Stage presence is a quality some people have and others don't. I don't.
Some performers are just naturals in front of people, regardless of musical
talent. Others are awkward even if they are virtuosos. I have always
admired performers with that natural ease and communication with the
audience. On the other hand, I have a buddy who is one of the most
accomplished steel guitar players in Nashville who looks absolutely bashful
on stage. He has been the same since I met him more than 20 years ago.
I work best when I stay within myself, remind myself not to ad lib any
comments or do anything crazy. If I know my role and my lines, I'm good. I
do less well in unscripted jam sessions, where I love to play but I leave it
at that. I stopped drinking several years ago, which has helped my stage
presence immensely. Nothing worse than a drunk performer, especially when
he thinks he is clever.
As far as looking down, I don't do that because it promotes saliva flow to
the harp. So I tend to stand up straight and look a bit up, over the heads
of the crowd. I listen to how nice my gear sounds, how full my vibrato is
(or isn't). I keep time with my head or feet or knees or something, so I'm
moving to the music without actually dancing. I look at my bandmates a lot,
especially the singer and/or guitar player. I constantly remind myself to
smile. People tell me I look okay on stage, and I'm generally happy with it
when I see videos of my performances.
I don't know if I own my space when I perform, but I try to own myself.
Players who are (or plan to be) famous - as in our recent interesting thread
- may need to focus a lot more on stage presence than I do. My only point
is that an utter lack of stage presence is no reason to avoid performing.
At least it isn't for me.
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