Performing before a live audience is an exciting and rewarding experience. You have the opportunity to express your creativity and bring pleasure to those who receive the benefits of your talent. However, there may be times when you find your audience to be quite challenging. You need to be prepared to handle all kinds of audiences, so that you can continue to give your best live music performance. Here are three tips for dealing with a tough crowd.

Maintain Eye Contact.

During a live music performance you should maintain on-going eye contact with members of your audience. Whether you are filled with confidence or shaking in your boots,  using eye contact will make you appear more confident. Show emotions, smile and reach out towards the audience throughout the performance. The goal is to keep the audience engaged in your performance, so play to the audience. Depending on the situation, it may be helpful to invite an audience member on the stage momentarily while performing. Eye contact is more powerful that most people realize. When you look directly at people it means that you notice them, you are paying attention to them, and this makes them feel important. Fans who feel important become even bigger fans and they promote you to their friends. 

Memorize a Script. 

How will you keep that tough crowd focused on you and your performance in the midst of short breaks between songs? It helps to memorize a brief script to help you play to the audience. Humor and flattery go a long way. You will certainly feel more in control when you know what you’re going to say. Practice in front of a mirror before every live music performance. Pretend that you are talking to specific members in the audience. 

Do Your Best.

Your performance represents you and your talent. Do your absolute best each time you step foot on stage regardless of the behavior of your audience. Your job is to entertain and to show the audience a good time. So, have a good time yourself. If you are having fun your audience will too.