Ready, Set, Action!

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With online education on the rise, livestreams are becoming more common—and even more important. Whether it’s teaching new techniques to fellow hairdressers or coaching clients through at-home maintenance, here are my top tips for livestream success.

[1Good Lighting Make sure you set up your stream with good lighting—I recommend recording near a window with indirect lighting, so the light isn’t shining directly on you.

[2Use a Tripod Get a tripod, preferably with a suction cup to place on your window to ensure a steady camera and a good angle.

[3Interaction is Key Get your audience engaged! Run a poll, write a post, ask a question: This allows you time to prepare common queries that may come up as well as spread awareness.

[4Do Your Homework If you have a specific topic you’re covering, spend time researching points that support your subject.

[5Practice Makes Permanent If you’re shy in front of the camera, practice recording yourself and watch the footage back. Side note: This is also a perfect way to gather content to edit later.

[6Speak to Your Audience Know who you’re helping. Often when I coach hairstylists, the most common topic is “getting out of your own way.” Our minds play crazy tricks and it’s easy to focus on things that aren’t relevant or good for us. Engage with those who are tuning in and make it about them.

[7Ready, Set, Prep Put your best face forward. Do your hair and makeup, wear something that makes you feel confident and give yourself plenty of time to set up so you feel prepared.

[8Spread the Word Before you stream, reach out to your network. Tell your friends and peers when you’re going on and ask them to tune in.

[9Speak Up Address your audience as though you’re on speaker phone. Slow down, speak up and pause to read what others are saying.

[10Be You I know this may seem obvious, but the more raw and real you allow yourself to be, the more engaging it feels for your audience. Laugh, talk candidly and know that it’s alright to make mistakes...it just makes you more relatable!

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