Hey, want to hear a joke?
I don’t actually have a joke to tell you, but did I get your attention? If I did, then that was an effective icebreaker, just something to start an interaction.
This is what our April 2026 meeting was all about – breaking the ice in order to initiate and interaction with your client’s guests to begin performing for them.
For stage performers this is not required, the MC introduces you, everyone there is expecting your performance and has come intentionally to see it, and all you need to worry about is not tripping and falling on your face walking out. But several venues are much more challenging. Table hopping for a restaurant, working a fair or event opening, or working a lounge at an executive event are all scenarios where approaching people “cold” and initiating an interaction is required.
This is such an intriguing topic that we had a significant turn-out for a brainstorming session with members to exchange ideas and techniques. Many ideas and experiences were shared and discussed. We talked about dressing professionally to telegraph that you are there to entertain. Props should be bright and colorful as many environments, often restaurants, have low lighting. Approaching with a gift can open doors – a popular ‘bit of business’ is to create a little dog similar to twisting ballons but with dollar-store beads (or use balloons I suppose).
Ken talked about doing an effect with money (always an eye catcher) or relating to something very current (without getting political) to get people’s attention. Rick noted that by leading with a question can break people’s defensiveness and open them to interact. And Derrek (at my prompting) demonstrated the effectiveness of having a good ‘opening line’. Barry suggests starting with something very familiar to people (like a slinky) that you can then incorporate, and something thing very colorful and attention getting – he used a ‘rocket balloon’ to illustrate.
The importance of picking a good first table or group to approach was brought up. Once people see you performing in the room and the reactions of your first customers, your set for the night. Vito also stressed the importance of good body language and eye contact. Rick spoke about what we are really selling – not our magic trick, but our personalities and abilities to entertain. It’s not about being able to fool people, it’s about entertaining them and making them happy your client employed you. On that topic, we also spent a bit of time discussing what to charge for various types of events. Don’t underprice yourself; it gives the impression that you are not very valuable and cheapens the whole industry.
Another great night, thanks everyone for participating!
Rene Chouinard