3 Ways To Wail Like Jimi Hendrix
Posted on May 9, 2012 by Baxter Dickson
Recently Rolling Stone magazine updated its list of the one hundred greatest guitarists in rock history. The first ninety-nine will likely be debated for years; however, the number one slot was a no brainer. It had to be Jimi Hendrix.
Arguably, no one before or since has harnessed the electric guitar’s power. But the question remains: What made Jimi so special? I believe that what made Jimi special, aside from a supernatural understanding of his instrument, are the same qualities that make any performer, speaker, or business presenter stand out.
#1 Do It Your Way
Nothing about Hendrix’s guitar playing was conventional. He played a right-handed guitar upside down and restrung it for a left handed player. He couldn’t read or write music. His guitar playing was full of distortion, feedback and fuzz. The end result was a sound that no one had ever heard before.
A memorable speaker is different from other speakers. A memorable speaker is unique. For example, if you can insert your own humorous drawings on a dry-erase board into an otherwise mundane PowerPoint presentation, you and your information are more likely to be remembered. If you can engage your audience in conversation, they will have better recall. In addition, you will be far more likely to enjoy the experience if you’re doing it your way.
#2 Update Old Material
Despite a decent catalog of original songs, two of Hendrix’s most famous songs are not his own. First is his electric (pun-intended) cover of Bob Dylan’s, “All Along the Watchtower.” The second is his signature Woodstock moment: playing the “The Star-Spangled Banner”. This is noteworthy because it’s a take on a song we hear so frequently and know so well. Not only does Hendrix not play our national anthem as it is intended, he also throws in interludes of noise and dissonance to imitate the sounds of planes flying and bombs bursting in air. The end result is stirring.
Hendrix’s rendition of the national anthem offers a great blueprint for updating your sales pitch.
First, throw out what doesn’t work. In Jimi’s case he didn’t parade out a marching band or orchestra (I doubt Woodstock would have approved). In your case, you might have a signature line or joke that’s worked for years. Throw it out and find something new. If your material is stale, it will show.
But keep the theme the same. Hendrix’s version of the song is different, but anyone familiar with the “Star-Spangled Banner” will recognize the melody line. If your company has a distinctive advantage, such as extraordinary customer service, low prices, or top quality goods, continue to emphasize it. Unless your customers are chanting for change, your basic message still has appeal because it’s recognizable.
#3 Feel It
I’m almost convinced Jimi Hendrix never opened his eyes once he began to play. At the same time, I’ve never watched footage of Jimi and felt he was going to screw up. Instead, I’m just aware that, “Jimi is feeling it.” For Hendrix, his powerful onstage persona developed from years of meticulous practice and obsessive attention to detail. Not that you could ever tell once he picked up his guitar. It was as if he was experiencing the music for the first time and loving every minute of it.
Even if you’ve presented the same material a hundred times, you can always find something new to enjoy. A sales presentation may be stale to you, but your customer has never experienced it. You will get different reactions each time and enthusiasm is contagious. Bearing this in mind, don’t forget to have fun!
Jimi Hendrix was a stunning performer that set the stage on fire, literally and figuratively. However, you don’t need an electric guitar and superior song-writing skills to channel your inner rock star. Be yourself, avoid the norms, and play with passion. You may not get groupies or a best-selling album but you will win over your audience.
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