Whoa! Nobody said anything about public speaking when you signed up to be a DJ, right? Well here’s a little tip for you: a DJ that connects with a crowd is way more likeable than an elusive shadow in the corner booth. When it comes time to stepping up your game in the world of career DJing, use the mic to address people and keep the vibe alive. Here’s how to ace it.
Learn a few phrases
You don’t have to make it all up on the spot. Just learn a few key phrases that people want to hear and use them often. Here’s some stuff that works every time:
How are y’all doing tonight?
Everybody make some noise!
Get your hands up!
These easy phrases are expected by crowds all over the world. It’s part of the gig. Get comfortable with them, and then start expanding your repertoire of crowd-pleasing lines!
Know your audience
There’s a pretty big chasm between a banging house party and a formal corporate event. Know your audience. Corporates don’t want to be interrupted while they’re having a conversation, so don’t tell them to get on the dance floor until they’re ready. House party guests don’t care about how badly you’re behaving, so feel free to use colorful language and joke around. Being a professional is about matching people’s expectations. Use the appropriate language.
Practice
Talking to crowds can be terrifying. You gotta practice! At every event, you should be talking to your crowd, even if it’s just to announce your name or make a small connection. Make sure you grab that mic at least once at every gig you do.
Being able to speak is part of the job of DJing. Just remember to keep your sentences short. And don’t be surprised or offended if the host asks you to cut the music and make an announcement to the guests. Overcome your fears and get better at DJing by signing up for a course with DJ Courses Online today.
John Bartmann is a music producer and DJ.