Question

Good afternoon, As I wandered through memory lane, I shuttered more than once when thinking about instances in which I’ve “missed the mark” while addressing an audience. Over the past few years, I’ve held several odd jobs that required me to publicly speak in front of large crowds. None more unique than that of a Wedding DJ. Although I’d like to think that I wasn’t that cheesy guy in a blue suit… there is no doubt that I was the cheesiest. As a DJ, not only do you need to be able to entertain the audience and exude confidence, but you also need to be able to read the room and perceive if your approach is effective. I’ve made perceptual errors countless times by allowing stereotypes to dictate my song choice and even as much as my word choice. In one setting, I DJed a charity event for a former Dallas Cowboys player and I noticed that half of the room was wearing cowboy boots. Without even a formal introduction of myself, I queued an hour of country songs. When I did address the crowd later in the evening, I turned my southern charm all the way up and referred to them as “Ladies and Gents”. I sat back ready to watch my dance floor fill, but to my surprise, the dance floor was empty, and the guests were upset to the point of complaining. After a unpleasant conversation with the event planner, it was shared that they wanted 80s and 90s music and expressed VERY clearly that they did not care for country music. Only after situations like the one above was I able to determine that my success wasn’t contingent upon my perceived notions or even the color of my suit ?. There were a number of changes that I implemented that are found in Chapter 1 that helped me appeal to a wider audience, but feel free to share thoughts on how I could have adjusted my approach.

IN FIVE LINES, I WOULD YOU COMMENT ON THIS?

Answer 1

It's interesting to know that you had an introspective approach which eventually changed your outlook. The observation of the situation effectively and then readjusting according to the demand of the situation proves to be helpful in this case . Try analysing the circumstances and act accordingly which wil always be beneficial. For a profession like this, it is always advisable to know the gentry and the person participating beforehand so that you are in win win situation.

Things will eventually become better with experience as you will realise the taste and need of the people which will always help you in dealing with the people effectively.