Live your life by design, not default. Kevin Daum
I’ve already addressed paying attention to just how important your speaking voice is to making that all important first impression when presenting and representing your Brand. Now I want to introduce you to another important, often neglected, characteristic that says a lot about who you are. No matter how well you sing, or how impressive your resume, or even what kind of recommendations you have, making that first impression in person is of paramount importance because it is the backup to confirming all of the above. You are the product, the brand you are selling. So, if you are shuffling, eyes downcast into a meeting, audition, rehearsal for the first time, you may be slowing down your great “on paper” impression when meeting in person. So give some thought to your overall package, your brand and make sure all of the parts are representing your brand. And your walk will tell volumes about who you are for real.
There are many different types of walk patterns. But for this blog were are going to focus on these three. When I adjudicate or am asked to be part of the auditioning process for an upcoming production of an opera or musical, these are some of the walks I have noticed that make a lasting impression on me, giving me a pretty good idea, in conjunction with the rest of the auditioner’s behavior, what I and others can expect from them.
Hustle – Bustle Breakneck Speeder – Usually this person, comes in a really speedy, whirlwind way, might be a bit disheveled, has his/her hands full of music and a water bottle, rushes to give the music to the accompanist, makes their quick introduction, and then tears right into singing. This quite frankly leaves the rest of us breathless and doesn’t give anyone a change to get oriented and connected to the person presenting themselves. When thinking of how this person might fit into a production or be passed on in a competition, you may think that working fast is to something to be prized. However, from my own experience, I can say that this behavior shows me that this type of speedy person might be so fast that they forget to pay attention to certain important details or overlook something important. It might make the whole cast of a show feel insecure and shaky as well.
Try this: Slowing down just a bit can be painful and almost impossible for some people. However, you have to ask yourself if you are creating the impression of your product, you the performer, and have you been passed over way too often. If this is the case, it will behoove you to think through carefully how you want to present your Brand. A good start for change would be to find someone you would like to emulate. Someone who’s presence you enjoy and so do others. Then really study what it is they do, how they behave. Notice that they take the time to breath and create pauses in their actions and conversation. Then try it on for yourself. It’s almost like putting a costume and wig on; you speak at their pace, walk at their pace, make their gestures, etc. You will notice a change within yourself as you practice this new behavior and start to get comfortable with it. Try it for yourself.
Slumpy Sloucher – Walking into a room for an audition or rehearsal with your shoulders hunched over evokes a lack of confidence in oneself and one’s abilities. Potential employers or adjudicators of a competition might question their confidence in you if your walk suggests that you aren’t confident in yourself. They might worry that passing you through to the next round of auditions or giving you the job might not be the right thing for you right now. Often this type of walker also tends to have his or her eyes focused on the floor which only adds to our overall feeling of their not being confident. This can be very misleading to others who might mistake it for you not being interested in what’s happening right now or lack of interest in the upcoming events. Performing is a team sport and requires compatibility and cooperation.
Try this: First let me say that often those that spend much time with their eyes on the floor are usually very feeling people. That is where they go to access their stories and access some of their behaviors. If you want to change this, imagine something on the floor where you usually put your eyes, then watch it start to float off the floor about 5 ft. in front of you and up at eye level. You will notice that you will feel OK here and can easily make this kind of adjustment. Just knowing about it will help you get comfortable. Next, try looking in the mirror and positioning your shoulders so that your shoulder blades are trying to touch; your chest will open up and create a more confident walk. The last step is to put these two elements together. It does take practice just like getting better at anything new. Also, for women with larger breasts, you often slouch to try to minimize that reality either consciously or unconsciously. It’s just part of who you are and if it is a bra issue, go to a department store and get some help. There are too many brands not to find one that will help you stand straight and reclaim your dignity and panache.
The Noisemakers – Ever notice some people hardly pick up their feet when they walk making that kind of scuffing or dragging sound with their shoes? Or on the other side of that coin there are those that really hit the floor with their heels in great excitement and authority. One gives the impression they aren’t sure of much and the other that they are sure of everything. When either of these happens, it creates a reaction that is not complimentary. Both are annoying and allow others to focus on the wrong things when you are auditioning, in rehearsals or performing.
Try this: Make sure your shoes fit well. Sometimes it’s just a matter of sloppy shoes. If you can’t afford a new pair, you might try any of the products that are available in drug stores to make your shoes fit just right. Ask someone in the store for help if you can’t find what you are looking for. If you are just lazy when scuffing your heels, simply recognizing that you are doing it, if you want to change that habit, will put you on the road to making that change. And ask for help from you partner, friends, and family. As for the person whose heels hit the ground with a definite bang, first go to a shoe repair place and get rubber soles on your shoes or on the heels if you are a woman. Then try walking by putting your whole foot on the floor and rolling forward with your foot as you step rather that just planting your heel with a bang.
Putting your whole package together does take some careful thought. It’s not just having your perfect 5 arias, resume packet, and recommendations. First impressions can only be made once so they are pretty important. Remember that you are the product. You have to know all about your product and be able to then present, represent and sell your Brand. If you are not sure how your demeanor or current physical behaviors are affecting others, ask those that you trust to be honest with you. Then find those that can give you hand in making the necessary changes, then practice, practice, practice. And remember that it’s not personal or emotional, it’s just business.
Avanti until next time. Carol
