Key take-aways from a talk today by Stephanie Shaterian on at Women in Consulting event on “How To Look and Feel Authentic On Camera”
How To Look and Feel Authentic On Camera
The following is a guest post by Candis Lipe of Adminologist based on her key take-aways from a Mon-Sep-12 talk at WIC (South Bay) on “How To Look and Feel Authentic On Camera” by Stephanie Shaterian.
Video Preparation
- Create a script in outline form with enough content for a video of 1hour 30 minutes. (a 2-minute video is less desirable).
- Select 2 to 3 pieces of information, broken up by thoughts.
- Be happy, content and comfortable as you rehearse your script over and over again (saying it out loud is important when rehearsing).
- The video does not all have to be shot at the same time. Short video segments can be shot in small increments and then transitioned into one Video.
Appearance
- Good lighting is key. Depending upon the formality of the video you can consider a range of options including soft light boxes and green screen.
- Don’t wear Black or White, but instead wear neutral colors such as grey, tan, green, blue.
- Stay away from patterns and bright colors–unless bright colors are part of your personal branding.
- Wear something that you feel comfortable in.
- Bring a comb or brush for last minute adjustments to your hair.
- Sit or stand with a posture that communicates interest in the viewer, experiment with turning slightly for a side angle instead of head-on.
Performance Tips
- Do not read your script to the camera (or teleprompter).
- Make sure to smile as if you are greeting someone.
- Treat the camera as a real person.
- It’s OK to look away briefly from time to time as you would in a real conversation. Looking directly into the camera is good but not staring continuously.
- Consider what emotions you want a prospect viewing the video to feel.
One Final Tip: Look Through Camera Like a Tunnel or Telescope
Stephanie sent a follow up newsletter where she suggested that instead of just looking at the camera, look through it like a tunnel or a telescope. And review the take before doing the next one so that you can get immediate feedback on how you look to your audience.