As some of you already know, I watch American Idol. I do this for many reasons, not the least of which is that I get to observe performers come through under pressure, which provides fodder for articles like this. Last week, one of my favorite of this season’s performers, Crystal Bowersox, knocked Kris Kristofferson’s classic song “Me and Bobby McGee” out of the park. As usual, she was relaxed and emotiohnally available, grounded, solid and, seemingly, utterly herself– everything I strive to help my clients achieve when they step onto the speaking platform.
At the end of the performance, after rave reviews by the various judges, the host, Ryan Seacrest asked Crystal “What’s the deal with the carpet?” The camera panned down to the floor, where her sandal shod feet were resting on a small oriental rug.
Crystal smiled, sat down cross-legged on the carpet, inviting Mr. Seacrest to sit down beside her. “It’s plush,” Crystal said, patting fabric beside her. “It’s pretty. And you know, the stage is cold and grey.”
Brilliant, I thought. The choice to lay down a cozy little rug on a cold, bare floor created a warm, homey playing space that allowed the talented Ms. Bowersox to feel more comfortable. She did what she need to do to herself be truly present, so she could bring her best self to her performance.
This kind of thinking is common to great actors, great musicians, and great presenters. They ask themselves “What do I need to do to help myself really show up on stage?” Because something as simple as wearing your favorite pair of shoes, using your own tried and true microphone, brightening the stage with a vase of your favorite flowers, or keeping a photo of your mom or a mentor in your pocket can help make a bare, unfriendly stage feel more like home. Which can help you bring your best self to the moment.
When you step onto the speaking platform, it’s your time in the sun. So set the stage for your success: Do whatever it takes to stack the deck in your favor. Do whatever it takes to help yourself feel grounded and human, and well, truly yourself. Because as Crystal Bowersox demonstrated, sometimes something as simple as a scrap of rug can turn a bare stage into your living room, and your presentation into an intimate, powerful and memorable experience.