Galactic Activity 36

Provide an artistic rendition which could be playing a musical instrument, performing a dance or a one person theatrical monologue or working with another person.

Activity 36 – Artistic performance

Duration: 4 – 6 mins
Applicable Streams: Workplace Skills, Meeting Skills, Leadership, Personal Challenge,

Aim

In this activity you are aiming to:

Present using props, entertain, practise the art of expression through a different medium

Objectives

To do this, you will need to keep the following objectives in mind:

  1. Perform a piece
  2. Entertain
  3. Engage the audience

The Why…

  • Practicing in front of an audience is beneficial as it builds confidence and enhances performance skills. Facing an audience cultivates adaptability, helping individuals manage nerves and unexpected situations. It refines communication, body language, and engagement techniques, enabling effective delivery of ideas.
  • Constructive feedback from live audiences offers valuable insights for improvement. Regular practice fosters comfort with public speaking, translating to more impactful presentations in various settings, both personally and professionally.

Where do I start?

  • Choose something that you’re comfortable doing outside of Rostrum, that you’d never normally perform or do at a Rostrum meeting.
  • Practice your piece so you’re confident to perform it in front of your audience.
  • Enjoy the process!

The How

Specific guidelines on how to tackle this activity.

  • Something you wouldn’t normally do at Rostrum
  • It could be performing music, spoken poetry, performing a scene of a play or any other performance skill you have.
  • Remember it’s only for 4-6 minutes and the purpose is to entertain the audience.

Tips and traps

TIPS:

  • Preparation: Thoroughly practice your skill to build confidence and minimize nervousness.
  • Know Your Audience: Understand the interests and preferences of the audience to tailor your performance.
  • Engage Early: Begin with a captivating introduction to grab the audience’s attention from the start.
  • Visualize Success: Imagine a successful performance to boost your confidence and calm nerves.
  • Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset; focus on enjoying the experience rather than fearing judgment.
  • Practice with Props: If applicable, practice with any props, instruments, or equipment you’ll be using.
  • Connect Emotionally: Infuse your performance with emotion to resonate with the audience on a personal level.
  • Interact: Engage with the audience through eye contact, smiles, and acknowledging their presence.
  • Stay Authentic: Be yourself; authenticity connects more effectively with audiences.

THINGS TO AVOID:

  • Overwhelming Complexity: Avoid attempting a skill that’s too complex for your current level of mastery.
  • Rushing: Avoid hurrying through your performance; maintain a steady pace.
  • Ignoring Feedback: Don’t disregard audience reactions; adapt if you sense disinterest.
  • Lack of Confidence: Avoid projecting insecurity; even if nervous, exude self-assurance.
  • Excessive Self-Critique: Don’t overly focus on mistakes during the performance; keep going.
  • Ignoring Timing: Avoid going beyond your allotted time; respect the audience’s attention span.
  • Ignoring Environment: Don’t disregard the performance space; be aware of lighting, acoustics, etc.
  • Overusing Nervous Habits: Steer clear of excessive fidgeting or other nervous gestures.
  • Inadequate Rehearsal: Don’t perform without sufficient practice; it can lead to errors.

Guidelines for Program Director: