As of 2017, 93% of marketers are using video as part of their content strategy, so if you haven’t yet joined the bandwagon you might be missing out.
In this digital age where everyone seems to be hiding behind a screen, sharing videos is a great way for people to connect with their audiences and create deeper, more meaningful connections. However, too often we see videos with people in front of the camera that are stiff, wooden, and unengaging. So, if you’re looking to get your team looking great and camera-ready, here are some key tips that will make your videos more appealing and authentic.
1. Know What You’re Going to Talk About
It’s really easy to feel self-conscious and fluff up your words when you’re being filmed. To avoid any awkward mumbling or red faces, make sure you or your colleague knows exactly what they’re going to talk about.
Trends like Instagram Stories and Facebook Live means people are starting to film on the fly, but if you want your video to look polished and professional like it’s been made by a video production company, it’s best to have an idea of what you’re going to say before you dive in. You don’t necessarily need a script, but having a bulleted list of the key points you’re going to cover can help those in front of the camera stay on topic.
2. Know What You Want to Say to Your Audience
Like any content, in order to be engaged, viewers need to take something away from a video they watch. Every video marketing agency will tell you that this makes it more memorable and solidifies your brand as an expert on your chosen topic. When we talk about knowing what you want to say to your audience, we’re not talking about your lines. Instead, this refers to the message you want to send to your viewers and the takeaways you want them to get from watching.
3. Warm Up First
Diving straight into a take is never a good idea. Instead, you or your colleague should have a brief warm up session where you practice what you’re going to say, get used to talking and being natural in front of the camera, and figure out the structure of your video. Once you’ve warmed up, take some time to relax and breathe to calm down before it’s time for lights, camera, action!
4. Have Only the Necessary People on Set
Being filmed is already a daunting prospect, but if you add five more people into the equation it can suddenly feel like we’re under a microscope. To give yourself or your colleague the most relaxed atmosphere possible, have everyone who’s not required for the shoot leave the room.
5. Don’t Let Equipment Overwhelm You
Lighting, cameras, microphones – there seems to be a lot of equipment involved in making videos and it can get overwhelming at times. When you’re in front of the camera, try to zone in on one spot and filter out all the noise and extra equipment that’s around you.
6. Be Energetic
There’s nothing worse than watching a video with a monotonous person who looks like they’d rather be anywhere other than where they are. Keeping your videos upbeat and energetic means people will leave feeling positive about your message and brand.
7. Don’t Forget to Smile
Video is a great tool for connecting with viewers, but in order to make that connection you have to draw them in, and nothing does that quite like a winning smile. We’re automatically drawn to people who are happy and want to be a part of their “circle”.
With that in mind, try relaxing your face muscles before you start filming so you’re not frowning, and don’t be afraid to flash your pearly whites every now and again.
8. Captivate Viewers From the Beginning
The first few seconds of your video are absolutely vital for keeping people watching.
In fact, if you don’t manage to capture someone’s interest immediately, they’re likely to click away early on.
To keep viewers wanting more, tell them what they can expect from the video at the start and let them know what they’ll walk away having learned.
9. Imagine You’re Talking to Another Person
It can feel weird talking to an inanimate object. It can make whoever’s in front of the camera appear stiff and uncomfortable because it’s obvious they’re not having a legitimate dialogue.
To combat this, imagine you’re explaining your topic to a friend or colleague who’s standing just behind the camera. This will help you move your body like you’re having an actual conversation which will help viewers feel more connected.
10. Inject Your Own Humour
Boring videos rarely get watched until the end, and part of creating a human connection with someone is sharing jokes. Throughout the video, inject a little bit of your own humour to keep things light and friendly – don’t go overboard, though.
Present Yourself Well on Camera
Video content is huge at the moment and there are plenty of brands carrying out corporate video production to enhance their brands. To stand out, your video needs to be head and shoulders above others out there, and in order to make that happen, you have to engage viewers from the very start by being human, personable, and energetic.
A successful video with a comfortable host can make the world of difference for a brand, either by increasing leads and conversions, or by spreading your message far and wide.
To go from terrified to step in front of the camera to an engaging and personable host, it’s just a case of practising beforehand, not getting distracted by equipment and people in the same room, letting people know what they’ll get out of the video, and generally being human, whether that’s by smiling, sharing your sense of humour, or imagining you’re talking to a friend who’s off camera.
Good luck with your next video project and, if you need assistance, give TMC a shout.
