What do you look for when you listen to an author?

I read an edition of Toastmasters magazine about writing, authorship and book promotion from this spring. The author talked about having great success on a night when he danced “The Time Warp” from Rocky Horror Picture Show. His take on it was to show the audience who he was, let them establish a connection, and then the books sell.

I don’t think I’ll be dancing to “The Time Warp”, since I never was a fan of RHPS, but it does make me think of what I can do to show myself and be unique. If I do read, it will be a short excerpt.

I’m curious what readers would like. Something more like Crystalee’s post from the blog tour? If you didn’t see it, it’s here. Or is there something more personal, more outlandish, that is required to catch your attention?