It is commonly accepted that fear of public speaking is one of the most widespread of all phobias. Some would rather have a root canal with no anesthesia performed by a chimpanzee than speak to a group of people. I've seen an editor where I once worked, who in relaxed conversation among a group of fellow employees was witty, erudite and quick with the quip. When it came time for her to speak formally in 
front of her peers, the same people with whom she kibitzed daily, she completely fell apart. She shook and quivered so visibly, to the point of utter discomfort of all who watched before I mercifully intervened with a question to distract her from her anxiety.
I am fully aware the mere thought of this suggestion twists some stomachs and causes cold sweats, but I nevertheless believe any artist who can gain mastery over public speaking also gains tremendous advantage in advancing his or her business. Further, I contend anyone can learn to do public speaking...even the aforementioned editor...it is a learned skill.
If there ever was a case where the adage, "The dread is worse than the do" applies, this is it. Even the most terrified can become an accomplished public speaker. A bit of determination, practice and a command of what you want to say is all that is needed. As a visual artist, you have a huge advantage in that your work, or the work of other artists carries great visual interest. You have great props; use them! Plus, Art is sexy, never forget it.
Public Speaking Pays in Many Ways
A major benefit of learning to speak in public is it will also enable you to be more comfortable talking about your work with collectors, gallerists, media types, publishers and others whose influence can further your career.
Here are some suggestions for creating an entertaining speech. Whether you know your subject well, or are new to the topic, do as much research as possible. Look for and offer interesting tidbits your audience will want to know. Humor is best left to those who know how to use it. If you are not good with a joke or anecdote in your personal life, don’t try to become Robin Williams on stage. If you have a personal aside with a humorous aspect, relate it in conversational manner, but leave the comedy to the pros.
Have a Take and Don't Suck!
Jim Rome, who hosts one of the most listened to national sports talk shows, puts it succinctly and brutally to his listeners who eagerly wait upwards of an hour for a chance to read their rehearsed spin on a current topic and get their 30 seconds of fame. He tells them, "Have a take and don’t suck!”
Let the Audience Know You Will Not Waste Its Time
Sounds simple; but it is important to tell the audience what they are going to learn. Tell them how long you intend to speak. Assure directly or indirectly you will not waste their time. I like to ask them to write down questions and defer them to the end of my talk so I can get through in the allotted time. This is personal, you may want to allow questions, especially if you are not sure you will fill the alotted time. When you are near done, recap what you have told them and announce you are done. Make any housekeeping announcements such as how to order, get in touch, etc., thank yous, etc., before you announce you are done. You don’t want to be shouting over a group that is breaking up.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Unless you are a natural, you will need to practice. Even for the professionals, going unrehearsed and extemporaneous can be a prescription for disaster. The best speakers are a little larger than life. If you watch a news announcer, or someone doing an interview, they are animated. It may seem conversational, but their gestures are larger and they move their heads and body more than people do in normal conversation. You never see them looking like a statue. If you are wearing a wireless mic, or have a strong voice, then move around. Don’t be afraid to use props. Whether tools from your studio, pointers or other items that create visual interest, used properly, they all help.
If you are using audio-visual tools such as a digital projector and a PowerPoint presentation; make sure you have access to the equipment in advance so you can get comfortable with how to use it. Take extra batteries for any remotes, or have someone come with you who can advance slides with a nod from you. That person should practice with you too.
Anticipate what questions are most likely to arise and practice answering them too. If you ask for questions at the end and you get none, you don’t have to stand there and look forlorn. Just smile and segue with one of your practiced questions. Pick something that will further your cause. It might go like this, “A couple of questions that often come up are, “How my art is priced and where is it available?” Or it could be something else. Answer these and if no other questions are posed. Thank everyone and say goodnight.
Prepare Handouts
Duh! Never show up empty handed. Some of the most successful artists always have something on hand when they know in advance they might encounter collectors or others who can help them. You have already put much time into preparing your talk, you want to make sure everyone knows how to reach you afterwards. If you want them to sign on for a newsletter, blog, drawing, etc. Make it easy for them to do this. Don’t wait till the end of your talk to ask them to fill something out. It’s too late then. Stop a couple of minutes into the talk and hold up the copy. Make sure everyone has the form and ask them to take time to fill it out now. Better to have too many copies than not enough.
