Why?
Musicians understand dynamics (louds and softs). They know when and how to drop their voice to a whisper or deliver a forceful phrase.
Musicians understand the power of the pause. They know how a pause adds punctuation and generates intrigue.
Musicians understand the importance of phrasing. They know when a short phrase is appropriate and when a longer statement should be made.
Musicians understand how to listen. They know that listening should be constant, whether or not they are contributing to the overall sound.
Musicians understand how to respond. They know how to take turns and how to support and encourage their colleagues.
Musicians understand how to blend. They know how harmonies are built and change.
Musicians understand how to lead. They know how and when to establish or further develop a theme.
Musicians understand live performance. They know how to connect with and react to an audience.
Musicians understand the importance of having a plan. They know when the score is to be performed precisely and when to improvise; and groups of musicians know they need to agree on parameters such as timing, key, and instrumentation.
Musicians know how to end. They understand the importance of the last chord, phrase, and dynamics, and how that finish impacts the audience.
And each of these has its equivalent in presenting demos!
"It's not the notes you play, it's the notes you don't play."
– Miles Davis
If you are a musician, take advantage of these attributes when you are presenting demos. If you are not a musician, see Chapter 15 “Style” in Great Demo! for many of these ideas, but without the music!
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