Your Personal Performance

The title of this newsletter, 'Your personal performance', conjures up images of you bursting into the room doing a song and dance routine riding a unicycle! As we don't believe many DJs are proficient in this art, we will be looking at how you communicate, address the people you meet whilst working, use the microphone and any other aspect of your performance as a mobile DJ.

Rapport - no, it's not a new genre of dance music, it's about getting to know your clients and their guests, being able to interact personably with them and ultimately understand their wishes, desires and needs to enable you to deliver their ideal entertainment. The smallest of mannerisms and actions can help build up rapport from a firm hand shake to a friendly smile. A study in the late 70s concluded that communication was built up of three elements. Body language accounted for 50% of the message, with 40% being the tone of voice and only 10% was what was said. Remember, a smile provokes a smile, enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm and a laugh is infectious.

Pre-event meeting - If you offer this service, it is an ideal opportunity for you to get to know your client and build up a rapport. It's a chance to learn what they want and the atmosphere that they want creating at their event. It is so tempting when you meet a client to tell them about yourself and what you do. Try holding back and let them talk, tell you about themselves and what they want, even prompting the discussion with further questions. When you have mentally gathered all you can, this is the time to tell them what you can offer and how you can provide their ideal entertainment. It's like having all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle before starting to make it.

Greet and Meet - At the start of the evening, do you make a point of greeting your client/ bride/birthday person? Do you continue setting up when your client arrives, or do you break off to greet them and acknowledge their presence? This is an important aspect of rapport building. It's amazing what a friendly smile and a warm handshake can achieve.

Using a microphone - Whether you use your mic for announcements, making dedications, doing games or introducing karaoke, your technique is very important. If you hold the microphone too close to your mouth your speech will be muffled, too far away and the clarity could be compromised (depending on the make and type of microphone you use). If you adopt a 'microphone voice', you could come over as a 70s style 'Double Decks' type DJ. Still try to use sufficient intonation and inflection in your voice though, otherwise it can come across as monotone and for the message to be ignored. Its a very fine line and the best way to hone your mic skills is to record yourself at a function and play back at home....it can be quite revealing!

Behind the rig - Our body language tells a story all of its own. Sitting down could give the message that you can't be bothered. Leaning up against your uprights could be perceived as boredom. Smiling and jigging along to the music (however bad your dancing ability is) conveys enthusiasm and an interest in the people you are entertaining. Listening to your own music via headphones and catching up on the latest DJ news is an option but don't expect any referrals!!

Personal appearance - The old saying 'don't judge a book by its cover'....is basically nonsense! When we meet someone for the first time, we subconsciously form an opinion based on what we see. If you dress and present yourself in a professional manner that is suited to the occasion, then it is highly likely that you will be perceived as a professional person and treated accordingly. It also conveys the message that you have made the effort and your client is important to you.

Dealing with guests - With each event comes a variety of guests. I'm sure we've all had to deal with the demanding ones or the aggressive confrontations. It can also be very tempting to give as good back. At the end of the day, any one person in a room could be a potential customer, so dealing with all eventualities professionally is essential. So, however hard it is, keep the moral high ground, stay polite even if they are abusive, remain firm, friendly and in control.

The important message in this newsletter is that the small things actually make a big difference. Remember, every event you perform at has a room full of potential customers - great for business!

Good Luck - Sandy