Speaking on camera can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone, but you don’t need hours of expensive media training to make a strong impression when the director shouts ‘action!’
Below we look at some simple, practical steps you can take to ensure that when the cameras start rolling you can be confident of giving a good account of yourself and your organisation.
Keep it short. Keep it simple.
Event videos are short, as are people’s attention spans, so don’t try to cram too much in. Most video’s will only run to a couple of minutes in length and may contain several other interviews so you’ll need to deliver all you have to say in around thirty seconds. How many words is that you ask? Not many. Around seventy. The same number as are in this paragraph in fact!
Think about who you’re talking to and what’s in it for them.
If you were a delegate or exhibitor what would be the three things you’d want to know? These are the only things you need to mention. Nothing more. This isn’t a wedding, there’s no need for endless speeches and thank you’s!
Try and relax.
Easier said than done we know, but it is possible to manage those jitters. Ask the crew to stage your piece as an interview. Having someone else to respond to and focus on whilst talking should help make you feel less self-conscious and the conversational tone will also help to give you more authority on camera. Brief your interviewer beforehand on the key messages you want to convey so they can provide suitable prompts and keep you on track once the interview is underway.
It’s also good to remember that this isn’t going out live. You can do multiple takes if necessary so don’t worry about making mistakes!
Smile!
It may sound obvious but it’s an incredibly effective way of engaging an audience and will immediately make the viewer warm to you. It also sends out a message that you’re confident and in control, exactly the qualities your future attendees want to see. If you’re looking pensive or worried the viewer will start wondering why and very quickly disengage with what you’re saying no matter how fascinating it may be!
Stop slouching!
Open and inviting body language is another very simple way of creating a positive impression in the minds of the viewer, so take a deep breath, relax your shoulders and uncross those arms. Keeping your focus on the interviewer should help loosen you up and will also stop nervous fidgeting and other bad habits from creeping into your performance!
Show some enthusiasm!
There’s nothing wrong with conveying your excitement about the event so don’t worry if you find yourself gesticulating a little as you talk. After all, enthusiasm is contagious!
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