Public speaking frightens some of us–especially us introverted crafters–but it shouldn’t. Television segments and DIYs are among one of the best publicity opportunities for someone with a crafty business or local shop. For one thing it offers you exposure to a wider audience locally. It can also create traffic for your website, Etsy shop, store location, or blog.

Besides the obvious benefit–selling more of your awesome handmade product–it can strengthen your brand recognition in your area. Here are a few helpful tips if you find yourself shooting a TV segment or DIY.

Familiarize yourself with the tv show. Watch a couple of previous DIY segments on the station that you’re appearing on in order to get a feeling for the following:

• The anchors’ personalities (and the correct pronunciation of their names)
• The camera angles typically used during their DIY segments (do they shoot straight on–indicating that they shoot using one camera–or do they cut to other angles–indicating that they shoot with 2-3 cameras?). This is important in understanding how to stage your DIY
• The timing (how long are their DIY segments? Is there one similar to yours and if so, how long was it?)
• The Season (Is it Christmas time? Spring? Mother’s Day?) DIYs are most successful when they are tied in to the time of year & with that station’s story trends

Plan. Here are some things to consider before planning & practicing your DIY:

• Time. How much time are you allotted for your segment/DIY. If you are limited on time, create your craft in stages to save valuable time. For instance, Heather from Audrey Eclectic demonstrated how to make painted silhouette ornaments. In her DIY she already had painted a background on a wooden plaque so that she could skip a simple step in order to explain how to paint a silhouette.
• Space. What do you need in order to successfully demonstrate your DIY? A table? Do you need protective covering or gear (in case of painting, gluing, or drilling)? Do you need electricity? Perhaps you’re using a glue gun or a sewing machine. Do you need to be sitting or standing? Express these needs beforehand so that the news station can be ready for you.

To use Heather as an example again, you’ll notice that everything is staged well and clearly. Off to the right is an     artfully set up suitcase of her paintings as well as several examples of the finished craft project. The vision of sight is clear for the camera in front of her and the anchor and there is nothing to obstruct the camera from zooming in for close ups.

Click on the photo for a link to Heather from Audrey Eclectic’s video DIY

• Audience. The audience for news stations is general. The viewers are most likely new to crafting or not as well seasoned or versed as you so make sure you explain any “lingo” or terminology to them as well as offer tricks to your craft. Keep that in mind when you are creating the steps to your DIY.

Heather demonstrates an awareness of a general audience well–in explaining what kind of photograph you can use to trace your silhouette she says that your picture “doesn’t have to be professional” and that you can use one on your phone if you wanted. Also in this instance, Heather does something else that is important–she shows a little of herself to the viewer. The photo she chose for her DIY was of her daughter Audrey. This small detail personalizes not only the project but Audrey Eclectic Folk Art. Suddenly this random crafty person is more likeable & personable–she’s a mom with a kid going off to school for the first time! When viewers establish a personal connection to you they are more likely to check out your Etsy shop or website or maybe even stop by a show to see you.

Practice. The most important piece of advice  is to practice–both your DIY and what you’re going to say. When you are making the project explain it out loud (or demonstrate it for your spouse, partner, or friends). Oftentimes you will remember steps you had forgotten to include in the written instructions or a tool or supply that you forgot you used.

• Once you have finished practicing, pack up everything so that you do not forget to bring any tools or supplies.
• News Stations have requirements and suggestions for going on air, make sure to adhere to these requirements and read through any instructions/literature they provide before going on their show. For example, some news stations have “guest sheets” for you to fill out prior to shooting your segment. Guest sheets will ask for 1. your name (and it’s a good idea to provide a phonetic breakdown of your name if it’s difficult to pronounce), 2. business name, 3. website address, and 4. the title of the DIY you’re demonstrating with a supply & tool list included along with your DIY’s instructions.

News Stations use this information to provide their viewers with links to your business as well as posting your DIY online in a print friendly format to accompany video. Make sure that the information that you provide is accurate (proofread it very carefully) and that the DIY instructions are easy for a general audience to understand.

