 They say that public speaking ranks alongside death on the list of things people fear most, but unlike death, public speaking is something that gets easier with practice. These are a few thoughts that have helped me learn to love giving artist talks…
Love Them Actress Sarah Cannon played the Grand Ole Opry character Minnie Pearl, sporting a gingham dress, a straw hat with the price tags attached, and an ear-to-ear grin. She was an optimistic and outgoing bumpkin who could talk to anyone. Asked about the secret of her/Minnie’s stage presence, Cannon boiled it down to this: Love your audience, and they’ll love you right back. Ever since I learned this, I’ve taken a moment before any presentation to wrap my audience in an imaginary hug; it’s way more effective than imagining them naked. Make it Matter If you have the opportunity to get up in front of people who are willing to listen to you, for heaven’s sake don’t squander it: talk about something that matters! It’s almost always possible to give the talk you want to give in the guise of the talk you’re supposed to give. Say you’re supposed to talk about yourself and your career: do you really want to recite a list of accomplishments? Or would you be more comfortable and excited to share something you’ve learned the hard way? Something that might help your audience to face their own challenges? Repay their attention by giving them value. The Nerve! A long time ago when I gave my first talk at a national conference, I was so wretched with nerves I considered pulling a fire alarm. Instead, I stepped up to the lectern, took a deep breath and involuntarily gave the tiniest little wet-dog shake to vent my nerves. Afterwards several people mentioned that shake; it was something they identified with, an unrehearsed moment that got them on my side from the start. So while I don’t enjoy feeling nervous, I know it’s just part of the routine, and I don’t waste my energy trying to fight it or hide it. Me TV Even if you are miked up and standing in a spotlight, I guarantee that no one is paying as much attention to you as you are. People remember gists and impressions. You can flub a sentence or mispronounce your own name or have spinach in your teeth and barely anyone will notice, much less record it in their diary later that night. Bonus tip: this is also true at parties! Blurb Not Bio In the course of three years at a craft school, I’ve seen a looooot of artist talks and in general, the talks that leave the audience wanting more are the talks that leave something out. When the presenter shows every work they’ve ever made, there’s not much left to say. And when they show everything they’ve ever made and take double or triple their allotted time to do it, the audience will talk…but not kindly.
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