When using music with your speech, training or workshop, a useful tip is to set pre-determined start times for each song. You want to set these based on when the lyrics start so the songs "hit the ground running." I use iTunes to manage all my music and this is easy to do by right-clicking on a song, choosing Get Info, clicking the Options tab and setting a specific Start Time there. This feature help you maintain the energy between when you stop speaking and when the music starts. Good luck!
(You can also find the song lists we use in our programs by searching for iTunes in the search box of this blog.)
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4 comments:
Rhett:
Thanks for the advice.
A song ending at the wrong time is like seeing something, reaching for it, and having it fall through the floor.
Good Post!
Hi, I am presenting a small piece on one of your blog posts to my university rhetoric class and found this post intriquing but really short ;(
Some examples would be helpful. I haven't used music in a presentation yet but think it could give some of the presentations I have to do for school a little more engaging.
When is a good time to use music? For what purpose? Any tips on song choice??How do you judge the best place to start and stop the song? Could you also comment on when music is appropriate and when not??
I look forward to continuing to read your blog!
When is a good time to use music? For what purpose?
There are three different "spaces" during our programs (keynotes, workshops, seminars, etc.) that we use music:
1. To set the mood of the room - upbeat, reflective, relaxing, etc.
2. To fill dead air. Anytime the audience is milling, chatting, working on something, etc.
3. To teach a lesson. We have between 10-15 experiential leadership/life skill activities where we use music intentionally (Name That Tune, Mood Music, Dance Dance Isolation, This is..., etc.)
Any tips on song choice?
Song choice is based on what you need it for and CPP (Clean, Powerful, Positive).
How do you judge the best place to start and stop the song?
I have the start times pre-set based on either when the singing begins or when the melody hook begins. Here are a few examples:
Don't Stop Believing, Journey - Start time is :17.
Kernkraft 400, Zombie Nation - Start time is 1:56.
Move Along, All-American Rejects - Start time is :11.
Most songs produced for radio play have at least a :07 to :11 second instrumental bumper at the first designed to allow the DJ to transition from commercial or the previous song.
Stop times are primarily set based on the standard fade out producers include. You want to pre-set the stop time to right before this fade begins.
Could you also comment on when music is appropriate and when not?
Music is appropriate to use when it fits one or more of the three spaces above.
Thank you so much!! Excellent info!!!
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