Avoid Cliché and Sentimentality to Engage Authentically

Effective communication, particularly in musical settings, requires vigilance against clichés and sentimentality. Clichés represent overly familiar truths that lack freshness, while sentimentality often relies on unearned emotions that do not stem from genuine experiences. To foster authentic engagement, the selected words and emotions in songs must resonate truthfully with the audience. This may necessitate reinventing familiar pieces, like 'Amazing Grace,' to ensure they feel new and impactful rather than merely routine. It involves a thoughtful approach to both the content and emotional expression to enhance the overall experience.