Welcome to Darin Daily On Demand, your most trusted resource to help you become better

every day.

Here's your success mentor, Darin Hardy.

What do you do when your audience disrespects you?

Whether you are on stage, conducting a small meeting in your office, or having a discussion

one-on-one with someone, I take a cue from the great 19th century Hungarian virtuoso

arguably considered the greatest pianist in history, Franz Liszt.

If he can do what he did in front of his audience, certainly I can do in mind.

During a concert in the late 1800s, Liszt was performing when the Emperor of Russia, Nicholas

I, made a late entrance.

Even after being seated, the Emperor continued to talk out loud with members of his entourage.

He realized that Nicholas had no intention of ending his discourse, so he simply stopped

playing and bowed his head.

When Nicholas inquired about the hushed silence, Liszt replied, music herself should not

be silent when Nicholas speaks.

Nicholas then remained silent and Liszt was able to finish his recital with the Emperor's

full, non-destructive and undivided attention.

A similar scene took place in the drawing room of Princess Middernich.

Liszt had been summoned to perform for her guests upon the announcement of his arrival,

the Princess ignored him.

While she chatted idly with her other guests, then turned suddenly to the pianist and asked,

you did concerts in Italy.

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