How To Win Talent Shows
Winning talent shows isn’t the easiest thing in the world. There are many obstacles one must face just get in talent shows, never mind compete in one, and not to mention winning! This is going to be a “Talent Shows for Dummies” type article, guiding the novice through the steps he or she will need to take in order to compete, and, perhaps, win a talent show. Veteran contestants of talent shows can use this article as well, but it will probably be more for reassurance purposes. However, I will try to through in a few tips that might help the more accomplished talent show competitors. If you like the article, I’d appreciate some feedback on Talent Trove. Look me up, TheFerg, and tell me what you think. Thanks!
For those of you reading all of my articles, you might realize the similarities between them. This is so for two reasons.
One, preparation for talent shows is not that different from an audition, or any other competitive event. Professionalism in one’s career takes passion, preparation, natural ability, guidance and connections. So this formula can be plugged into almost any talent field.
Two, if I just wrote an article for actors, a singer might never read it, even though those same steps might translate into singing and could be used by singers. I’ve received feedback from some performers that have said just that and I began thinking that some performers might be missing out. Why? They don’t bother reading the article if it doesn’t directly pertain to their specific talent. Okay, with that all being said, let’s get started!
Decide on a talent. What are you best at, if you are multitalented? Now, very important, know that you are the best in that talent. Something that I’ve written about many times is that you must be confident. If your passion drives you to compete, your confidence will help you win. Also, don’t be afraid to show them something they’ve never seen before, or at least haven’t imagined in a long time. If you’re good at singing or dancing or both, do it. However, if you can juggle bowling pins and balance a table on your chin, while reciting poetry on a trampoline I think you might have something there. If you can and want to, be weird, be bizarre, it’s all about being noticed and remembered.
Find a talent show that matches your chosen talent. This might seem like a “duh” moment, but hey, I had to say it. This is a guide for beginners after all. You can also find a talent show first, and see if you have a talent that can be performed in it. Either way, these two steps should be done first. Having a goal to train for, in this case competing in talent shows, is better than training without a purpose.
After you’ve selected a talent show and talent, you must make your talent unique. How can a judge and audience differentiate your talent from others if you are both singing or dancing? Maybe your voice isn’t anything out of the ordinary, but the song you sing might be. You want to wow them. Make them laugh, make them cry, but above all, make them feel something. It’s also important to pick something the crowd can relate to or remember. A current song or dance from a music video might really hit home.
Ok, so you have the talent to win the show, but do you look the part? Costume just adds to the visual aspect of your performance, don’t deprive the audience of the total package. Take the time to pick out appropriate attire and whatever else goes with your act. However, don’t overdo it. You do not want your accessories to upstage your talent. You do not want people to remember you for your elaborate makeup, jewelry or dress, and forget all about your amazing talent. You can be subtle and still impressive. Not saying there isn’t a time and place for elaborate arrangements. That is something you will have to decide. Keep this in mind when deciding your costume and talent performance, “know your audience”. If you are performing in front of a bunch of senior citizens, dressing in sexy lingerie singing some seductive pop song might not be the best choice. If you’re going to be a ventriloquist and your puppet dummy is some farm animal, dressing up in an overdone, stereotypical farmer outfit might go very well with your routine. This brings me to another quick point that can be taken care of in any of the previous steps. You should have a concrete plan of what you’re doing, and that means any props you might need should be sorted and ready.
It’s time to show your sincerity and discipline, time to train. Practice makes perfect, and if you practice you will see how true that saying is. If you don’t see progress in your skill and performance, you’re doing something wrong and might need to seek professional help for your talent. Even if you were doing well on your own, I would recommend getting a personal trainer, choreographer, coach or mentor to help refine your talent. Also, don’t forget to test out anything else you will be using in your performance. You don’t want the head to fall off your puppet during your ventriloquist act. What should you take away from this paragraph? Practice–practice–practice.
Have you ever seen the movie “Gladiator”? Proximo gives Maximus some good advice that is relevant here. “I was the best because the crowd loved me. Win the crowd and you will win your freedom.” Now, you won’t win your freedom, but you could win the talent show. The point of this quote is that your level of skill doesn’t always translate into winning. Sometimes, people have to like you. You don’t always have to be the best in your talent. Showmanship goes a long way. Connect with the crowd, and they will repay you. Touch them, metaphorically speaking, by conveying raw emotion to them via your performance. Again, make them feel something. Even if you can’t make them laugh or cry, make them feel like the odds are against you but you are trying your best. Be the underdog, be the favorite–be something rather than nothing.
Remember, breath and have fun. Don’t stress out. Get plenty of rest before the talent show. If you are prepared, you are ready and your talent will do all the work. Good luck!
About the Author
Blogger and writer for a long time now. I enjoy blogging about things that help and educate people. Open to feedback and requests. I look forward to seeing you on Talent Trove. http://www.talenttrove.com/blog/theferg
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