Need some help speaking to clients

I'm not sure where to post this, one area that I have troubles with is speaking clearly to clients. I don't stutter or anything like that. I just have a tough time being socially connected to them. Which makes it very difficult for me to build relationships. Relationships is the cornerstone to repeat business. I enjoy the photography aspect, but fail at making connections, I just have to many awkward silent moments, then odd out of place comments will generally flow out to conclude what ever discussion is going on.

So, I'm taking the first step at identifying my weakness and looking for some help. I hope this makes sense and someone can point me in the right direction.

Thank you in advance.

-C

I remembered this.....
www.elizabethhalford.com/the-business-of...ess-built-on-people/

www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-practice...cess-tips-introverts

You could always take some Toast Master Classes

I have a friend who has been going to Toast Master meetup groups for nearly 2 years and it has made a big difference with her speaking

If you're, by nature, an introvert, then yes, you need to learn to converse with strangers, and do so comfortably. I also +1 the idea of Toastmasters (my daughter did this in high school) and it is very helpful. It allows you to practice public speaking in a safe and accepting environment.

Aside from therapy I suggest:

1) Have an agenda in your head. It's a customer; you should have several things you want to ask about. Which leads to...

2) Ask questions. People love to talk about themselves. Don't focus on work, necessarily, but ask about hobbies and interests, vacation plans, or recent trips, anything you'd discuss with your friends. Listen to their response, and use that as a clue as to where to take the conversation next. E.g. for an engagement shoot inquire about the wedding and honeymoon plans.

3) Less is more. Affirmations such as "that's really interesting" or "that sounds fun" are good. Also, "tell me more" or ask a direct question about the subject at hand. Yes, you may have to interrupt to get them to stop talking for a shot, but remember where you were and get them going again.

Earlier this year I borrowed one guy for some practice shots; didn't know him very well, but a good looking young man that seemed to be interesting. He appeared very quiet, kept to himself. We met at the selected location, and I asked about him to learn more; just being friendly. Could not shut him up after that. He had all kinds of interesting things to share (turns out he is extremely intelligent, has an MBA, very well read, etc.) Think of the goal as "keep the conversation going," not "fill up the empty space."

My $0.02

Maybe a local class on public speaking in adult continuing ed. thru a university or a community center.

I think it can help to have some things in mind ahead of time, and maybe jot down a couple of ideas or whatever you don't want to forget. I can often just write myself a note of a few words to trigger my memory about what to ask or say.

Honestly I think Gary has a great answer

Toastmasters is a great suggestion. I can also add that people like to talk about themselves most of all. So, if you come up with a few questions to open the conversation, you'll find that they will do most of the talking!

I used to be kinda introverted. Then I learnt through teaching English to ACT extroverted. Eventually I got good enough that I can be extroverted.

Just gotta get over that hump.

There are a number of self help DVD's for sale on Amazon

As mentioned there are a number of good resources out there. Prepare a presentation about you company, your mission statement, why your clients love your photography, the greater this is second nature to you, will allow you to speak in conversational tone with your clients and not come across as something that is getting read. If the client asks you a question, you'll be able to jump back on path with out skipping a beat.

There are tons of good books, DVD's, and like already mentioned, there are Toastmaster meetups all over the place that focus on exactly this. Good luck.

Thanks everyone, this has been a challenge of mine for some time. I'm going to look for some classes locally here. Hopefully I can find something that works for me.