If you’re reading this blog post, you’re a performer. Maybe you’re a musician, an actor, or a comedian. Whatever your chosen art form may be, there’s one thing we can all agree on: bland performances are the worst. So if you want people to keep coming back to see you perform, whether at a bar gig or a sold-out stadium show, you must ensure your performance is enjoyable. Here are some tips on how to do just that.

Make sure your material is fresh

If you’re doing the same set every night, it will get old quickly. Make sure to mix things up and keep your material fresh. This doesn’t mean you have to write new material every night, but you should at least change up your set’s order or add new jokes or songs periodically. Try reading books about podcasting, and they give good advice on how not to bore your audience.

Keep your energy up

No one wants to watch a performer who looks like they’d rather be anywhere else. Even if you’re not naturally high-energy, you can fake it ’til you make it. Put some pep in your step, smile, and interact with the audience as much as possible.

Don’t be afraid to experiment

If something’s not working, don’t hesitate to ditch it or change it up. You might not always nail every joke or hit every note, but that’s part of the fun of live performance. So embrace the chaos and go with the flow.

Make sure your material is appropriate for the venue

If you’re performing in a family-friendly venue, ensure your material is suitable for all ages. Similarly, feel free to push the envelope if you’re performing in a more adult-oriented venue. Just be aware of your audience and adjust accordingly.

Interact with the audience

One of the best ways to keep people engaged is to interact with them directly. If you can get people laughing and clapping along, they’re much more likely to stick around until the end of your set.

End on a high note

No one wants to see a performer fizzle out at the end of their set. So make sure to save your best material for last and end your performance on a high note. This will leave the audience wanting more and eager to see you perform again.