Giving Scintillating Craft Talks

Making a living from doing what you love is the ultimate crafter’s dream. Whether you’re keen to learn demonstrating skills to join the presenting circuit, or want to stretch your knowledge of class delivery, learning more about teaching crafts makes economic sense.

Being good at your craft is only part of the story. You also need to have important presenting skills and to understand how we learn. Training in the craft of teaching helps you share the very best of what you love, as you plan your preparations and begin your creative performance. Along the way you’ll inspire others to be creative.

Crafts are big business and everyone wants an expert. There’s never been a better time to get in on the craft speaking circuit and if you’ve a talent for turning out great crafts, you’ll soon find an audience hungry to hear what you have to say.  Make that talk engaging, entertaining and informative and you’ll have them hanging on your every word.

It was over 15 years ago now that I gave my first craft talk.  I thought it went horribly wrong but somehow the audience loved it. Since then I’ve given hundreds of others and in that time I’ve learnt a few things to that ensure that  things go smoothly, every time.

If you’re starting out on the road to craft speaking, or demonstrating then there are some things that will help you.
When I started I couldn’t find any books to help me.  I began speaking at Womens’ Institute meetings, and it gave me a great grounding in public speaking.  As a professional group of women they wouldn’t let just anybody join their Speakers’ List.  I had to audition, and to know what they were looking for.

Just like any other group they wanted to be entertained,interested and educated. And as with any group of people they knew what they liked.  I soon learnt to give talks that hit the spot – and you can too.

Talking to groups needs some planning. I always say it’s not enough to know your subject, but you have to know how to share your knowledge, and enthusiasm with others. Though talking, demonstrating and presenting are all different aspects of a ‘performance’, it’s basically common sense to do some research and planning. The more you plan beforehand the better it will be on the day.

Giving Scintillating Craft Talks takes you through the basics, and the little extras of getting it right all the time.
This book will give you that information plus loads more. It’s choc-full of ideas on making the most of your presentation. From preparing your materials, researching the audience and your travel arrangements, introductions, the presentation layout/display and the talk itself. All the things you’d want to know when starting out. Take a look at the chapter headings to give you an idea of the contents:

• Considering the facts 
• Launching out
• I’ll tell you what they want
• Putting on a display
• Talking the talk
• How was it for you?

I remember when people began coming up to me and telling me how much they enjoyed my talks. Why was that?  The answer was simple: I loved what I did. I knew my stuff, I liked sharing my knowledge and I used humour and involvement to make the audience part of the process.

So it wasn’t me and them (or me versus them) anymore. It was us…

With this thinking you’ll make all the difference.  They’ll be asking you back – and recommending you.  It’s not difficult. You can make money sharing what you know, if you make it a fun learning experience.

So if you’re looking for tips and hints from someone who’s been there, this is the book for you.  A simple step-by-step ‘what to think about’ before launching yourself into the world of craft speaking. 

With Unravelling the Art of Craft Speaking you’ll soon be a confident speaker and demonstrator.  All it takes is a little preparation mixed with enthusiasm.

Decide now to learn what it takes to turn your specialism into a profitable speaking programme. I’ve been on craft speaking and engagements now for the past 15 years. If YOU want to make money from sharing YOUR craft then this is for you.

You’re one click away from getting essential information to kick-start a new sideline, or career in public speaking.  Talking about what you know! Many people put  public engagements at the top of their ‘worst things to do’ list. But it doesn’t have to be.  Not anymore.

It’s impossible to calculate how much income you may have missed out on from not sharing what you know and love. 

It’s my firm belief that anyone who has a gift, or some special knowledge is duty-bound to share it with others. Information is the way we all move forward.  Allow yourself to take that step to move yourself forward now. 

Go ahead and  start planning that talk. It’s your time to speak and share what you love with others.