One tip to help overcome fear of speaking with your customers

Toilet artists Carla Foster and Keith Swecker with Gayle Anderson of KTLA News

Ten years ago today, How Original! An Art Gallery in Laguna Beach closed its doors forever. (Well, at least until I go insane enough to try it again.) In many ways I miss the place. It was fun and exciting. And, I learned so much. Most importantly, it helped to start me on this new path of author and speaker.

Those years at the gallery were a very transformative time for me. Not only was I going through multiple health and relationship issues, but I was also trying to get over my fear of public speaking. And with all the publicity for the various exhibits, speaking on camera was one of the biggest challenges I had to face.

If you only met me just recently, you would not know how shy I really am. Ten years ago, being in front of a TV camera was difficult. It still is. But, I have learned to overcome it. All it took was a lot of practice.

One of the easiest ways to practice is to do a video of yourself. You don’t need a fancy video camera.  Most smart phones and even digital cameras have video capability. Here’s what to do: Set up your favorite piece of artwork, aim the camera, hit record, and start talking about your art.

It doesn’t matter what you say at this point. Just get yourself used to being on camera. You may feel self-conscious about doing this. That’s okay. It’s all part of the process.

Now go back and watch your video. This is difficult at first. It may even be uncomfortable. That’s okay. Do it anyway. You’ll start to notice things that you do that you may not have been aware of. Do you talk with your hands? Do your eyes wander? Do you move around a lot? Take note of those behaviors that you want to fix. Now record yourself again. Trust me, it does get easier when you have done this a few times.

Now, this process does take time and a lot of practice. However, it is worth it. Speaking in front of a camera really helps to improve your speaking ability in front of real people. I hope you try this.

What’s your most difficult public speaking challenge?