Ignore the chatter

I want to stay true to my goal of blogging weekly, though I think this weeks blog will be pretty short. Over the years I have attended many auditions, and competitions (in voice and weightlifting) and there is one thing that always seems to stick out to me no matter where I am for these types of experiences; the chatter.

In 2009 I attended an audition in NYC and I was blown away by the endless chatter of the other singers waiting around for their turn. Each of them in the same boat as myself; nervous, not sure what to expect, tired from travel, concerned if their preparation was enough etc. etc. However, despite the circumstance I don’t find it necessary to dive into a conversation of chatter to get me through the awkward wait of being called into the audition room. I find it distracting. What’s wrong with sitting at peace with yourself and mentally preparing to give the best performance of your life? Even with all the nerves, the uncertainty, the doubts of your preparation; you’re at the point of no turning back so stop trying to take away from the moment.

Let me clarify a little, when I say chatter I’m not referring to casual conversation with others. I don’t want to come across as someone who won’t say a friendly hello to a fellow singer or competitor. I will converse with others. No, when I say chatter I mean that nervous habit of feeling like you must discuss every insecurity you’re currently feeling and expect everyone around you to follow suit so you can validate your feelings. I hate chatter. I see it at every audition, every vocal competition, every weightlifting competition, and I honestly don’t understand why people use this crutch to get them through an uncomfortable situation. Stop trying to seek out comfort in an uncomfortable situation. Competition is not comfortable. If you want comfort, don’t compete.

I realize this is basically turning into a rant but let me tell you, the people who are successful don’t sit around talking about how nervous they are, or how they are afraid they will fail, or talk about all the reasons they should do poorly because “excuse excuse excuse”. Instead, the people who can sit in silence during an awkward and uncomfortable moment just before they take the stage; those people win. I rarely see a person full of chatter take the gold. If you need an outlet to release your concerns and insecurities get a coach or a mentor. Discuss these issue ahead of time. Don’t walk into a competition or audition chattering with everyone around you in search of a security blanket.

I hate chatter.

-Laura