Imagine this: You snag an invite to speak at a conference. The spotlight’s on you, center stage, ready to drop knowledge bombs. But before you get there, they want your headshot for marketing purposes. It’s going out to all the conference attendees, will be on the website, and even put on display at the conference.
Considering you’re trying to fill as many seats as possible is your current headshot up to the challenge? Does it scream, “I know my stuff”? Does it stack up against other seasoned speakers? If the answers are “no”, “no”, and “not really”, then I’ve got an example for you.
Juliana (real client but not real name) is in fact fantastic at what she does; a true expert. She has all the expertise and knowledge, but her old headshot does not at all give us the vibe that she is a leader in the field.
While the headshot looks like more of a thrown-together afterthought than an intentional headshot that’s not my biggest issue with it. The biggest issue is that it fails to capture Juliana’s credibility, competence, and expertise.
When stacked up against her conference partners it just doesn’t compete. She could have the best presentation but she wouldn’t be perceived as such.
However, after we worked on a proper intentional headshot with the right body language and aesthetics from clothes to makeup we can see just how much of a difference we can make. It is not about being formal or spending a lot of money on clothes and a headshot; it is about sending the signals that you are giving those coming to see you and work with you your very best.
And voila!!
The body language here is purposely designed to have direct credibility. A confidence that seems unshakeable but not off-putting or cold. In short, Juliana no longer looks like a random person pulled into the conference at the last minute with a headshot taken after a lunch break but rather a true seasoned expert who is more than ready to go.
Let’s take this a step further with another example.
Keynote speaker means “headliner” and that person is not just responsible for speaking but for setting the tone for the entire event. It’s not really worth debating whether or not Danielle’s former headshot (name changed again) is a good image. Many times clients come to me with images that are good images of them – but they just don’t fit the caliber or purpose of their end goals.
Again, an intentional headshot with the right aesthetics and body language really flips the script. This headshot says “main event” and has an understated star power that ends up looking completely appropriate for the purpose. It is absolutely up to snuff when it comes to helping to promote your keynote as well as the event as a whole.
Furthermore, having a clear recognizable headshot will help others remember you as a person as well as your expertise allowing more or potential doors to open on speaking opportunities going forward. Headshots are great for LinkedIn networking.
If you’re considering speaking engagements and putting yourself out there in any capacity where you will be more visible consider an intention headshot that says the right things about you. It is what will be seen long before you get behind the podium and will be a sort of visual marker to reconnect with others after the event and move forward.
