Image: IMG_4844 courtesy of jeaneeem

If you’re new to this series, you may want to go to this article to learn how this all started. In this fourth article of a 6-part series, I will describe why it is important for Super Stars to behave like vulnerable human beings if they are to be truly loved by their audience; and will use a couple of examples from Michael Bublé’s concert on the 31 May, 2008 to illustrate how you can do it.

The shallow veneer of a Super Star’s mask

When we first come in contact with a Super Star, we put them in a pedestal. They are obviously gifted in some aspect of their lives, which is why they have become famous. Yet behind that perception of perfection is just another human being who, like us, has his strengths and weaknesses.

This shallow veneer of perfection is scratched on a daily basis, fuelled by a persistent itch on the part of print and TV media outlets. Look at any entertainment magazine or TV show, and you will find that a large proportion of the stories are devoted to exposing the trials and tribulations of our favourite stars.

When was the last time you criticized a competitor?

The urge to make us feel better by criticizing those around us who are successful is as old as humanity. Some call it envy; others jealousy. I call it confusion. We seem to believe that to feel better about ourselves, we ought to compare our lives to those of others, and prove that we are better off than them. But this approach is sadly misguided. It lacks heart and it lacks compassion. We diminish others when we downplay their achievements; and we hurt ourselves when we lower our expectations of what we can achieve. The easiest way to combat this malady is to swing the other way, and compliment those who have achieved excellence, whilst maintaining our aspirations for excellence.

Having the courage to expose yourself

As a Super star, you can take one of 2 paths: You can either ignore your weaknesses and flaunt your skills like as if you were perfect, or you can admit your own humanity to all by sharing your insecurities with your audience; remaining proud of your achievements whilst acknowledging those of others; and overcoming your fears by sharing your whole self with your audience. In another word, stop pretending to be Super-Human, and give a glimpse of your real self to your audience.

In the case of Michael Bublé and his concert in Sydney, he did this very effectively in 2 ways. First, he engaged his audience as ‘equals’, coming down to their level (in a physical sense - that is, coming down from the stage into the actual audience), and talking, shaking hands, and hugging others. Second, he shared some of his story towards the end of the concert, where he explained the background he comes from, some of the challenges he has faced in life, and showed his appreciation for the same difficulties that some of us would have gone through as well.

Coming next: Having a sense of humour (and knowing how to use it!)

By now you have learned three techniques on how to perform in front of an audience and be truly loved: We have explored how you can engage your audience; Appreciate your crew; and show you too are human. If you want to learn how to use your sense of humour and thank your audience, stay tuned for the last 2 articles in this series!

Links to articles in the Michael Bublé series

• Introduction

1. Engage your audience
2. Appreciate your crew
   
3. Show you are human (this article)
4. Have a sense of humour
5. Thank your fans