BecomeSingers is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Most people do not know this, but the manner of introduction a performer receives is vital to their performance quality. Indeed, their introduction essentially sets the tone for their performance. Sadly, many hosts manage to overlook how important an entertainer’s introduction is and just ‘wing’ it.
But, the truth is there may be no better way to ruin a stage’s performer’s session than to mess up their introduction.
Thankfully, you don’t have to make that mistake ever again (if you’ve already done so). In this article, we’ll share some tips on the best way to introduce a best performance on stage. No doubt, with the insight you’ll gain from this blog post, setting the perfect mood for your performer with your introduction will be relatively straightforward.
That said, let’s jump right into it. Here are some tips on how to introduce a performance is the best way possible:
Tips and Techniques To Introduce and Welcome A performance or Performer Up On Stage
Ask for a Written Introduction from the Performer or Singer, If You Can
It’s a no-brainer that you can’t introduce a person you do not know. Besides, even if you do, chances are the performer knows the most appealing way to introduce themselves. Indeed, they may want information about their skills, qualifications, and achievements to feature in their introduction. So, why not ask them what they’d like?
It is usually best to ask a performing artist for a written introduction of themselves. This way, when they get on stage, they don’t have to struggle for their audience attention due to a lousy introduction, or worse, none at all.
Besides, having a written introduction means you don’t have to scramble around for the right thing to say. Also, the entertainer knows what to expect and prepares to take it from there.
However, here is something you should note. If your performer does provide a written introduction of themselves, read it precisely as they give you. Understandably, there is always a temptation to ‘put your spin on it.’ Try to resist this temptation. If it’s what the entertainer wants, then try to oblige.
Doing this not only shows that you respect them as artists, but you also contribute to making their best performance as smooth as possible!
Write Down the Introduction
Some performers may give you their preferred introductions verbally, and that’s fine. But, when this happens, you should write it down. You see, no matter how good you are at remembering stuff, it is highly likely that you’ll forget one bit or misquote the other.
Therefore, instead of risking having to come up with a make-shift intro because you forgot the real one, why not write it down? Indeed, even acclaimed public speakers still take their time to jot down some crucial points before going on stage. This way, they take off the pressure of having to remember every single detail.
So why not try the same with your entertainer’s introduction?
Read James Mann’s article on what to wear on stage when singing.
Confirm Unfamiliar Pronunciations
Nobody can claim to know everything. But, what we can do is find out the things we do not know.
If you find there are names (either people or places) in your performer’s introduction that you aren’t sure of the correct pronunciations, research them. If they are challenging to pronounce, try saying them aloud several times to get the hang of it.
This way, you don’t disappoint (or embarrass) performers who are looking forward to hearing their names on the PA system.
Think of Your Audience On What To Say About The Performance
Your audience plays a crucial role in determining how you introduce a performer on stage. Indeed, the audience contains proud, excited parents, you’d want to steer your introductions in the direction of things they’d like to hear.
However, if the kids make up the general audience population, you must ensure your introduction captures their attention be public speaking. If scouts are in the audience, you’d want to drop bits of information that sparks their interest.
Therefore, before you decide how to introduce a performer on stage, consider your audience and adjust to accommodate the majority.
Welcome the Performer on-stage
After introducing your performer, the next step is to welcome them on stage. This is as straightforward as it sounds. However, moderation is key. Dn not take it upon yourself to hype up or highlight the perform’s unique merits. Instead, after reading their introductory note, tell your audience their name and what they’ll be doing.
Here’s a typical format – Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow me to introduce “xxxxxx” who will be playing (or whatever performance) for us tonight (or whatever time). Please, join me in welcoming him or her on stage – straight to the point and effective!
Let the Performer Take It From You
Finally, after introducing your performer, you want to ensure that they can come up on stage and seamlessly carry on the show. An excellent way to to do is to be ready for your audience’s reaction to your introduction.
Sometimes, they applause thunderous while other times the reception is less than enthusiastic.
If the applause is relatively silent, quickly move on and introduce what the performer will be doing and let them come on stage.
However, here’s something you should always keep in mind – once your performer gets on stage, they are in charge already. Let them do or say their important thing!
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Introducing a Stage Performance
Now that you have some insight into how to introducing a performance on stage, let us examine three critical errors you should try to avoid.
Do Not Make Your Introduction Too Casual
Understandably, jokes are useful tools when there is a need to lighten the mood before a performer comes on stage. But moderation is crucial. You see, your introduction only helps the audience get ready but also boosts your entertainer’s morale. So, ensure that you are as formal as necessary when calling them up on stage.
Never Make Jokes at the Expense of the Performer
Good-nature ribbing and jokes can be so fun in a classroom or similar environment. But, if you are introducing a performance, try not to crack jokes at your performer’s expense.
Otherwise, your audience may not take your performer seriously. Or worse, you may demoralise the entertainer before they get on stage.
Improper Body Language
Finally, your body can set the tone for an upcoming performance. So, ensure you don’t fall on the wrong side of things. Make watching your body a part of your practice session.
Are you using your arms to attracting attention to someone? Are you pivoting away from the person you’re introducing? Examine all these and try to correct them.
Final Take
No perform wants to struggle to get his audience’s attention. However, while the audience chooses whether to give their attention or not, the quality of your introduction plays a significant role in that decision. Hopefully, you know have some vital insight into how to introduce a performance on stage.
Remember, introducing a performer the right way is a sure-fire tip to help you start your entertainment sessions off with a bang!
