I've been performing in various venues since I was five years old; dance, piano, clarinet, public speaking, plays, and even sports have put me in front of crowds frequently. I learned early on how to represent myself well.
There are three levels of stage presence, the first rightly being the first impression. This can make or break you. It is, unfortunately, based off of how you look, the way you walk, or even just gesture. Concert blacks that don't match or an ill fitting suit can immediately reduce your value to an audience. At that same level, the exact amount of professionalism combined with the personality you plan to exude will draw the crowd in; it's walking out with smile on your face, or wearing a unique tie. It's all about body language and respecting what you are about to do.
The second level of stage presence falls in the actual performance. A speaker needs to be able to speak confidently, not too fast or too slow. A musician should be able to grab the audience's ear with those first few pitches. An umpire needs to present a high level of authority, and the quarterback needs to give off an immense aura of skill, all while actually fulfilling these requirements. The first impression is an important one, but the second one is the lasting one.
The third level is found offstage, outside your area of performance. If you've done your job well, people will recognize you in other areas. And this is where you really need to represent. People are always watching, they see the way you interact with your friends, they notice the way you speak to the waitress at a restaurant, and remember it.
My everyday outfit is nothing too fancy, I dress for comfort, not style. But on important detail to
Don't believe me?
When I was in high school, my band director received an email complimenting her band members who had used the restroom at a local convenience store. The owner told her that five teens had come through, two of which wearing band shirts, and all five had been remarkably well-mannered and respectful. She noticed what school we were from, and made an effort to contact and praise the band program for the young adults in it's membership.
But let's take it one step further; representing God. Remember that you were made in God's own image, male and female both. The ways you treat people, behave and interact all reflect back upon a loving God. It also returns to your church, parents, friends, and family.
We as Christians, and especially as Catholics need to represent. If we claim our God, claim our Church, then must also claim the responsibility that comes with it. By no means are we to be like the scribes or the Pharisees, but we should also be distinguishable from others. If the only time people know you are Catholic is on Ash Wednesday, then you aren't doing your job correctly.
Don't blow a trumpet, but also don't keep your music inside; represent! Perform! The world is our stage, this our life, and we need to make every single day a performance to God.
Totus tuus,
LeAnn
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