The Qualities of a Great Entertainer

by Chris Miksen, Demand Media

Confidence makes your act look natural and effortless.

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Enthusiasm

There's not a whole lot of entertainment to be had without enthusiasm. Your deliveries rely on enthusiasm, and not in just over-the-top, boisterous deliveries, but the low-key ones too. Picture an actor playing the role of a depressed and apathetic person. If the actor is not enthusiastic about the role, it's going to show. He won't appear convincing or pull the audience in. Enthusiasm also spawns commitment. Commitment, which consists of a willingness to improve, breeds talent. Some people are born with natural talent, but if they don't identify their weaknesses and improve upon them, they'll hit a wall quickly. Talent is specific to each type of entertainer. A career as a stand-up comedian, for instance, calls for a vastly different host of talents than career as a musician.

Confidence

Great actors bubble with confidence. Confidence enables you to put on a believable act. It makes your delivery convincing and makes whatever scene you're in entertaining. Without confidence, your movements seem stiff, your words drip with nervousness and uncertainty and you're unable to really tap into the talents you have. Confidence comes partly from practice and knowing that you have the talent to entertain and partly from a mindset that pushes away doubt and worry.