If you resonate with this, I think these five tips will help you create better engagement with your audience for your next presenting to camera piece.
- You have been hesitating creating video content because it scares you more than anything, even though you know video content is going to drive the MOST engagement for your business if done well.
- Perhaps you have tried presenting to camera and it erks you?
This was me two years ago…
I was asked to film a script I wrote for a client. I filmed it with a colleague, but I hated the results and experience – I wriggled around too much so the microphone picked up some distracting noises from my jacket zipper, I was too nervous and forgot my lines, I did not smile and pulled some funny faces. You could see the discomfort written all over my face.
Much to my delight, the video was never published and we hired professionally trained talent.
Hiring talent is not always necessary. We can all learn the tools to get comfortable presenting to camera, to better engage with our audience and overcome the initial cringe
Thanks to these five tips I am much more comfortable presenting to camera now. I hope they help you too.
- When You Look Good You Feel Good
Dress the part (and have your make-up done by a professional) and bring a spare set of clothes (just in case you spill something on them, or you need to add some contrast). Solid colours are preferred, wear contacts over glasses to avoid reflection from lights on set, and avoid stripes or logos (unless they are your own brand and not too distracting).Know the set before you arrive. If you are shooting on a green screen then do not wear green unless you want to look like a mulligrub, and wear contrasting colours i.e. light colours on a dark background and vice versa. - Practice in Front of the Mirror
Unless you have media training or acting experience, talking to camera is not easy. Practicing in the mirror or in front of a trusted friend, partner or family member will help you prepare and get some live feedback so you can make adjustments. When you start you will might find you lose your train of thought, which is ok. Keep going and do not give up. Take regular breaks between practicing and I promise you will nail your confidence and the script on camera. - Film Your Piece and Watch it Back
Time in front of a camera will help you prepare – it will particularly help you pick up on body language you might like to correct, or areas where the script did not flow naturally.Unless you are a natural, hearing or seeing yourself on camera can be quite confronting. Remember not to judge yourself and remember the value you are giving your audience – when you keep your audience, customers and clients top of mind the content will flow much more naturally.The camera for content pieces is typically set to eye height, so ensure your camera or phone is set the same way so you can get used to the setup. You will know what I mean when you start practicing, because we are all so used to what our faces look like when we film from above with our smartphones. - Practice Smiling
Your facial expressions are going to be the focus of your video. If your facial expressions matches your content it will come across authentically to your audience. There is some science behind smiling too (besides making you feel good and relaxed, it makes others feel relaxed too), so before you start talking take a moment to pause, look straight at the camera, smile and then start talking. Try not to squish your face up at the end if you think you made a mistake and if you pause or lose your lines simply take a deep breath, smile and start again – usually you have presented to camera much better than you feel, so be kind to yourself. - Make Eye Contact with the Camera and Pretend The Lens is your Best Friend
This tip is one of my favourites. Imagine you are speaking to a friend on the topic you are passionate about in a way you would talk to them. It takes away the sometimes awkward feeling of talking to camera and helps you connect with your audience, not to mention you will relax a lot more.
I hope these tips help you prepare for your next presenting to camera piece.
If you ever need support or feedback on your talking to camera piece I would love to help. Please book a free 30 minute chat with me or email alicia@botanicalcontent.com.au.