How to lead a concert?
I still remember back in the day when I used to sing a set of different songs and between them… something had to be said. But what? After all, the music and lyrics should speak for themselves. However, that is not enough if you want to connect with the audience and hear after the show: “Great concert, I had a blast, and I didn’t think about anything else.”
Every performer wonders how do I make them actually care? Many artists focus solely on vocal technical precision, intonation, and tone, ignoring what they say to fans, which also affects how the performance is received.
A great voice without stage charisma won’t resonate as strongly. This is because the audience doesn’t just listen to you, but they want to have a relationship with you.
Leading a concert seems simple in theory, but in practice, it isn’t. In this article, you will learn the rules of creating song introductions and banter to use between songs. Based on my years of experience in storytelling, facilitating large groups, and communication, I will show you various tools you can use.
The two-song rule
In most clubs and venues, the best approach is to wait until the end of the first or second song before introducing yourself. This allows the audience to get into the right mood and gives both you and your fans a chance to ease into the concert.
Introducing the band
If you have a larger band, avoid boring roll calls at the very beginning (“Give it up for Mark on guitar!”). Instead, let them showcase their skills in the middle of a song, after a solo, or near the end of the show, weaving musician introductions directly into the groove. Just make sure you’ve captured the crowd’s attention first.
Unconventional introductions
There are several better ways to introduce a song than just stating its title and artist. Below you can find a few options.
Trivia
Share unknown facts about yourself or band members. The crowd loves feeling like they are getting exclusive, first-hand info.
Jokes
Humor relieves tension, but requires good timing. Our brain loves humor, it naturally draws listeners closer and gets them more engaged. Anecdotes and situational jokes work great.
Storytelling
What you say between songs should build a connection and give the concert a unique character. Tell a short, engaging story about how the upcoming track was written or an unusual backstage memory from the tour.
Audience activation and timing
The stage thrives on interaction. Ask for loud applause, encourage clapping along, and react to what happens in the front rows. However, the key to success is the right timing. Your job is to keep up the momentum of the event, not artificially prolong the pause.
Talk like you're with a friend
If you can engage in everyday conversation, you can handle speaking on stage. Sometimes the most captivating performers aren’t naturally witty. Imagine you are at a cafe with someone close, having a chat, and sharing your thoughts and stories.
The lifesaver question
Ask the band members a simple, meaningful question in front of the crowd to pull the audience into the game. For example: “What do you think we should play now: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or When I Fall in Love?” The audience will immediately chime in and shout their choices.
Breath
You’ve probably heard of John Cage’s piece 4′33″, four and a half minutes of silence. The pause is also music. You don’t have to fill every second of silence between songs. Sometimes it’s best to let the last song resonate and allow the emotions to settle.
Eye contact
Experiencing a song deeply can cause you to drift away and close your eyes. If it happens occasionally, that’s fine, but if you fail to maintain eye contact with the audience, you lose them. They came to be part of your world, and closing your eyes shuts the door on them. Looking someone in the eye can feel uncomfortable, but it can be trained.
Ending the concert
The final impression you leave is just as important as the first song. This relies on what psychology calls the recency effect.
End the evening with genuine, authentic thanks to the audience, venue, and crew. You can also joke at your own expense at the end, e.g.:
“Thanks to everyone who hasn’t fallen asleep yet.”
“Thanks for coming! If you liked it, tell your friends. If you didn’t, please keep it to yourself.”
If your style is more traditional, say something like: “Thank you, Berlin! We love you, we’ll be back!”
Practicing more than just the notes
Just like the songs, you should practice what you will say on stage. If you get tongue-tied easily, prepare a backup list of topics, anecdotes, and questions before stepping out. Thinking through these transitions acts as “spare ammunition.” Even if the natural flow of the concert means you never use them, having a plan gives you a sense of ease and takes off the pressure.
Work with me
If you want to learn how to introduce songs, lead concerts, or plan audience interactions step-by-step with me, feel free to reach out!
Author:
Hi, I’m Magda Kern. I’m a psychologist, the top 11 public speaking coach worldwide, a lecturer, working for companies from the Fortune 500 list, a business trainer with 12 years of experience, a TEDx coach, and an ex-vocalist based in Switzerland. I help people prepare and deliver unforgettable presentations and deal with stress.