Don't Throw Away Your Shot

Steal a page from Lin Manuel Miranda's playbook and seize the moment!

When Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped onto the stage at the White House, the expectations were clear: perform a hit from In the Heights, his acclaimed Broadway show. Instead, he stunned the room by debuting the first song from a brand-new, untested project—Hamilton. It was a bold move, one that left the audience, including the President of the United States, in awe. That single performance helped secure the funding needed to bring Hamilton to life, ultimately becoming one of the most iconic musicals of all time.

Miranda’s story is more than a tale of artistic bravery—it’s a masterclass in understanding and captivating your audience. Here's how you can take his storytelling strategy and use it to help you connect with your audience when you're in the Room Where it Happens. (I can't help myself. I'm not sorry.)

1. Know Your Audience—And Surprise Them

Miranda knew the White House crowd would expect a performance from his hit show In the Heights. But instead of giving them what they expected, he delivered something new, bold, and unforgettable. The element of surprise worked because he understood his audience’s openness to creativity and innovation.

Try it:
Don’t just meet your audience’s expectations—change them. Think about what your audience anticipates and then find ways to add a fresh perspective or unique twist that will leave them engaged and intrigued.

2. Take Risks That Showcase Your Authentic Voice

Miranda could have played it safe, but instead, he leaned into his authentic voice, debuting a project that blended hip-hop and history—a combination no one had seen before. That risk became Hamilton, a cultural phenomenon.

Try it:
Your story doesn’t need to fit conventional molds. Be bold and trust your unique voice. Sharing your authentic perspective, even when it feels risky, will resonate more deeply with your audience than playing it safe.

3. Leverage the Power of Vulnerability

Performing an untested song in front of an audience as prestigious as the White House required vulnerability. Miranda trusted the power of his work, even in its raw form, and it paid off.

Research from Brené Brown shows that vulnerability fosters trust and connection. Audiences respond to authenticity, not perfection.

Try it:
When sharing your story, don’t be afraid to reveal the process, the challenges, or even the doubts. Vulnerability makes your narrative relatable and builds a deeper connection with your audience.

4. Create a Moment They’ll Remember

The White House audience didn’t just witness a performance—they experienced a moment. Miranda’s decision to debut Hamilton left an indelible impression because it felt significant, unique, and personal.

Try it:
Focus on creating memorable moments in your storytelling. Whether it’s a surprising twist, a powerful emotional connection, or a compelling call to action, aim to leave your audience with something they’ll carry with them.

5. Turn the Spotlight on the Audience

Miranda’s story resonated because it wasn’t just about him—it was about a larger narrative of history, ambition, and humanity. He created a space where his audience could see themselves in the story he was telling.

Try it:
Great storytelling isn’t about you—it’s about your audience. Think about how your story relates to their lives, challenges, or dreams. Craft your message in a way that invites your audience to connect and feel like they’re part of the narrative.

Why Your Shot Matters

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s White House performance wasn’t just a bold artistic choice—it was a lesson in understanding and captivating an audience. It reminds us that great storytelling is about taking risks, trusting your voice, and focusing on connection. Your story has the power to inspire, but only if you’re willing to share it. Especially when you're in the room where it happens.