The Shy Artist
949-415-4749
  • Home
  • Books
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Making Your Stuff Look Good
    • Supplies
    • Business resources
  • About me
  • Contact me
  • Subscribe
  • Exhibits
    • September 2014 - Food for Thought
    • August 2014 - Puppy Love and Sex Kittens
  • Featured Artists
    • Amanda Fish
    • Nancy Roux
    • mo mosartstudios
    • Amy Lin
    • Sharon Jackman
    • Michael Cahill
    • Marlene Rogers
    • Become a Featured Artist

One tip to help overcome fear of speaking with your customers

5/31/2014

1 Comment

 
Toilet artists with Gayle Anderson of KTLA News
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?

1 Comment
Harley Reeves link
12/21/2020 12:46:07 am

Hi nice readding your blog

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Loretta Alvarado, Fiber Artist

    About the Author

    Helping artists and crafters improve their sales, one word at a time.

    Loretta Alvarado is the author of several business for artists books. She spends most of her time in her studio making art and writing. But you can sometimes find her on Facebook.



    Categories

    All
    Art Career
    Art Shows
    Books
    Freebies
    Interesting Quotes
    Just For Fun
    Marketing
    Resources
    Status Updates
    Tips
    Videos
    What To Say


    Archives

    October 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011

    RSS Feed