A Speech Is Different Than Brief Opening Night Comments.
Opening night comments are very specific to the art on display. They might contain some information about you. Regarding a public speaking event, you always want to have a speech that relates to your art. If it is specifically about your art, present your information in way that does not scream advertising. If your speech is not specifically about your art, find ways to use your art to illustrate your speech. Try using the free Personal Brain software I’ve touted several times before on this blog. It is a wonderful tool to allow you to get all your free association ideas in one place. You can then use it to see which ideas relate and to develop a hierarchy of what you want to say. Ideally, you want to move through a big idea broken down into to smaller segments and finish with a recap of the big idea and suggestions for implementing the idea, if appropriate.
Don’t use too much “art talk” and lingo. What may be common place to you can be just confusing to the average person. If you use uncommon terms, for instance giclée, stop for a moment and give a very brief explanation of it. If you mention the Ashcan School, then stop and provide some detail and background on it, etc. It does not have to be elaborate, but just enough to acknowledge your audience is not as steeped in the subject as you. Some will highly value gaining specialized knowledge and will remember where they learned it.
Warning: Getting Good at Public Speaking Can be Habit Forming
It can be an exhilarating feeling to give a successful talk to an interested audience. When you reach the point this is happening for you, you will wonder who that person was that dreaded the process in the beginning. And, you will be loving the side benefits of increased awareness, sales and reputation for your art.
Here Are Some Ideas For Finding Places To Speak.
You will find many service organizations need a speaker each week or month. These are great places to cut your teeth. If you create art in a certain genre, look for organizations that will have the greatest interest. For example, if you paint pets, then look for humane societies, and other animal rights organizations. If you paint florals, then look for gardening clubs. If you paint portraits, you could look for business organizations and businesses that might want to immortalize their leaders. If you paint landscapes, it could be hiking groups or the Sierra Club. Likewise, if wildlife is your subject, Ducks Unlimited could be a target. Keep in mind; it may not be the people you speak to that are the most important links to improving your own business. It could very well be the people they know that will have the greatest impact. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to tackle speaking to organizations when the synergy does not seem so obvious.
Join Toastmasters
There is no substitute to Toastmasters for polishing your speaking skills. Its local group chapters serve to help fledgling speakers learn their craft. They don’t expect you to know what you are doing. You can be as scared and raw as imaginable and you will find a sympathetic group to speak with and to learn from and be encouraged by. It exists to help members acquire speaking skills. Plus, you get a built-in audience to promote in addition to honing your speaking skills. There is no downside to learning and regularly practicing public speaking as an artist. Once you have learned how to do it on your own terms, you can make yourself in demand as much as you want, assuming you are not living in a very small community. Even those typically have larger communities within a reasonable drive.
Public Speaking Leads to Becoming a Media Resource
Local and regional and even national media have “go to” people in their Rolodexes for certain topics. If you speak regularly, especially if you speak on subjects beyond your own art, you will find yourself on those Rolodexes. The results generated from the ensuing exposure will do your repuation and art business a world of good on an ongoing basis.
When you start having some success, get a digital camera and record the events. Put the best ones on your Web site and YouTube. Don't forget to come bragging here either!
Great post, Barney! I agree with everything but the Toastmasters comment. I was a member of Toastmasters for 3+ years and got a lot out of it. However, I think the format is focused too much on perfection and competition (at least our group was). I like to recommend to artists an alternative called Speaking Circles, which is focused on authenticity and connecting with an audience. You can find them at Speaking Circles. And the book that started it all is "Be Heard Now
" by Lee Glickstein.
Posted by: Alyson B. Stanfield | February 11, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Perfect timing! I've got to give a brief presentation to an arts commission panel this afternoon, your pointers are excellent - thanks!
Posted by: Judith Monroe | February 11, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Alyson, thanks for tip. I have seen Toastmasters that are competitive and others that are more supportive. Like most small groups, the dynamics are driven by members. Perhaps I'm spoiled here in Phoenix where there are a huge number of chapters. Regarding Speaking Circles, I always appreciate a new resource, especially when highly recommended.
Judith, hope your presentation went well!
Posted by: Barney Davey | February 11, 2008 at 08:45 PM