It seems counter-intuitive, but sometimes the best thing you can aim to be on stage, is to "be average".
"Be average" was the first rule of improv when I used to perform as part of a comedy improv group in London.
Why is this? Well if you try to be a superstar, if you try to be funny, you put too much pressure on yourself. By constantly monitoring whether you are excellent or not, funny or not, you become so self regarding that natural spontaneity and presence is lost. Your energy goes on monitoring your performance, not on the performance itself.
Auditing is good - occasionally. In business you call in the auditors annually, and the rest of the time get on with putting your energy into making money.
When you are performing, your focus shouldn't be on you. It needs to be on meeting the needs of your fellow performers, and serving your audience.
Oddly enough, when you try to "be average" you often end up very good indeed....
Want advice, ideas, support on a speech? I hold a FREE Help for Speakers Q and A session every Wednesday from 1.00-1.30pm NZT (that's 11.00-11.30). Ring in if you have a question, need inspiration or ideas for an upcoming presentation, or want to talk about speaking as a way to get business.
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