The Opening Act: What Sting did to Set The Stage
I attend probably more than my fair share of concerts, so it is fair to say that I have seen a whack of opening acts. There is a huge diverse range of style and talent that don that opening act hat.
The purpose of an opening act can be varied however, typically the purpose is to engage the audience, “warm them up”, allow for stragglers to enter before the headliner goes on and to introduce an artist to a new audience and the audience to a new artist. It should engage their curiosity.
Typically, there will be polite applause if the artist is fairly new and is playing original material. Often, the audience continues to talk and slowly make their way to their seats after stopping at the bar and the loo.
Then typically the lights dim, and on walks an artist or band with little or no introduction, cast on their own to capture the audience’s divided attention.
What is rarer, is an opening done right.
On Saturday I went to one of my favourite establishments for live music, Massey Hall in Toronto. The headliner was none other than Sting.
At 8pm on the nose, without fanfare, Sting walked on stage, he walked to the centre and he engaged the audience by telling us a story of when he was in New York and went into a small club and heard this incredible artist playing. Sting approached him after his set and asked if would consider joining Sting on this North American tour. And then Sting says to us, “I’m sure you will enjoy him as much as I do.”.
Now that is an introduction.
The audience hushed as a tall young man in a suit and impressive afro walked on stage, approached the grand piano that was centre stage. No bench. No seat. He took his time to get into position. He stood as if he was in the starting block of an Olympic level sprint. He took a breath and he played.
Oh did he play!
Some original, some original covers – his originality and creativity and talent was undeniable. The audience was riveted and sprang into a standing ovation.
His name is ELEW.
His talent is extraordinary. I became an instant fan.
Talent aside, what Sting did and what ELEW did to prepare the audience was masterful.
We were there to see Sting. Sting introduced us to ELEW, himself. The respect and honour that was displayed was mesmerizing. Sting tells us his story, we are intrigued by what kind of artist would garner that reaction from Sting. ELEW walks on and prepares himself to perform, getting into this performance stance and we were ready to be a good audience.
As a keynote speaker I appreciate a good opening; a well delivered introduction can aid in the audience’s reception by increasing their curiosity and anticipation. A personalized introduction takes that to the next level. Sharing why this speaker was chosen and that you know that the message will resonate with this audience, the speaker was selected for them.
In business, at work, in meetings and launches we can and should take care to prepare our audiences; our employees, our customers, our clients, our stakeholders to receive our messages, our recommendations, our products and our services. We can prepare them, warm them up, get them curious, and get them ready to engage.
What can you do to set the stage…?
