By
eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Having a case of the butterflies is a good thing. No live performance has the energy required to make it a success if the performer isn't a touch nervous.
Step2
Rehearse your performance well ahead of time so that the material is second nature. Making the material part of you helps you get a feeling for the spirit of what you are doing and how to perform better.
Step3
Focus on one or two people in the audience and pretend you are talking directly to them. This helps many people get over the shock of being judged by a sea of unfamiliar faces.
Step4
Open your performance casually and show your human side to the audience. People like to see performers who seem like someone to whom they can relate.
Step5
Feed off the crowd's vibe. Seek a way to channel all of their energy into the style if not the actual content of your live performance.
Step6
Thank your audience and those responsible for hosting the live performance event. Gratitude leaves everyone with a good sense of the event and enhances the possibilities that you might be invited back.