Some lessons just can’t be learned in the class room. You have to practice. Like riding a bike – not much point going to the “How To Ride A Bike” seminar, much better to just get on. (Though I admit a lecture on road safety might help). This article gives tips on how to present well on camera.
It’s the same with presenting to a video camera. Being told what to do will only take you so far. Much better to practice, get feedback and improve. Even if it’s just you in front of a mirror. Even if you’re using a teleprompter to read your script.
For me, I got the best presentation practice by being in Toastmasters. They have a very supportive and structured method for giving feedback on your presentation. Things like pace, tone, body language, plus the speech structure and words. There’s clubs all over Melbourne if you’re interested.
When you engage Clips That Sell to make a video with you presenting, we’ll provide advice on how to prepare, and of course give lots of coaching on the day. We allow time for re-takes.
Top Tip – practice beforehand
However to make the most of your investment, I suggest you get in front of the mirror or your own phone camera the day before, and practice until you’re happy. Expect to run through your script five to ten times. You’ll also probably revise the script along the way, to make it more conversational which will help.
Most of us need to be a bit more animated and expressive than you usually would be in conversation. It may be uncomfortable, but it will look better on camera. Use changes in voice pitch, volume, pace and pauses. Emphasize key words. Smile! Observe TV presenters on something like Gardening Australia.
Try different extremes when you’re practicing. Such as being over the top expressive through to really monotone and flat. Look back at the videos and pick the level that looks best.
If you ask nicely, we’ll usually let you have a practice run on green screen with the teleprompter a week before, at no extra cost. It will show you how much you need to practice, and save time on the day of filming.
Here’s one I made for a professional Speaker. Watch how Kerryn’s body language syncs with what she says
Importance of Video Production
With video becoming all the more ubiquitous and important in business, being comfortable in front of a camera is now an important career skill. There’s lots of coaches or short course on platforms like Skillshare to explore.
If I can help you with the skill of presenting to camera, or video production in general, please give me a call.
by Keith Rhodes, Clips That Sell
