Presentation is everything. Some of the best gifts are
passed up for empty boxes with a more delightful bow. You do not want to do all
the work to get them to your video then lose them just as they start watching
it.
There isn’t one way to present on video, but some principles
apply in the majority of situations.
1. Match the mood you are trying to capture.
If you are talking about something exciting, make sure your body language, facial expression and tone of voice convey that excitement. Doing this makes your communication more effective as it goes beyond verbal communication. There is nothing worse than someone delivering a sad message with a massive grin on their face.
2. Speak at a pace that is comfortable for you.
The reason most people use speech fillers like “uh”, “like” and “er” is that they are speaking too fast. If you find yourself struggling to get to the next point, it is better to slow down or even pause than using unnecessary fillers and repeating yourself. Practise doing this in regular conversations.
3. Avoid unnecessary repetition.
Repetition can sometimes occur unintentionally and without realising it. It can also be planned to emphasise specific points, and that’s okay. When repetition is unintentional or improperly used, it can result in the viewer losing interest in your video. Repeating yourself can be caused by being nervous, talking too fast or sometimes a lack of adequate planning. Take time to plan your videos, understand the content and the audience you are speaking to. Again, speak at a pace that is comfortable for you.
4. Speak clearly and audibly.
A significant advantage of video over other mediums is that people can hear you. If you do not speak clearly and audibly, you lose that advantage and make it difficult for viewers to consume your content. Where possible, eliminate all unwanted background noise, always make sure your voice is louder than any sounds in the background. Speak at a steady pace and enunciate your words. An excellent way to speak with more clarity is to listen back to your recordings and make appropriate adjustments.
5. Position yourself appropriately.
The standard convention is that when you are speaking to someone, you look directly at them. Looking at them removes any confusion of whom you are talking to, and also allows you to engage more effectively and build trust. The same applies to the video. If you are directly addressing the audience that will watch the video look toward the lens of the camera, being as natural as possible. Interviews or speeches to a live audience are different; the viewer is watching your interaction with someone else. In this case, looking at the camera lens is not expected but paying full attention to the people you are speaking to at that moment is. Sit or stand up straight, avoid slouching.
6. Put that person
you are filming at ease.
The person you are filming may be nervous in front of the camera. You would be amazed at how many confident looking people fall apart in front of a camera. An excellent way to put people at ease is making them laugh. Talk to them about something positive that is unrelated or even give than a genuine compliment. Remind them that what there are talking about is of great value to the audience (if it is).
7. Always keep the
viewer in mind.
When you are creating video content of others, it’s about them, not you. We sometimes get nervous in front of the camera because we are worrying too much about ourselves. Your video aims to add value to someone else, not for you looking good. Take the pressure off yourself. Give yourself enough time to plan and prepare for the video to reduce the worries. Look your best and check in the mirror before going in front of the camera. Just remember that procrastination and indecision do not count as planning or preparation time.
Thank you for staying with this article to the end. We would love to see some of the videos you create after reading this article.
Check out our last article on publishing video content on
social media.