Modelling: Public Speaking

Public speaking is something you will have to do from the start of your modelling career.

Although it may not be to hundreds of people, you will need to be able to sell yourself to the agencies and to clients and photographers at go-sees. You may also choose to supplement your modelling career by giving talks about your profession to schools or night classes. If you become very successful, you may be required to speak on behalf of a product or in conjunction with a designer or photographer. You will need to be comfortable giving interviews and talking at charity events.

Confidence

Whatever you are saying, you must say it with confidence and belief. Speak clearly and not too quickly, and don’t try to use ten words where two will do. The essence of good public speaking is to hold the audience’s attention and communicate your message as clearly as possible. If you are confident about what you are saying and why you are saying it, you will get a good reception.

Presentation and Preparation

It’s important that you show that you have prepared for the occasion. If it is an interview with an agency, dress appropriately, and make sure you have done some research on the agency and some of the models it represents.  Be prepared to answer questions concisely and know when to stop talking. For a job interview, be ready to ask questions of your own. If you are being interviewed by a journalist, make sure you’ve laid out ground rules so that you know what subjects are allowed and which to avoid.

Learn and practise relaxation techniques. Nervousness shows in the voice and in the hands, so it’s important that you can control your nerves whilst you are speaking. Drink plenty of water before your interview or before you speak, so that your voice doesn’t dry up.

Make Eye Contact

Whether you’re talking one-on-one or to a roomful of people, it’s important to establish eye contact. This engages your audience, shows that you are confident and allows you to relax and communicate more effectively.

Remember your Audience

The audience is there to listen to what you are saying. Think of yourself as a successful speaker, make yourself very familiar with the subject you’re speaking on, and remember that the audience doesn’t want you to make a mess of it. They want you to be confident and informative. If that’s the expectation you place upon yourself, you’re much more likely to succeed.

A modelling career involves a large amount of performance. If you have gained confidence in front of the camera, it shouldn’t take too much for you to turn into a confident public speaker. http://www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk/public_speaking/tips.html