Don't know what is meant by 'prissy finger-picking', but a shift in dynamics from a rousing, fast-paced number played plectrum style to a quietly played fingerstyle song w/o losing the intensity of the performance is a very effective presentation tool. When playing open stages I learned very quickly to 'listen' to the previous performer and take my cue for a first selection from the tempo/intensity of the previous performer's last song. As I progressed to getting booked I simply strung together a series of 'mini-sets' to make one long one...45-60 mins @ 3-4 song intevals. Keep explanations to a minimum and don't speak for more than 3 times per set other than to announce the song, title and how it lates to your life experience. Whether you wrote it or not.

The 'secret' to good finger picking is in the right hand. One can obtain a variety of dynamics by just shifting the palm against the strings at certain points in the song to 'choke' the bass strings while holding simple, basic chord forms. And learning to play the melody of the song always makes for an effective instrumental break. Even if one doesn't get the exact notes just hinting at the melody is usually enough.