The person with the greatest talent doesn’t win every time.
The one with the most experience isn’t always the best.
He who dies with the most skill still dies.
That last one didn’t really make sense, but there’s a dynamic to engaging performance that sets some apart from the rest – and those who discover it…excel.
I see many singers and musicians who are technically excellent but lifeless…soulless. They make me want to take a nap to their boring sounds.
Don’t get me wrong. They may have incredible skill. You know who I’m talking about:
- When they sing, they make it look easy.
- When they shred on the guitar, they make you salivate.
- When you hear their songs, you want to quit
But there’s something that’s missing – something other, less gifted musicians may possess.
What am I talking about?
Baring your soul.
Skill is important. Talent is necessary. But if you don’t bare your soul before the audience, you’ll never achieve the greatest impact.
Think about Bob Dylan… or Michael W Smith, for that matter. Definitely not the Andrea Bocellis of their day. But still, wildly successful. Fantastic performers.
What sets them (and others like them) apart?
3 Tips For More Engaging Performances
1. INTERNALIZE THE MESSAGE – before you sing anything, make sure the song’s truth has gotten into you. Many great singers don’t engage their mind in what they sing. It’s like they’re thinking about cheesecake while they sing about Jesus.
We can feel that disconnect. Internalize the message.
2. INTERPRET THE MESSAGE – when it comes to leading worship, performing that song, rocking that lick – interpret what you internalized. Allow your stage presence, vocal tone, and musical intensity stem from your belief in the message.
If you’re singing “Lord Have Mercy”, wipe that lame smile off your face. If you’re singing “Dancing Generation”, don’t wear sackloth and ashes that morning. Make sense?
Interpret the song in your own unique way. Don’t just sing it. Don’t just play it. Live it boldly.
3. INCLUDE THE AUDIENCE – the hallmark of great performers is that they are engaging. I saw U2 in Baltimore last night and Bono nails this.
Great performers make you feel a part of something massive. They draw you in to an experience. It’s tough to check facebook when they perform. When they open their mouth, attention is demanded.
You can do the same. When you sing or rock your instrument, think about who’s in the room. Draw them into what you’re doing. Take them on a journey.
I suppose we could add a fourth – the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It’s unmistakable when the Holy Spirit is in the room, moving through His people. That’s what you want. That’s what you need. But that’s for another post.
But we still need to do our part to perform well – lead from the inside out.
Grip people with your passion.
Capture attention with your honesty.
Shine a light upon the greatest message.
Performances like this will take your full concentration and leave you exhausted. But is there really any other way?
Question: what would you add to these tips for more engaging performances? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Yup, you can draw people with the flashy, but you can’t keep them without integrity.
These 3 will come out a lot better if they are cultivated in personal worship and encouraged in team rehearsals.
Since you mentioned ‘anointing’, do check out this post, in which I wrote a little bit about it: http://goo.gl/hojEH
I like your thoughts, man. “Anointing” really is hard to define. I have a post in the works as well.
I agree! Communicating the message is what is going to lead to a more engaging worship experience!
Are there any other tips that you would add, Brandon?
One of the things that I think is important is of course bathing everyone in prayer. This is one of the fundamental points that will make a world of difference. Also, connecting with the congregation in our daily lives. Build relationships and get to know the people and where they are at. Interact with the people make eye contact. These things will help them to know that you are with them, it is not a us and them situation you are all one in the family of God, brothers and sisters in Christ worshiping together.
Good point, Sandi. I tell my congregation sometimes that we are all part of the worship team. The Holy Spirit is our leader and we want to go where He takes us.
awesome!..am really learning a lot from your blog!..am always excited everyday to check and see notice in my email of your new posts..and the comments of various worship leaders/ministers here are such great resource!..thank you again so much!..is it ok if i share the articles i’ve read in you blog to my teammates and there’s this all boys band, which actually are members of our worship team, that’s slowly entering the music/entertainment industry here? especially this post, i know this would greatly encourage and help them. thanks
No problem, Raxelle!
“If you’re singing “Dancing Generation”, don’t wear sackloth and ashes that morning” I laughed out loud at that one.
I also had the privilege of seeing U2 in Baltimore on Wednesday night – I was completely captivated by Bono. He sings with such conviction. It’s as if he’s singing each song for the last time. I had to ask myself, do I sing with that kind of passion and conviction each time I lead worship each week?
I guess as worship leaders we can’t take people to a place where we, ourselves, have not been.
Lead with Passion. Lead from the Heart. Sing like it may be the last time you ever do it, because it may.
Fantastic post man!