Two Painters In A Pod . com

Can you learn about the mural business from a podcast? Would you be interested in listening to a podcast "speaking" about the mural and faux painting business on your iPod? Is it possible that a professional faux painter would spend time speaking to you about the struggles of business?  That is just what we are trying to create on this site.

Today, I had a public speaking engagement for the Historical Society. I recently authored a book about the Yuma Mesa Homesteaders in Arizona. I have been asked by local clubs and groups to give a short informative talk about this book and the Yuma Mesa Homesteaders. I do like to give public talks, but I don't have the best public speaking skills. I tend to slur some words and if I get nervous or cold, I talk much faster.

I am also working on starting a Faux Painting And Mural Business Podcast.  So along with all the technical things I must learn…I want to make sure that when I am speaking to the public, either in person or on a podcast, that I sound professional and easy to listen to.

So what about public speaking on a Podcast. How well do you speak? Do you hate the way your voice sounds when you hear the recording??? So what can you do to relax and sound great???

Recently, I listened to a short class about speaking into a microphone and speaking during a podcast.

Of course…the first message is to PLAN. Don't start talking without an outline. If you are going to be interviewing or sharing the microphone, then everyone needs a copy of the outline. It is best to have spoken about the subject with all involved…but don't rehearse.

Tip 1 - Sit up straight. Don't walk around as it will affect your voice but standing is okay. The key is to get the air into your body and not be short of air.

Tip 2 - Drink warm drinks.. Tea is good with honey and lemon. This will sooth the vocal cords.

Tip 3- If you find yourself getting nervous, stop the recording and take a few deep breaths. Concentrate on your breathing and relax anything that feels tense. You can edit this pause later.

Tip 4 - If you are doing an interview…don't use uh or uh-hu… Listen to yourself when you are on the phone. Don't you do lots of "yeps and uh-hus" to let the caller know you are listening. Before the recording let your caller know that you are listening to every word and will let their be a few seconds of dead air before responding to the caller. This dead air can be edited easily.

Tip 5 - If you have a sinus or nasal sound to your voice. Try not eating any sugar, white flour or milk based foods. This could be causing you to have that "plugged up sound". Try it and see if this doesn't help.

Hope these few tips will help you… I am still learning and working towards my goal of starting a  podcast. Speaking of a Faux Painting Podcast…hope to be live before the end of Jan.

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