Say it like you mean it
How to Talk to Any Audience, Anywhere
You’ve got your set tight. Your gear’s dialled in. You’ve rehearsed the breakdowns, the drops, the segues. But then it hits you.
The mic's in your hand. The room is watching.
Now what?
Whether you’re fronting a band, cueing tracks as a DJ, hosting an event, or leading a pub singalong, there’s one skill that separates the amateurs from the pros:
Knowing how to talk to an audience.
It’s not just what you say. It’s when. It’s how. It’s why.
This isn’t about stage fright—it’s about stage presence. Because if you can’t command attention between songs, you risk losing it during them. Here's how to nail it—any room, any time.
🎙️ Top 10 Strategies for Talking to Any Audience as a Performer
1. Know Your Role in the Moment
Are you the MC? The musical guide? The hype engine? The storyteller? Sometimes you’re all of them. Sometimes just one. Reading the room (yes, again) will tell you whether to amplify the vibe or step back and set the scene. Speak from that place.
2. Speak With Purpose, Not Panic
Silence between songs isn’t a crime—but dead air with no intention? That’s awkward. When you speak, be clear about why: to connect, to reset, to thank, to build energy, or to guide the crowd. Don’t babble. Don’t over-apologise. Don’t explain yourself. Just own the moment.
3. The Mic Is Not a Megaphone
Volume isn’t authority. Don’t shout at the audience—speak to them. Use tone, pace, and warmth. You’re not commanding a battlefield—you’re inviting them into an experience. Be real. Be relatable. Be audible.
4. Keep It Local and Personal
Name the venue. Acknowledge the event. Shout out the suburb. Compliment the crowd—genuinely. Make them feel seen. When you say, “How good is [insert local bar name here]?” with sincerity, they feel like you’re one of them. That’s gold.
5. Don’t Be a Script Bot
Have a few lines ready, sure. But ditch the rigid script. Audiences can smell fake from a mile away. If it sounds rehearsed, it feels distant. Speak like you would to a mate—just a bit louder and more deliberate.
6. Timing Is Everything
There’s a golden window right after a song ends. Use it wisely. Keep it short when the energy is high. Stretch it out when resetting the vibe. And if you’re leading into a big song, build anticipation without overcooking it. Your timing tells them how to feel.
7. Involve the Crowd (But Don’t Pressure Them)
“Let me hear you!” “Sing it with me!” “Make some noise!” Great lines—if the room’s already on your side. But if they’re cold or shy? Ease them in. Try, “If you know it, sing along,” or “Let’s see a few hands.” Don’t force it—invite it.
8. Honour the Occasion
Birthday? Wedding? Local fundraiser? Corporate gig? Know the context and respect the tone. Your banter for a Saturday night pub gig won’t fly at a black-tie awards night. Tailor your talk to the moment you're part of.
9. Leave Space to Breathe
Silence can be powerful. A moment of stillness before the next track can draw them in deeper than a dozen words. Trust your presence. Let the music (and your intention) speak through the pauses. You don’t have to fill every second.
10. Close Strong
Whether it's your set, your night, or your tenth song—end it with clarity. “Thank you, we’ve been [Band Name]!” “One more to go—who’s with us?” “You’ve been amazing—let’s go out with a bang!” Let them know the journey’s ending and give them a final moment to remember.
🎧 Final Thoughts from the Front
Great performers don’t just play well—they connect.
They hold space. They build trust.
They talk like they mean it.
When you learn to communicate with confidence and care, you don’t just fill the space between songs—you elevate the entire show.
So step up. Speak up. Be heard.
And remember: the mic is your second instrument. Learn to play it.
📬 Want more road-tested performance tips from the heart of Australia’s live music scene? Subscribe to The Musoverse for weekly real talk on gigs, growth and the grind.
Written by Nichola Burton. I work in partnership with Agents, Artist Managers and Event Producers, who juggle a diverse range of relationships in the Musoverse, to curate, manage and measure data in systems, experience, creative and content to support the entire Musoverse operation in my enterprise A Little Pitchy Copyright 2025
