8 Tips To Help You Let Your Light Shine While Speaking In Public Or On Camera

There are a number of common mistakes freelancers and service providers make when they are trying to attract high-quality clients. Avoiding these mistakes can mean the difference between struggling or running your business smoothly, with a steady stream of clients willing to pay you what you are worth.

Not Distinguishing Between Price and Value

A lot of vendors worry about price and are willing to sell their services for less than their competition. The trouble is that you can get locked into the cheaper price, and find it difficult to raise it in the future. In addition, the lower price might attract only bargain-basement clients, rather than quality ones you could have a long-term relationship with. Top business people might actually dismiss you for being too cheap.

Then there is a question of value. Value and price are not the same. Your value will be in how good you are with your work, how reliable you are, and how well you are able to stick to your deadlines. Your value is also determined by your experience. If you are a real pro at WordPress, for example, then you are more valuable than a person charging the same amount who isn't, because you are bringing your knowledge and experience to every project.

#1 KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT

You've got to know what you are talking about when you are talking in front of an audience. What is the subject of your speech? Did you do your research? If not, what are you waiting on? Get to know more about what you will talk about. God's word says to study to shew yourself approved unto God. Well, just like we are mandated to study the word of God, the principle is the same in other areas of your life (yes, even in giving a speech or speaking on camera about a subject). Take time out to know your subject details. Find facts, statistics, names, dates, etc. When you get up to talk, you will feel at ease when you KNOW that you KNOW what you are talking about. Sidebar: adding a personal story related to the subject matter makes you sound more relatable to your audience so keep this in mind. Especially if it is a funny or thoughtful and can potentially add sentimental value to the listener.

#2 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

i remember as a teenager, I wore a pink sweatshirt that had the words "Practice Makes Perfect" and above the words was a picture of a ballerina in her tutu and pretty pink ballerina slippers. That shirt was a reminder to me that If I studied, rehearsed constantly and stayed focused on the task at hand, over time the thing I was practicing would become perfected in execution. When giving a speech, it is important to practice what you want to say. I've learned to practice in front of a mirror or use a recording application to practice. Each time I recite the speech or presentation, I will change up my tone or use my hands or pitch to emphasize a particular point I wanted my audience to remember. As you continue to practice, you will become comfortable with the material and have the ability to give the speech without notes or a telepromptor to jog your memory.

#3 RELAX, RELATE, RELEASE

Your portfolio should give examples of each of the services you wish to offer, if at all possible. Give items a title, link to them, and if there are many samples, group them according to the category of services being offered.

#4 VISUALIZE YOURSELF SPEAKING

It is great to want to prove that you are a talented worker who can deliver the goods, but time is money, and so is the work you do. A lot of new service providers give away far too much in terms of free information and their time. Free samples are not really needed - you have your portfolio to show what you can do. 

You should also avoid long consultation calls. In an effort to be helpful and prove you are the right person for the job, you would probably give away far more information than you should. Then they really have no reason to hire you, because you have already told them what to do.

#5 THE AUDIENCE HAS YOUR BACK

Once you are a service provider, you need to tell the world you are available for work. This is not a time to be shy.

#6 KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Determine where your high-end prospective customers are likely to spend most of their time. Then come up with marketing material that speaks to their needs, offering real solutions at an affordable price.

#7 DON'T APOLOGIZE

Word-of-mouth marketing is key to a successful business. Happy customers spreading the word about how reliable and professional you are can make all the difference between a full calendar of regular assignments, and you having to chase all over trying to get gigs.

#8 DUST YOURSELF OFF AND TRY AGAIN

If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again. Yes, I used to listen to these words in Aliyah's song when I was younger. :-). Isn't it funny (not) how songs play an integral part in how we govern our lives. All I can say is, "thank you Lord, God". Now, let tackle point #8. Once you have given your first speech or completed your first interview or talked in front of a camera, it is now time for you to take the NEXT STEP! Say what Denise? Yes, did you think you were just going to learn all these tips for you to get through one project or hurdle? Oh no my friend! Now it is time for you to seek out other opportunities to "EXPAND YOUR BRAND". The word of God states Iron Sharpeneth Iron and you MUST do the same by giving your next speech; conduct your next interview or moderate the next event. Prove to yourself that you have what it takes to BE successful because you already are. God said so, (drop the mic)

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Don't Sit On The Sidelines,

"Let's Take It Up A Notch"

Denise Sutton 

Video Presence Consultant 

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