How to Prepare for Platform Mediumship

I remember taking part in my first open platform. I had been in the audience for many demonstrations and practiced in many circles and classes, so I was confident enough to get on stage.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term”platform work”, this is when a Medium, usually in a spiritualist church, stands at the front of the congregation and gives readings to random members.

On the day, I arrived early at the spiritualist church and sat there as the room filled slowly. I silently prayed to my Guides and all the deities for courage.

Needless to say, when it was my turn to go up, I went blank, and I mean, if someone had asked my name, my response would have been “Errrr” I wouldn’t have been able to answer.

I knew who I was going to because the spirit was standing next to them, but I was getting nothing due to fear and nerves. I said maybe ten words in what felt like 15 minutes, and three of those were me introducing myself.

It was soul-destroying seeing the look of boredom and confusion from the audience.

As I got off the stage, the hosting Medium asked me, “Are you part of a circle?”. My heart sank. I sat at the back for the rest of the service, not making eye contact with anyone. As soon as it was over, I picked up my bag and told myself I would never return. I felt like I had let down my spirit team.

A few days later, slightly less embarrassed, I finally plucked up the courage to think about what went wrong. What could I have done differently? I was used to speaking in front of large groups, so I knew it wasn’t stage-fright.

So what happened?

I hadn’t prepared and hadn’t managed the things within my control. Here are some tips that might help with your venture into Platform work.

1. Visit the location in advance

For me, this is key, and I tend to do this in all areas of my life. When you have selected the venue, visit it and look around to familiarise yourself with the building, the person at the front desk, and how the services held? Do you have to add your name to a list on arrival? Or can you volunteer during the service?

Knowing the practicalities of what will happen on the day is one thing less to think about. More importantly, you may realise that your energy doesn’t vibe with the location or the Medium, and you’d prefer to try elsewhere. It is better to know as soon as possible, like trying before you buy.

2. Check in with your Guides

On the morning of the Platform, I’ll specifically ask my guides to help me bring in someone the client will recognise; I also ask on the way to the venue (not out loud). I don’t make it a long, drawn-out ritual, but talk to them as though I was talking to friends.

3. Avoid trying to prepare the message before it’s your turn

I remember sitting in the audience waiting to be called, trying to connect to the spirit and get as much information as possible so I could hit the ground running.

I quickly realised that doesn’t work for me; I’d often be fortunate enough to know where I was going and who I had before getting up, but if I tried to get a message whilst sitting down, nothing would come, and panic would take over.

I’ve found that just acknowledging who I have and waiting until I get up to collect information works out in the end, mainly.

4. Say what you see (or hear)

Say what you see. No doubt you’ve been told this a lot, but it’s true. A yellow and green polka dot cat may mean nothing to you but have significance to the client.

5. Beware of the “I can take that!”

Leslie Flint referred to them as “message grabbers”.

Sometimes, people grab a message and try to make it fit. To avoid this first, know who you’re going to, and if that is not possible at first, check in with your gut; if someone grabs a message and you don’t feel like it’s for them, feel confident enough to say, I don’t feel this person is with you. Whilst you may want to please everyone, you must keep your integrity. It took me a while to have the confidence to say no.

6. Relax

Always easier said than done; hopefully, if you’ve followed some of my tips above, you will not be too nervous, but I often find that I’ve tensed every muscle in my body as I wait to be called.

So I take a moment to relax purposefully. The more relaxed I am, the easier it is to give messages. Even when I’m sharing a message, I take a second or two to check in with myself, and if I’m tense, I take a breath and continue.

7. Don’t give up

Speak to any Medium (experienced or fledgeling), and they will all have stories of drying up during a reading. A Medium of 20+ years of experience told me that recently they were doing readings, and the first one was fabulous, but at that the second one, they got nothing, tumbleweed and crickets.

That said, the Platform may not be for you, which is perfectly okay. I have a love-hate relationship with public demonstrations; I think they are essential. Many people can’t afford the £40-£250 fee to get a private reading, and attending a spiritual church can sometimes be the only way to see a Medium and receive a message from their loved ones.

8. Be uniquely you

I tried to imitate other Mediums for a long time, and it took me a while to accept that my personality and uniqueness are part of my mediumship and how I give readings. Your guides know who you are and will connect with you.

So, whilst one Medium may prefer to stand still and give messages, I like to move around, gesture with my hands, and even laugh with the spirit and the client. So, whilst it is helpful to watch how others work, be your unique self.

And remember, Platform is not the only way to express your mediumship abilities.

Let me know if any of these work for you or if you have any tips of your own.