In this video, we're going to talk about on camera skills, you've got skills to be on camera, there's a lot of things that I recommend that I've done personally, that I work through and coach clients to do to get comfortable being on camera, because seriously, like with the hundreds of people I've filmed over the years, I can't guarantee that every single person is super comfortable on camera, but they should be on camera because they have a message to share. And so what I'm getting to is the fact that there are skills that we can develop and hone, will that help us with our on camera, or on video delivery. And so what some of those skills are, is first off happens before you even hit record on the camera. And that is to be prepared, have a script or have an outline to the video message that you want to share. So that way, when you hit record, you're not at a loss to what to say what story to share. Because if you don't know what you're going to talk about, then you're going to ramble and you're going to feel a little lost and then kind of start to feel uncomfortable as well. And so have that structure in place. And that's why you should download videos by scripts, that will give you the structure the strategy to help you approach your video creation, and give you the confidence by the time you actually do show up to film your videos. And, and you'll no longer feel awkward or uncomfortable. Another key detail, as far as your on camera skills is to consider two different things. One is, you should either have someone behind the camera to help you along the way, or if you end up filming yourself is to consider a few other skills and tactics. So first off, I highly recommend you actually
get that cat out there. You want to push him like no, it's fine. He just came in, I was like, good,
good demo, I think we'll just keep rolling. Like let's just keep that in. So what I was talking about was, first off, you want to have someone behind the camera to help you along the way. Maybe it's one person, maybe it's a whole crew people. Because when you have that, that means that person is focusing on the technical side of video creation. So that way you as the on screen talent, don't have to worry a thing about any of the technical stuff. So the lighting, the camera, the audio, which is plugged in the audio, and then you can focus on the message you have to share. So if that's not an option, if you can't hire a crew, like content supply, to do all of this content creation for you to be the crew behind the camera, and to help you with the messaging strategy, then you're going to be filming yourself, which works well as long as you have that confidence, like I said in the scripting and then messaging. So when you film yourself, oftentimes that's going to look like a webcam or solo video first. And a lot of people do that through Facebook Lives or Instagram lives. But if you have your own camera like a DSLR, or like a nice Cinema Camera, then you can end up setting up and doing all the technical stuff yourself and then go sitting in front of a camera and delivering the message that you prepared. So when we literally talked about on camera skills now that you have the cameras set up and you're ready to go, you hit record, you see that blinking red dot, then it's time to talk about some key little tips you can do to help with your on camera delivery. One that I love is I kind of started the video with it is warm up your mouth a little bit. You may feel or sound ridiculous. Sometimes they do in the car on the way out of the chute. I've often done it in the past before job interviews to kind of get my my energy levels up is I start yelling it sounds crazy. It sounds it does sound crazy. But I'm like, Ah, like I get my my throat cleared out. I don't know if it's a scene exercise. I'm a terrible singer. But I get my my throat cleared, I get my lips loose, I make sure like even now I'm a little thirsty and cottonmouth but I mixture drink lots of water to be hydrated. And there's probably other like singing type strategies that people would use to clear out their voice and get their energy to get their energy levels up. See sometimes you're even going to stumble and stutter on your words like that. And you have to do retakes. You feel like but we're gonna keep this rolling. And so you can do a different voice exercises like that get your energy up. And there's always two choices as far as how you are we'll actually be on camera. So right now I'm obviously sitting down. Other times you'll see me or you'll be standing up. And if you are doing that, either one. It's to keep you off so your body energy up as well. And so if I have clients or if I'm standing up and delivering a message, then usually I tell them to rock on their back and forth on their heels a little It gives them a little bit of like motion going. Because a lot of times when people see all the lights, and all the equipment, they're surrounded by people. And that attention, you kind of feel closed in and insecure a little bit, because then you're putting yourself out there. As far as like not only your appearance is also making sure that your mind is clear to deliver the message you need to share. And so give yourself a little bit of motion, a little bit of energy, maybe do some push ups beforehand. And maybe jump up and down, have conversations, get that energy up both in your voice and your delivery, but also in your body energy. And so I wouldn't recommend filming all your videos just sitting down. But you may see a lot of these videos in the course of me just sitting down because, you know, chairs can be comfortable. And so if you're sitting down, then definitely have a good posture. Don't just chill and like lay down on the couch and deliver it unless it's relevant to the message you got to share in your videos, but, but definitely be aware of your body energy, and then your voice energy as well. And then another very helpful thing is appearance. Yes, you don't have to have tons of makeup on and have everything so perfect. But it definitely helps like think of the difference between you waking up and getting ready for the day. And you know if makeup and hair or just being showered and clean shaven or teeth brushed versus not, we're sustaining your pajamas all day, not being clean. So kind of like the confidence you have when you look good, going nine out of town, or maybe you're going to a show musical, you know, whatever it
