it will help you develop new habits that foster authenticity. When you feel the urge to use a trick, such as tearing up during an important part of your talk, ask yourself if those tears are genuine or just another trick.
Practical Steps to Authenticity
- Self-Awareness: Be aware of when you are reaching into your bag of tricks. Recognize these moments and consciously decide to act differently.
- Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to pause before reacting. This pause allows you to consider a more authentic response.
- Experiment: Try new approaches, even if they feel uncomfortable at first. This experimentation helps you discover more genuine ways to connect with your audience.
- Practice Honesty: Aim to be as honest and transparent as possible in your performances and speeches. Share your true feelings and thoughts.
- Engage with Your Audience: Focus on creating a meaningful connection with your audience rather than impressing them with tricks. Invite them to join you on a journey.
Conclusion
Breaking free from the bag of tricks is essential for authentic and impactful performances and speeches. By embracing self-awareness, pausing to reflect, experimenting with new approaches, practicing honesty, and engaging with your audience, you can develop a more genuine and compelling presence. Remember, you don’t need to rely on tricks. Your true self is enough.
