After years of traveling around the world playing the piano and speaking at conferences I’ve found there is a common bond with people of all cultures and generations that is vastly under used. It’s a magical tool that unites everyone and has the power to positively affect their mood and behavior. It’s music. Sound too simple? Too fluffy? Let me paint a picture using the powers of simple and fluffy….
In 2006 I was hired by Coca Cola to perform at the Winter Olympic Games in Italy. One night I was playing for an audience that consisted of global CEO’s, international politicians, European security forces, Hollywood celebrities and United Nations volunteers. Regardless of the blatant contrasts in backgrounds and education, everyone joined together singing along to popular songs that have crossed the borders of race, politics, religion, age and class.
Another time I was speaking to 1200 employees at ExxonMobil where they were having trouble getting their message across due to boredom at meetings. Two minutes into the presentation the entire audience was clapping along to Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York. This is a classic example of how music:
• Initiated a tone of fun
• Captivated and maintained attention
• Broke the ice
• Opened minds to be receptive
• Made the message and the meeting memorable
• Set a precedent of positive anticipation for future meetings
Not so fluffy. Ever so simple. For a change of pace at your next training, awards, monthly meeting or annual conference try adding the magic of music!