may be, you're looking good. The same thing applies with when you create videos, when you can feel confident how you look. And you have that time and attention dedicated to that. When you go show up to film and record stuff, then you have that confidence in your message as well. That how you look represents your brand, both personally but also the business you represent. So definitely put a focus on your appearance because that will add to your confidence level. And then another important piece with your camera skills is to have the support behind the camera. I mentioned that earlier around hiring a crew. But what one thing I've found often is, as I've helped directed clients from behind the camera is the night and day difference between having someone there to support them, or having a lack of support. I remember filming a C level executive at this large company. And she was as soon as she stepped in the room. I've never met her before. And she walked in the room and immediately said like, I hate video shoots, I'm so not ready for this. Like I don't like how I look, she listed off all these problems, all these beliefs she had in herself that we're going to keep her from being calm, like comfortable and confident front of the camera. And so immediately, like my mind comes up into like fix it mode because I'm a guy and I like to fix things, but fix them up. But but it's just a natural part of how I approach and coach clients is I immediately start connecting with them first and building rapport and a relationship and helping them feel comfortable. Regardless of all the gear that may be set up. They come in and I'm there to help tell stories or help build up honestly, their ego and their confidence in themselves in their appearance. So that way, that's not a detour that doesn't stop them from delivering in accomplishing what they need. Because you can have someone come in if if the director or cinematographer behind the camera isn't there to help them feel comfortable and confident, then that mindset that they walk in with will be the mindset they leave with, and deliver the video with. And so the more you can ease that in, the better it is. So this this one client, she comes in with her team of people. And immediately you know, I'm talking to her, I'm learning about her, I'm helping for comfortable, easy and her her pains around being on camera. And so when she did show up on camera, even if she made mistakes, which she did, and we all do that rapport built with her that relationship where I can be quirky and weird, but also just help her feel comfortable on camera, kind of stroke her ego a little bit provide a little bit of flattery as well, genuine flattery that is then it gives them that confidence that hey, like that wasn't as painless as I thought. And after the fact after going through some of these steps with her, not only then she told me right after we stopped filming, and throughout filming, but I got a note from the team member who helped organize the shoot that she you know, with all the videos I filmed with her over the years, she has never been that comfortable and delivered such a clear message like she did with that time. We shot together this last week. And so that was a testimonial in and of itself but also with the response that I got throughout the shoot was an incredible experience. And so I pride myself in my ability to help build rapport and help people feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera as well. The same behind and in front of the camera as well. So definitely having that competence there is is key, both in your appearance and in the message you're sharing. So make sure that's planned out in advance and that you have that clarity. You know who you're speaking to, you know, the message you need to share and the purpose of the video that you're going to be created. Another key piece is your delivery and your energy level. So it's funny like I've met, you know, I met people, some friends of mine who have seen videos I've done for other people, and they're like, That person doesn't really act like that fully in real life, they don't have that same kind of energy level, it's important to add a little bit more energy into your videos beyond say what your conversational tone may be, because I can guarantee whether it's just my wife or a good friend, my conversational tone can often turn monotone or lack energy and more of just like, you know, just talking just general ways. But if we were to do that in video, the attention or the interest can wane and people will think it's less exciting. So you definitely got to keep the energy level up. But don't go above and beyond and be someone that's not you. So definitely be genuine, but also have the energy. And as you have that energy level up, make sure to actually Smile, smile through your teeth,
wait a minute, talk through a smile, so you understand what I'm saying. Smile, though, in your videos. And make sure to end with a smile to a lot of people. And with like, finally done with this video, I'm not going to smile. And with a smile, smile throughout, people really connect with smiling faces. And so put that best smile out, put your best self out, don't be intimidated by the camera. And still one of the best ways like with anything else to become better at something, you got to practice at it. Do more videos, be in front of the camera more. And in doing so you will perfect your ability to be comfortable and confident in front of the camera as you are hiding behind it sometimes. So those are some of my key tips and strategies as far as being confident and comfortable in front of the camera. Those on camera skills. Let me know if you have any questions or any other concerns because oftentimes the things that hold us back most from being in front of the camera and being that confident person that we know we can or should be. It comes down to the fear of judgment. We fear the judgment of others we fear the judgment of ourselves. It's so it keeps us from creating more content and getting our message out there. So let's talk more about that. And let me know if other questions concerns you have around being that person you need to be in front of the camera to get your message out there. Thanks for watching, and we'll see on the next video.
