Video is the marketing medium for 2016. From recorded video updates on Facebook, live video on Periscope or Facebook Live, through to webinars there are a myriad of platforms that allow you to speak to your audience and influence them. You can create and stream your video from anywhere using your mobile phone or laptop.
The convenience is great. But there are some things you need to be aware of and consider when speaking on camera. The tips below will help you build a deeper connection and look more professional in the process.
Not making Eye Contact with the camera
An easy trap to fall into is to stop looking at the camera – particularly if you’re using your mobile phone. The temptation when recording or streaming live is to naturally look straight into the screen (which is showing you what is being recorded). However the camera is off to the side. The result, from an audience perspective is a video where your eye contact is not looking directly at them.
By not looking directly at the camera you cannot establish a connection between you and your viewer. Find the location of the camera and focus your eye contact at it.
Poor Camera Work and Audio
A short Facebook video doesn’t need to be produced to a Hollywood production standard. However there are some basics for you to consider. Keep yourself well lit (and have the light source coming from behind the camera if you can). Test the audio levels to ensure that your voice can be heard and that background noise is not excessive and distracting to your video. And, where you can ensure the camera is positioned slightly higher than your face. The reason… A video that is recorded with the phone or webcam at a lower level than you will result in a video looking up your nose.
This is why I recommend webinar presenters avoid using the inbuilt webcam on their laptop. There is no scope to reposition to avoid the “up the nose shot”.
No Clear Reason to Speak
Whether you are recording a status update for Facebook or you are presenting live on Periscope or a webinar; there needs to be a purpose or reason for your video. Take the time to determine what that reason is and focus your video on achieving that purpose. This will provide much better content for your audience and garner you significantly better results from your video.
Selfie videos will increase in popularity and prevalence in 2016. Your ability to quickly shoot a video that positions you as the expert will enable you to increase your reach if you prepare and record a video that has a purpose, is thoughtfully shot, and makes a connection with its audience.
Why not connect with me on Twitter and join me for my next Periscope or check out my latest videos on the Public Speaking Skills Academy Facebook page.
