Hints and Tips for Shy Demonstrators
Before the day
- Get to know the lathe.
- Know in advance what you are going to demonstrate.
- Choose something to make with which you are familiar.
- Know how to make it.
- Work within the limits of the lathe.
- Work within your capabilities and to your strengths.
- Rehearse a few lines of patter relating to the item you will
be making.
- Prepare plenty of timber and have it ready to be mounted on
the lathe.
- Make a checklist of tools, clothing, timber and equipment that
you will need for the day. (Don't forget lunch and plenty to drink.).
On the day
- Be on time for your session for the day.
- Be on time for your demo.
- Look the part, i.e. club smock, stout shoes, eye protection,
name badge.
- Be attired correctly before approaching the lathe to prevent
being flustered before you begin turning.
The Demonstration
- Deep Breathing and Relax!
- Extinguish cigarettes before approaching lathe! (Preferably
before approaching tent!)
- Where possible, use your own tools. Have them sharp and ready
for use.
- Have all that you need set out neatly and within easy reach.
- Explain in simple terms what you are going to make, how and
in what timber.
- Aim for a simplistic approach, no matter how complicated the
turning.
- Make as few changes on the lathe as possible. Remember the public
want to see you turning not changing chucks, fiddling with tail
stock, re-aligning timber and constantly sharpening tools. Nor
do they want to hear excuses for you having to do any of the above.
- Do talk to the public, be positive, don't mumble and don't put
your hand in front of your mouth (unless you have been eating
garlic!).
- Don't avoid their gaze by looking down all the time.
- Don't be over-confident and don't attempt anything dangerous.
It is the mistakes that are remembered long after the wonderful
turning has been forgotten.
- Don't make the demo too long.
- Avoid turning your back on the audience too many times.
- Remember that you are not a monkey, the public have not come
to see you eat at the lathe!
- However, do have a drink to hand (obviously not alcohol) should
you need it.
- Avoid covering your admirers in dust.
In addition
- Be prepared to answer questions.
- Avoid embarrassing a member of the public should they make a
mistake. e.g. incorrectly identifying a piece of timber etc.
- Ask questions and use dialogue, it will help to calm your nerves.
Do they turn wood? What lathe do they have? Are they woodworkers?
What are their hobbies etc.?
- Tell jokes and anecdotes, talk about the item you are making,
talk timber.
- Finished items may be given to the public; or better still,
charge £1.00 for them! However before giving an item to a child
do first ask permission from the adult in charge of them.
- Have paper and pencil handy for notes, telephone numbers etc
either for the club use or for the public.
- Be prepared for requests. You might be asked to perform a particular
operation or skill. However, should you not wish to do this, don't
be bullied into doing something you have no wish to do. Find a
man who will!
- Have finished items on display close by to you, similar to that
which you are demonstrating.This will add to the picture you are
trying to create. You never know; you might pick-up a sale or
two or even a commission!
- When you have finished your stint at the lathe, remember to
relax have something to eat and drink to replace all that nervous
energy you have expended!
And finally Cyril
You are not alone when you man the lathe; you will have friends
around you (watching and laughing if I know you lot!). Feel free
to use them for technical back up or perhaps for answering some
of the questions from the public. It is a team venture and as such
we all share the responsibility for making sure that our team mates
are happy and enjoy what they are doing (when the nerves have flown!)
and have some fun into the bargain.
The above article is from the club newsletter, Turnings, many
thanks to Julie Heryet and Simon Keen.
 
UPDATED FRIDAY 20th JUNE 2008
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