• Have a Finished Project to show (when you are practicing your DIY, make your example or examples)
  

  Like for instance, this craft made by Holly, Hollyrocks

• Anticipate questions you’ll likely be asked and think of good & meaningful answers.

For example, in my last DIY (making Steampunk Home Decor–Candlesticks & Candle holders out of recycled materials) I was asked to explain what steampunk was and “where can people find these supplies?” I could anticipate these questions because I get asked what steampunk is all the time. As for the other question, my DIY involved odd supplies like automotive light bulbs and clock gears which are not easy to find for a general audience so I was prepared to answer that.

Here are some questions you should be prepared to answer (but may or may not be asked)

• Where can viewers find/purchase your work locally?
• Where can viewers find these supplies & tools?
• How much does your craft cost to make?
• Is your craft kid-friendly?
• How long does your craft take to make? (or how long do individual steps take–for example, how long should you let glue dry or patina to set?)
  

  Click on the photo of Sam, Bohemian Romance to watch her DIY video

Primp. Personally, I use TV segments as an excuse to pamper my body a little bit. (Which I highly recommend if you are anxious about public speaking at all). Here are a couple of tips to help you look your best on the day:

• Pick out your outfit and accessories the day before. Try to choose colorful clothing–those show up best on camera. Also, know how you’re going to style your hair. Try to avoid styles where your hair is in your face so you don’t spend most of your time sweeping your hair out of your eyes during your segment.
• Go a little heavier on your make up. Camera lights wash out your skin so use a heavier hand when applying foundation and blush. You want to be in between everyday makeup (too little) and theater makeup (too far).
• Your Appearance should be coherent with your brand. You yourself are an extension of your brand. For instance, if like me you make jewelry–deck yourself out in it! Or if you don’t have a wearable art or product, maybe wear colors that are recognizable with your brand. For example, when I think of weather&noise, I picture mustard yellow, linen, and slate blue.
• Don’t neglect those hands! During DIY segments the camera will zoom in on what you’re doing–and thereby include close ups of your hands–so make sure your nails are neat, filed, and clean. (I’d recommend nude nails–no hideous chipping to worry about). 
• Get a good night’s sleep. Above all, it’s important to be well rested.

Perform. On the day of your DIY TV segement here are a couple of steps that will enhance all of your careful preparations:

• Avoid foods & beverages that cause gas. The last thing that you want to worry about is holding in a belch or fart when you’re on television. Also use the restroom before your segment.
• Be Early, or at least On Time. Get directions to the station beforehand and calculate how long it will take you to get  there. You don’t want to get lost and run late. For one thing–you don’t want to get all sweaty running into the building trying to make it for your segment or worry/anger the anchors or station manager (the whole point of this is to get asked back). By running late or missing your call time, you risk  missing out on shooting “teasers” of your DIY as well as the opportunity to set up your DIY early, meet the anchors/cameramen beforehand, and do a walk through of your segment with the station manager. You rob yourself of valuable time if you’re late.
• Be aware of the cameras. When you are demonstrating your DIY don’t just explain it, remember to show steps/techniques to the camera. Be aware of any obstructions the camera might have.
• Speak Clearly & Smile. Have fun and be yourself. Unless you are someone who swears like a sailor–keep it clean!
• Keep it Simple. Don’t ramble, babble, or go off topic.
• Be Thankful. (Both on and off camera) Thank everyone–from the cameramen, station manager, to the anchors for giving you this opportunity. Gratitude will get you everywhere and it will more than likely get you asked back.

Here are a few Make Tulsa Members who are great on camera:

Holly, of Hollyrocks

Click on the photo of Holly, Hollyrocks to watch her DIY video

Renee, of GreenerMe, Busted Trumpet, & MarryMeIndie

Click on the photo of Renee, Busted Trumpet & GreenerMe to watch her DIY video

Ultimately your preparation will pay off. You will be calmer and more composed if you’ve practiced. Remember that the anchor is really good at filling in dead-air and prompting you if you are suddenly seized with stage fright or stumble over your words. Above all, have fun and be your wonderful, crafty self!

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