Great DMing: Energy

If he’s in, I’m in!

Ever sat at the table for a game and played with a DM that was half asleep? One that never made eye contact? Did nothing but read from a book and look at the table? Then you have been at a low-energy table, you poor unfortunate soul.

DMing is live entertainment and much like its 2nd cousin, theater, there is a common need to bring the energy! This can be a bit of a challenge for any normal person, but it is especially challenging for a table of players when everyone just got off work/school/training for the Olympic curling team. But it is essential to keep players (and yourself) engaged. 

Now, this doesn’t have to be the manic levels of energy held by a cheerleader on Red Bull who just got asked out by her first crush. Because who can keep that up? Each DM has a different vibe and feel at their table. So instead of a mandatory level of energy, just aim for excitement. You are here to share with them a great adventure. And if you believe that, they will believe it too!

Energize the quiet ones

There’s no better way to gain energy than to energize someone else. It’s kinda like when you have a down day, but your best buddy is also having a down day. When you jump to help them feel better, you get yourself in a better frame of mind.

Try this on players that are specifically lagging behind everyone else. We all have our off days and maybe the adventure/story doesn’t really pertain to us specifically this time. But when trouble abounds nothing helps me jazz up a player more than pointing at them and asking, “Whacha got?”

That let’s them know you haven’t forgotten them and that they are still vital to the story. When they respond (usually with enthusiasm at getting a chance to shine), their energy should inspire you. Not only are you helping your players have more fun, you’re gaining the energy needed to keep the campaign a success and not a drag.

Music for the win

So energy is important eh? Really helps keep the electric feel of the table buzzing? Well, how in the heck do you keep that going then? Well, first there is your natural energy level of course. Everyone feels a bit of excitement right before they DM a game. It’s the same feeling directors get before a show begins. All your planning and thoughts are coming together for this moment! It’s your time to shine! But unfortunately, that wanes as time passes. 

Some like to use energy drinks and mountain dew to keep themselves chugging and that’s fine, but I have a small secret to share with you:

You need to bring the rhythm, bring the beat!

If there is a single part of tabletop games that goes under-appreciated, it’s music. Music often sits in the background of my games, especially during the fight segments. It subtly gets the mind into the right frame of reference for the imagination to take over. 

A simple bubbling fountain sound in a market can make it all come to life on the table. This can do a massive amount of work to get the energy level raised up. Nothing like an awesome fight track to get your players to sit up straight.

And when all else fails, challenge your players to a dance off - it worked for Starlord.

Know when to quit

Now there is one important caveat to all this to keep in mind. Know when to quit. Because when you are done, you are done. Everything has an arc and any game at any table will eventually need to end. No matter how much energy you bring to the table it eventually must end. It does no good (and in fact harms) your game to drag it out until everyone is exhausted. Remember that a game that ends on a high note is always better than a game that lasts another hour. 

Know when to quit.

Last thoughts

There we go. Bring the energy, not just for yourself but for your players as well! When you inspire a struggling player, you energize yourself. If you are still struggling to keep it up, music can be a great tool to give you a bit more to it. But make certain you know when to quit when the time comes. 

It isn’t easy to bring that electric feeling to each and every game you run, but the results are worth it.

Remember, all the organization in the world is helpful. But with a DnD campaign, chaos is likely.

#NumberOneJosiah

Jo is our co-founder, resident DM for Hire and a philosopher of tabletop gaming.

Jessie CM

Jessie is our marketing guru, lover of #NumberOneJosiah and a published author.

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