We have filmed a lot of business owners in the past twelve years, and the one thing that everyone has in common is nerves. Whether it’s someone who’s used to only working behind the scenes or a public speaking veteran, no one is immune once the red recording light is on.
This can result in many confidence killers- stuttering, speaking at a weird pace, ums, and a flat personality. These are rough enough when you’re trying to film a great video for your business, but with the rise of video calls and live streams, all eyes are on you. Don’t worry; all is not lost. Here are some excellent tips to help you radiate confidence the next time the cameras start rolling.
Rewind and Recenter
I know when I start feeling anxious, my strategy is to barrel through whatever situation I’m in like an express train. As a result, I speak way too fast and sometimes skip over things I mean to say altogether. So, before you start (or if you find yourself flustered in the middle of filming), take a breather. Try taking a deep breath and exhaling for twice the time that you inhale (for example, breathing in for 5 seconds and out for 10).
Let your heart rate slow down, so you aren’t so tightly wound. Reflect on why you’re filming in the first place- maybe you don’t know the first thing about being on camera, but you’re probably an expert when it comes to your business. Focus on what you know, and that expertise will shine right through.
Chat with someone about interesting work stories or industry facts that spark your passion in conversational tones. That will translate well when you transition into filming. Also, watch how much caffeine you drink beforehand!
Limber Up
Video may be a digital platform, but it’s a great idea to get physical when you film. Standing or sitting ramrod straight with no expressions or gesturing will send your audience to sleep.
Pay attention to speakers that keep you engaged or even with how you and your friends and family move as you talk to each other. It’s only natural to use hand gestures and other movements when you speak, so don’t let yourself get locked up when you film. As long as you stay within frame, feel free to move and get active with your content. It may even help to stretch a little before you start, and throughout filming breaks if you are filming for an extended time.
Forget About Perfection
First of all, it’s not real. Secondly, no one will care if you stumble over a word or take a quick second to breathe. But if you spend all day doing retakes because of little mistakes, they will be able to pick up on your frustration.
Once you focus on perfection, you stop focusing on the actual content of what you’re saying. Your end goal is not the perfect video. It’s to inform, sell, or entertain. When we focus on perfection and can’t get it, what ends up happening is that we quit or we settle for “good enough .” You can have an excellent, engaging video, don’t keep that from happening. Besides, your audience will know you’re just as human as they are.
Make Those Mistakes- Then Learn from Them
I have a personal trainer that I send videos to in order to get feedback on my form. One of his biggest recommendations is that I also watch those videos so I can see the errors he points out and watch my progress. Do I? Absolutely…not. Watching myself lift is the absolute last thing I want to do right after getting a root canal without anesthesia. But he’s right, I should. Which means you should do as he says and not as I do.
Reviewing even your practice runs with a gentle, critical eye can help you understand how you come across on camera in ways that third-party feedback can’t. Be sure to focus on things you’re doing well, too. Maybe you had difficulty making eye contact with the camera but never forgot what you were saying. Maybe you realize your posture or positioning just doesn’t work well with a particular shot. Perfection is not the goal, but improvement should be.
Once More with Feeling
Practice. Then practice again. Then do it some more. Practice what you’re going to say, write a script or bullet points. Practice just standing in front of a camera. Practice charismatic, well-timed hand gestures to drive your point home. Practice eye contact. Again, not for perfection’s sake. You’re practicing for comfort and confidence. Like most things, it will get easier. Be gentle with yourself and committed to knocking it out of the park.
Ready for the spotlight, but wondering what your next steps are? We do both video production and video marketing. So, schedule a free strategy call with us today!
