Sunday, January 31, 2016
PRESENTING VIA CAMERA - Don't Be Camera Shy
Video is undoubtedly a powerful way to engage with your target audience, especially online!
It is also true that not everyone jumps out of bed eager to get in front of a camera. In fact some people are just plain scared witless about it. They’d rather play in traffic blindfolded.
In business during 2015 and beyond, you also need to be in the media creation business. It might be blogs, podcasts, videos and or, other types of visual media.
So what if you are determined that video is for you?
Here are 5 Tips:
1. Practice
Most things we are afraid of we haven’t done or have rarely done. We are not talking about jumping off a cliff while wearing a flying suit – that’s scary stuff. We are talking about fears that can be overcome simply by being exposed to them in gentle increments.
You could start by using your phone to film yourself privately. Record a sentence – delete it. Don’t even watch it. Do it a few times and then watch a few. Do it more often and maybe show someone who will always say the right thing.
Pretty soon, you’ll start getting better at it. And sooner than that you’ll become comfortable with it. And later you’ll actually start enjoying it.
2. Stilted delivery
It’s not always easy to deliver smooth lines in a confident compelling manner. Some people get halfway through a sentence and forget what they were talking about. If that’s you then don’t try to deliver a long detailed presentation in one go. Do it sentence by sentence.
If you do one recording of you with a wide shot and another close up, then you can edit between the two. You can also use graphics or visuals to hide your face altogether.
3. Need to be seen
What if you’re the CEO and need to represent the company but hate having to present to camera? In that case get someone to interview you. Practice Tip 1 above to get used to have a camera record you. Interviews allow you to have a conversation. For many people who suffer on camera, an interview is a more real experience.
Many times EC has advised clients to apply an interview style when it's obvious the presenter just isn’t convincing when talking straight to camera.
4. Use a tele-prompt
A tele-prompt allows you to read the script as it scrolls in front of the lens. You’ve probably seen them being used in TV newsroom style shows. They are easily accessible these days. They allow the presenter to focus on how they deliver their lines and less on what they need to say next.
Most people are able to master reading a tele-prompt after a couple of goes. It enables them to look and sound a lot more confident with their delivery.
5. Record a live presentation
If you are presenting on behalf of your industry or your business then have the event recorded. Chances are, you’ll be so focused on the audience you won’t have time to worry about the video camera. This can then be used to help promote your expertise and provide shareable content.
Don't be camera shy because your business promotion these days requires you master or at least improve this skill.
All the best with your future business communications!
Posted in
Business presentations Conference presentations Facilitating meetings Presentation skills training Public speaking Sales presentations
by effectivecommunication.com.au
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