May 15, 2004
THEME YOUR PRESENTATION!
In the previous issue, I identified potential outlets for storytelling performances. In order to obtain professional work at these locations, you will need a presentation that is relevant to their needs, so it is always a good idea to offer a themed programme.
In my experience, to merely offer 'storytelling' is not effective in getting work. The potential booker is unable to visualise how you will engage his/her customer's interest. The description, 'Storyteller' is too vague.
BE SPECIFIC
If however, you were to contact the organiser of a maritime festival for instance, and offer a forty-five minute presentation of 'Sea Stories' or 'Pirate Tales! he can immediately understand how that would fit into his event.
If your publicity further details specific stories (I highlight "The Legend of the Bell Rock" and "The Ship of Bones!") or identifies particular pirates ('Blackbeard', 'Bonney and Read' etc.), he will have a much stronger impression of what you have to offer. If in addition, a photograph of yourself in appropriate authentic period costume accompanies this information, he is even more likely to want to include YOUR presentation in his programme!
You should apply this promotional strategy to every subject theme. You may specialise in Bible Stories, Native American Culture, Greek or Inca Mythology, or any of a thousand or more other subject themes. Highlight your presentation with intriguing titles - "Lizzie Borden, Guilty or Innocent?" - and you may find yourself booked because the event organiser himself wants to hear your stories! I know this to be true because it has happened to me!
DON'T BE VAGUE! - DO BE SPECIFIC! - DO BE RELEVANT!
When offering your sevices, consider the person to whom you applying. Alway ask yourself, "What's in it for HIM/HER?"
LET THEM SEE EXACTLY HOW YOUR PRESENTATION IS GOING TO ENHANCE THEIR EVENT AND YOU WILL VASTLY INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING THE JOB!
Next time we shall consider publicity mail-shots. What to send, where to sent it and how frequently! - Stay tuned!
Thanks for taking the time to read this and for allowing me to visit your mailbox!
Until next time,
LESLIE
Stories......? ......That's telling!
N.B. We are still having computer problems - hence the delay in getting issue 002 out to you. Issue 003 will follow shortly. Thank you for your patience.
Your comments and observations are valued so please let me know of any areas that you would like me to discuss in future issues. Your response would be welcome!